Google pulls start-up support out of Silicon Roundabout site

oogle’s UK startup support network is to let go of its seven-storey site by Silicon Roundabout after pivoting online-only during the pandemic.

Google for Startups (GFS) has provided mentoring and access to co-working space and Google services for selected early stage companies from its London site since 2012. It has supported startups that have raised over $1.8 billion (£1.3 billion).

The tech giant’s project said that its work “has never been about the building, it’s always been about whatwe’re building”, and said it is letting go of the lease because “as the British startup ecosystem has matured, so have the needs of its entrepreneurs”.

“Today’s founders in London are part of a vibrant ecosystem of 250+ coworking spaces, 35+ accelerators, corporate programs, and thousands of startups providing services to each other,” GFS said a statement. “The UK startup community doesn’t need access to a single-shared physical space as much as it needs access to resources, mentors, and programs available at scale, anywhere.”

Teams will continue delivering programming remotely and in-person around the country going forward.

GFS UK head, Marta Krupińska, said that the move marks the opening of “a new chapter”.

She wrote on Twitter: When I first set foot in Campus London in 2012, it felt like magic. It’s played a pivotal role in making London such a successful startup ecosystem and after almost 10 years, a new chapter opens. So much to celebrate, and still so much work to do.”

It comes as companies large and small re-negotiate their relationships with offices after over a year of remote working. Big Four firm Deloitte last week told workers they can choose how often they work in the office going forward.

GFS will retain physical campuses in six cities around the wcorld, including Madrid, Tokyo, Sao Paulo and Tel Aviv.