December 2002
Dear Sir,
I first came across the ancient Greek name “Sophia Antipolis” at a business conference at St James’ Park and was curious
as to its connection to the North East of England. This interest resulted in an invitation to attend the 6th International Venture
Capital Summit, hosted by the International Centre of Advanced Communication (CICA) Sophia Antipolis, from which I have recently
returned.
Sophia Antipolis is set in approximately 10 square miles, two thirds of which are landscaped open spaces. This unique location
affords breathtaking views of both the Alps and Cote d’Azur. As Europe’s foremost Science and Technology Park it is home to 24,550
jobs, 148 foreign-owned companies (comprising 68 nationalities) 1,277 businesses and some 4,000 researchers.
The IVCS was primarily concerned with small to medium sized enterprises and start-up organisations presenting their business cases
for venture or risk capital. The total amount requested, from a wide range of technical and scientific disciplines, came close to £100m.
I managed to see eight of the software and technology presentations, among them was a cunning example from Allo Machines whose
mission is to provide a permanent exchange of technical and financial data between a control module and commercial automats
(e.g. automatic dispensing machines or ticket machines). Another example from BMidas technologies ingeniously aggregates
multiple financial accounts giving a complete and comprehensive view of a financial portfolio.
Workshops, complementing the above presentations, were challenging and allowed those attending to be better informed in respect to
the current global business climate. I selected two, the first entitled “European Practices Regarding Company Control and
Risk Management.” centered on Europe’s answer to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (to combat corporate fraud). The second “Is the
American Connection Essential for European Investors and Industrials.” confirmed the American connection as essential. However,
arriving at this conclusion spurred the General Manager of the Munich Group, Curt Winnen, to open further discussion as to “Why do
Europeans fail to invest in neighbouring countries?”.
Throughout the event, attendees were encouraged to meet and exchange information both at specially arranged presentation booths
and at an impressive festive dinner, held in nearby Cannes, to celebrate the 2002 Deloitte & Touche awards.
I am happy to advise local Companies having queries regarding either Sophia Antipolis or the IVCS process. My contact details are
available in the international knowledge network maintained by ClubSophiaUk, the North East of England partner to Sophia Antipolis.
It is hoped that continued development in the North East will soon make it possible to host an IVCS or similar event in our own
Science and Technology Park.
Yours faithfully,
Paul Sheridan
Director
Paradigm Info Sys,
Newcastle upon Tyne,
NE2 1TP