Mind the Gap: The Future of Equitable AI in UK Tech
After the resounding success of TFN’s Pitch Perfect and TechTalks with TFN events, we are back this October with a bold and timely discussion on one of the most pivotal issues facing the tech ecosystem today: How can the UK lead in AI innovation while ensuring it is equitable for all?
On October 9th, 2025, Tech Funding News, in partnership with Vanson Bourne and Liberty Comms will host an exclusive networking evening at Rathbones’ London HQ. This insight-driven event will convene the brightest minds from startups, venture capital, investment firms, and policy-making bodies to shine a spotlight on representation, funding, and responsibility in the UK’s rapidly evolving AI landscape.
As the official media partner, TFN will reveal groundbreaking insights from a dedicated research project commissioned by Liberty Communications and Vanson Bourne, which maps diversity, funding flows, and opportunities within the UK AI sector.
The event is powered by Novabook and Trustap.
Event Highlights
Who is getting funded in UK AI — and what are the gender, ethnicity, and regional dynamics?
How are VCs responding to the post-2023 AI boom?
Where are the ecosystem and policy gaps that must be addressed for equitable growth?
How can founders, investors, and regulators collectively build a thriving AI future?
Panel Discussion
Akansha Dimri, Founder & Editor-in-Chief, TFN
Kenneth Kashif Thomas, Partner, BackFuture Ventures
Luca Cartechini, founder, Shop Circle
Danielle Le Toullec, Chief Marketing Officer, VC & PE Ecosystem, Advisor @ unlock VC
Ted Chalouhi, Founder and CEO, Duku AI
Agenda
18:00 – 18:30 | Arrival, Registration & Networking
18:30 – 18:45 | Welcome & Exclusive Research Launch (Vanson Bourne & Liberty Comms)
18:45 – 19:15 | Panel Discussion: Mind the Gap
19:15 – 21:00 | Audience Q&A, Followed by Drinks, Canapés & Curated Networking
Join us for an insight-packed session, expand your network, and gain practical takeaways.
Limited spots available! 🎟️ Total spots - 50
This event is for tech startup founders, VCs, LPs, diverse founders seeking investment, entrepreneurs, and tech professionals.
The panel discussion will be followed by drinks, food and insightful networking among a guest list of 50 people, including VCs, angel investors, founders, entrepreneurs in tech and more.
About our sponsors:
Novabook is the accountant for startups. Their mission is to help founders focus on building incredible things by saving them time, money and admin headaches. They combine great software and a team of experienced chartered accountants to automate founders’ work and take admin off their plates. They work with some of the best founders in the UK, ensuring their bookkeeping, payroll, taxes, VAT, and more are done right.
Trustap is the safety net for online transactions. Their mission is to make buying and selling with strangers simple, safe, and stress-free. By combining secure escrow-style payments with fulfilment tracking and dispute management, they protect both buyers and sellers every step of the way.