Ben Brabyn, former COO of UKTI Innovation Gateway, has been named as the new head of Europe's largest tech accelerater, Level39.
Brabyn takes over from former leader Eric Van der Kleij, who stepped down in October after three years in the role.
Based in fintech hotspot Canary Wharf, Level39 has grown to house nearly 200 companies and hosted over 1000 events. Initially conceived as a growth space for small startups, the initiative has since taken over extra floors at the One Canada Square high rise to house larger firms as they graduate from the Level39 accelerator.
At UKTI, Brabyn led the government team connecting UK startups with global investment, working with venture capital, corporate venture and institutional investors to drive funding for 130 of the UK’s brightest startups.
Says Brabyn: “I look forward to drawing on my international expertise to lead Level39 in this exciting new chapter, by growing existing members, welcoming new ones and broadening the ecosystem in the smart cities space.”