Harnessing the Technology Megatrends – From AI to Quantum Compute to Cybersecurity

Startups
1/13/2021

​​​​In the first episode of 2021, Young Sohn sits down with Alex van Someren, Managing Partner of the Early Stage Funds at Amadeus Capital for a fascinating look and discussion on today’s key technology megatrends –AI, Quantum Computing, and Cybersecurity from the lens of promising global startups. 

Mr. Someren shares how companies should think about addressing sensitive elements in AI such as bias detection, algorithm drift issues (decreased accuracy over time), binary neural networks, as well as how the security industry is addressing organizational issues such as data breaches, ransomware attacks, and security models that are focusing on an inside-out approach.

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Alex van Somere

Managing Part

​Alex​ is Managing Partner of the Early Stage Funds at Amadeus, and he sits on the boards of several Amadeus portfolio companies. Alex has a current investment focus on UK deep technology including Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Cloud Computing/Enterprise SaaS, Cyber Security, Digital Healthcare, Medical Technology and Novel Materials & Quantum Technologies.

Alex is a co-founder of Cyber London(https://cylonlab.com/), Europe’s first cyber security accelerator programme. He is a Fellow of the Institution of Engineering and Technology and currently a member of the Royal Society’s Science, Industry and Translation Committee. During 2019 he was the Visiting Clore Innovation Professor at the Royal College of Art.

Alex left school to join Acorn Computer in the 1980s, where he was involved in the development of the BBC Microcomputer & Acorn Electron. He subsequently co-founded ANT Ltd in 1990 to produce networking products, including web browser software licensed to the Oracle Corporation. ANT plc was listed on the London AIM market (AIM:ANTP) in 2005 and later acquired by Espial. In 1996 he co-founded nCipher with venture capital backing to develop internet security products using advanced cryptography, before leading the company to an IPO on the London Stock Exchange in 2000 (LSE:NCH) at a £350 million valuation. nCipher plc was sold to Thales SA in 2008.

Alex lives in Cambridge, UK and is married with three children. He was appointed an Entrepreneur in Residence at the Judge Business School, University of Cambridge in 2005, and he is currently Chairman of the Development Committee of Kettle’s Yard, one of the University of Cambridge Museum​s.