Blue background

Now in its fourth year, London Tech Week is where a who’s who of movers and shakers in the industry descend on the UK’s capital for a series of events. The TechXLR8  conference forms part of this. Hosted in London’s docklands area, titans such as Amazon and Google rub shoulders with exciting start-ups. Your author attended. While there was no shortage of noise around the usual topics of AI, 5G and the like, we came away with the distinct impression that two of these buzz expressions – the Internet of Things and Augmented/Virtual Reality – have begun, for the first time, to move away from the hype phase.

We met with an executive from IBM who highlighted that “the connectedness of everything is transforming how businesses and the world work.” In other words, the Internet of Things (‘IOT’) has evolved simply to imply that more data insights can now be derived from more ‘things,’ allowing for better business decisions to be made. If something can be connected, it will. IBM shared information which showed C-suite business leaders now rank the IOT as their number-one investment priority in technology. IBM went on to mention some tangible examples of businesses (including L’Oréal and Jaguar) now adopting IOT solutions and deriving clear benefits, particularly in terms of improved product defect analysis, lower energy consumption and better space utilisation.

We heard a similar message from a Microsoft executive who described mixed reality (i.e. the combination of the ‘real world’ and an augmented/virtual one) as “the next wave of computing.” Why? Simply, because such technology allows users to “enhance cognition” through “blending the physical and digital worlds.” Beyond this arguable hyperbole, Microsoft also shared some palpable examples of businesses already using its technology. CBRE, the real estate business, has deployed Microsoft mixed reality services in 12 different areas across its group and has seen marked improvements in productivity especially in areas such as remote assist collaboration and training. According to Microsoft, further technology enhancements (for example, in terms of headset comfort and vision) would help “move the category forward.”

Disclaimers

The document is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute investment advice or any recommendation to buy, or sell or otherwise transact in any investments. The document is not intended to be construed as investment research. The contents of this document are based upon sources of information which Heptagon Capital LLP believes to be reliable. However, except to the extent required by applicable law or regulations, no guarantee, warranty or representation (express or implied) is given as to the accuracy or completeness of this document or its contents and, Heptagon Capital LLP, its affiliate companies and its members, officers, employees, agents and advisors do not accept any liability or responsibility in respect of the information or any views expressed herein. Opinions expressed whether in general or in both on the performance of individual investments and in a wider economic context represent the views of the contributor at the time of preparation. Where this document provides forward-looking statements which are based on relevant reports, current opinions, expectations and projections, actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. All opinions and estimates included in the document are subject to change without notice and Heptagon Capital LLP is under no obligation to update or revise information contained in the document. Furthermore, Heptagon Capital LLP disclaims any liability for any loss, damage, costs or expenses (including direct, indirect, special and consequential) howsoever arising which any person may suffer or incur as a result of viewing or utilising any information included in this document. 

The document is protected by copyright. The use of any trademarks and logos displayed in the document without Heptagon Capital LLP’s prior written consent is strictly prohibited. Information in the document must not be published or redistributed without Heptagon Capital LLP’s prior written consent. 

Heptagon Capital LLP, 63 Brook Street, Mayfair, London W1K 4HS
tel +44 20 7070 1800
email [email protected] 

Partnership No: OC307355 Registered in England and Wales Authorised & Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority 

Heptagon Capital Limited is licenced to conduct investment services by the Malta Financial Services Authority.

Related Insights

Season 6, Post 13: Winds of change in Spain
  • Future Trends Blog

Season 6, Post 13: Winds of change in Spain

Season 6, Post 12: California Dreaming: Notes from the Valley
  • Future Trends Blog

Season 6, Post 12: California Dreaming: Notes from the Valley

Season 6, Post 11: “The job is far from done”
  • Future Trends Blog

Season 6, Post 11: “The job is far from done”

GET THE UPDATES

Sign up to our monthly email newsletter for the latest fund updates, webcasts and insights.