Eric van der Kleij, a leading figure in the UK’s tech evolution, transitions to co-found EdenBase, a venture capital fund situated at Northeastern University’s London startup hub. The fund focuses on investing in early-stage technology companies, leveraging connections with talent sources to address the skills gap and drive innovation in fields like AI and quantum computing. Van der Kleij believes that successful technology investments must prioritize collaboration with academic institutions to nurture future innovators.
Eric van der Kleij has played a significant role in facilitating the expansion of the United Kingdom’s technology landscape, earning recognition for his contributions while serving as tech advisor for Prime Minister David Cameron. In 2010, Cameron articulated a vision for London to become a globally competitive technology hub, inciting enthusiasm among entrepreneurs like van der Kleij. A year later, he was appointed to lead efforts to realize this ambition, ultimately contributing to the growth of a vibrant tech community known as Tech City, which saw an exponential increase in digital startups. In 2024, van der Kleij has transitioned to his new role as co-founder and partner at EdenBase, an innovative venture capital fund based within the startup hub at Northeastern University in London. Alongside partners Arian Alikhani and Daniel Doll-Steinberg, he is currently focused on aligning closely with emerging talent, recognizing that the success of technology enterprises hinges on access to skilled professionals. EdenBase, which specifically targets early-stage companies in fields such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing, emphasizes the importance of establishing connections with academic institutions like Northeastern to nurture the next generation of tech innovators. The hub, opened recently, accommodates thirteen startups and promotes collaboration between students and entrepreneurs through mentorship programs highlighting the demand for talent in the sector. As van der Kleij notes, “One of the reasons we are here at Northeastern is because there is going to be a massive talent war for the biggest, most important and most relevant skills in fueling the next decade of growth.” With plans to host TransformBase, a flagship event aimed at enhancing industry-academic interaction, at the Northeastern campus, van der Kleij envisions a future where successful investment focuses on responsibly harnessing advanced technologies to address global challenges. Reflecting on his earlier endeavors in nurturing the UK’s tech scene, van der Kleij recalls his instrumental role in the proliferation of its digital industry, helping to attract major corporations like Google and Facebook to establish a presence in East London. He attributes the UK’s success to its rich resources, including esteemed universities and a supportive culture that collaborates with government initiatives to foster technological advancement. With a strong belief in the potential of emerging technologies, van der Kleij and his team at EdenBase aspire to invest in revolutionary startups that address significant global issues, remaining committed to the continued growth and evolution of the UK’s technology landscape.
The article explores the career trajectory of Eric van der Kleij, a prominent figure in the UK’s technology sector, who has contributed substantially to the establishment of a technology hub in London that competes with Silicon Valley. His transition from a government position promoting tech growth to his current role at EdenBase reflects a broader focus on harnessing emerging talents and innovative technologies. The newly established startup hub at Northeastern University serves as a strategic base for EdenBase, highlighting the importance of collaboration between academia and industry to ensure the growth of skilled workforce necessary for the future technology landscape.
Eric van der Kleij’s journey from a government advisor to a venture capital partner at EdenBase emphasizes the evolving landscape of the UK’s tech industry. His current efforts to cultivate a connection between startups and educational institutions signify a commitment to addressing the critical skills gap in technology. The establishment of a supportive ecosystem for developing talent, alongside investment in innovative technologies, is pivotal for maintaining the UK’s competitive edge in the future technology market.
Original Source: news.northeastern.edu
