TRAILBLAZER
LEADING LONDON’S MOST EXCLUSIVE TECH CLUB
in 1992 after my graduation from the University in Moscow. I grew the business to more than 5,000 people and 1 billion revenue with offices in 18 different countries. I was probably the first Russian who started to build these kinds of businesses outside of Russia.”
Konstatin Sidorov explains how he founded the London Tech Club
W
hen Konstantin Sidorov came to London, he was taken aback by the number of member’s clubs. However, being from an IT environment himself, he was surprised to learn that despite London being such a rich place for startups to thrive, there was no community for investors and tech professionals. This led to the foundation of the London Technology Club, a platform for investing, networking as well as an exchange of ideas and experience. With access to excellent tech companies seeking investment, which are often hidden or closed for many investors, Sidorov could pool professional expertise and experienced investors together, opening up a wealth of previously closed opportunities. According to Sidorov, “the club has a very simple aim: to bring together investors and late stage tech companies to create value.” “I'm a serious entrepreneur and I started my first tech business, CIS,
20
February 2022
The switch from entrepreneur to investor happened very organically, as Sidorov went into the venture capital world. “From building and developing companies myself, it helps me to understand the young entrepreneurs who are trying to do the same,” he added. After selling his Eastern European businesses nearly a decade ago to the NASDAQ-listed, US-based Ingram Microphone, Ingram became one of the largest distributors in the world. LTC aims to raise a pledge fund of USD $50 mn for investments in AI and FinTech in
2022
Sidorov built an extensive network of data centres in Europe, but his first exit as an investor was with Spotify. “My friend Alexandre Mars recommended the company to me. I didn't know anything about the music streaming concept at all. I just love the idea, love the management.
