Highlights from the past year and a glimpse into the new year!

2024 marked a significant milestone for Metta — our fifth anniversary! Over the past five years, our work has shaped innovation ecosystems around the globe. We’ve conducted in-depth research projects, delivered ecosystem-accelerating events and activities, and provided ongoing tailored support to a portfolio of multiple high-growth startups.

Here’s a snapshot of what we’ve achieved in our first five years:

• Delivered 3000 hours of training to startup, corporate, and government stakeholders

• Delivered programmes and events in 15 countries across 4 continents

• Accelerated innovation across 7 industries

• Our startup portfolio has collectively raised £250M+ since participating in Metta programmes.

We’re incredibly grateful to our partners and team members who made these achievements possible. As we close out 2024, read on for some of our highlights from this year.

Metta Drives Innovation at Industry Events in 2024

This year, the Metta team proudly participated in a range of industry events, engaging with leaders and innovators to drive meaningful conversations and foster collaboration.

In the summer, we joined the GCV Symposium in London, Europe’s leading corporate venturing and innovation event. Now in its 13th year, the Symposium brought together global CVC leaders for knowledge sharing and networking. Our Cofounder and Director, Gabriela Matic, and Programme Manager, Gianna Pinasco, participated in the Women in Venturing session, discussing ways to address gender balance and other DEI challenges in corporate venturing.

We were also thrilled to partner with the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow, where we were honoured to host the first Startup Zone: AX Innovation Zone in the history of the Airshow 🛫. The Startup Zone was busy throughout, featuring multiple presentations, panel discussions, and the Airshow’s first-ever Startup Pitch Competition.

In the autumn, we headed to Prestwick for the “Opportunities and Funding within Aerospace, Defence & Space in Scotland” event, hosted by the ADS Group Ltd and supported by the Aerospace Technology Institute. The event highlighted available funding opportunities across these sectors and provided invaluable insights into Scotland’s growing aerospace ecosystem.

We also participated in Global Aerospace Summit in Abu Dhabi, showcasing startups driving innovation in aerospace. As part of the Vista East-West Startup Hub, portfolio startups pitched to top industry investors, and we hosted discussions and workshops with leaders from across the sector.

We also took part in the ‘Diversity in Investment’ event in Glasgow, organised by Scottish Enterprise and Diversity VC. Here, our Cofounders Gabriela Matic and Wil Benton facilitated a roundtable discussion with key ecosystem stakeholders, tackling the challenges of improving diversity in Scottish investment.

As well as this, our Head of Partnerships Matt Briggs and Head of Comms Gabriella Hernandez, had the honour of joining the UK delegation at the Marrakech Airshow 2024. Morocco’s aerospace sector has rapidly grown over the last 2 decades, now ranking 1st for Africa and 5th worldwide. We were very keen to further our understanding of the aerospace innovation ecosystem in the country and build a picture of we may be able to support the growth of startups in one of the most dynamic global markets.

Later in the year, we returned to London for the Sifted Summit, where we attended thought-provoking panels and satellite events. Our Director and Cofounder Gabi said “It was great to catch up with old friends and meet some new ones. Some great sessions and buzz.”

Through these events, we’ve amplified Metta’s mission, promoted our partners, and deepened connections within the broader startup ecosystem. We’re excited for the opportunities ahead in 2025 and look forward to seeing you at upcoming events!

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Metta Supports the launch of the Kuwait Digital Startup Campus

In 2024, we were honoured to play a key role in launching the Kuwait Digital Startup Campus (KDSC), a groundbreaking initiative designed to foster innovation, drive entrepreneurship, and strengthen Kuwait’s growing digital economy.

This public-private partnership brings together local and international collaborators from corporate, academic, and government sectors to create a vibrant startup ecosystem and support private sector growth.

The programme brings together local and international partners from the corporate, academic, and government sectors, to build a vibrant startup ecosystem to support private sector growth. As part of this initiative, Metta contributed to empowering Kuwait’s tech and cybersecurity talent through a variety of impactful ways, including—

- Interactive Workshops, which provided actionable insights and hands-on experience;

- An Intensive 3-week Bootcamp, where participants underwent focused training to prepare for cybersecurity careers, gaining skills aligned with professional certifications;

- The Kuwait Hackathon — Kuwait’s largest cybersecurity competition;

- Participation in NEXUS, Kuwait’s largest innovation conference

We’ve really enjoyed supporting this programme, and look forward to organising new events, and activities for entrepreneurs, investors, corporate and government partners in the new year.

Click here to learn more about the KDSC and upcoming initiatives.

Metta’s Insights on Innovation: Thought Leadership Articles and Case Studies

In 2024, we launched our new website, and shared a range of case studies and thought leadership articles to inspire and enable innovation across industries. These resources highlight practical insights and strategies to help organisations drive meaningful change. Check out a few of our stand out publications:

Case studies —

• Shaping a brand new Space Cluster

• Driving innovation through sector-specific events

Thought Leadership —

• Government as a Key Partner in Innovation

• Corporate Innovation — How to foster collaboration in your organisation

• Beyond venture capital: 5 funding alternatives startups should consider

• What you need to know before investing in startups

• Gender Equality should be central on all days of the year, not only on International Women’s Day

These pieces reflect Metta’s commitment to empowering businesses, startups, and ecosystems through actionable knowledge and expertise.

We’re excited to continue sharing new insights in 2025. Be sure to check out our blog and subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date.

Looking ahead to 2025 and the future: A message from our Director and Co-Founder Gabriela Matic

“A big thank you to the whole Metta team for all your hard work this year — you are all brilliant! And special gratitude to our amazing clients and partners.

2024 was a huge year for us. Our mission to foster entrepreneurial thinking within both the public and private sectors — while championing startups in complex industries — seems more pressing than ever. We’ve expanded into a number of new geographies this year, and we’re really excited to continue our work globally, while deepening partnerships that have helped us create real impact, in the new year.

At the core of what we do, is our vision of a global innovation ecosystem that is more diverse, equitable and sustainable no matter what industry you operate in. The team and I are really excited to continue driving industrial progress and supporting innovation in the new year. Stay tuned for updates in early 2025 and please do get in touch if we can help you on your own innovation journey!”

Stay connected with us by following Metta on LinkedIn for the latest updates!

About Metta

At Metta, we are your proactive and end-to-end innovation partner, delivering research projects, ecosystem-building events and startup accelerator programmes.

We have worked with corporate, government, academia and startup clients across 15 countries and 4 continents to identify unique challenges affecting their organisations and customers, develop tailored solutions, and implement effective strategies.

We draw on decades of practical experience as startup founders, investors and innovators to deliver meaningful change and measurable impact, and are committed to accelerating the pace of innovation, to create long-term positive impact for people and the planet.

Learn more at https://metta.partners