Here at Purple, we have a reputation for breaking new ground. We were the first mover in our market, delivering a unique WiFi and analytics solution to business and venues around the world that provides them with customer insights and marketing tools for real world spaces. Tomorrow, Tuesday March 28th, will mark another first for us, as Purple is set to board the first ever flight between Manchester and San Francisco.
Purple, and 29 other leading northern tech firms and universities, are set to embark on a Silicon Valley trade mission to mark the launch of the three times a week service from Manchester to San Francisco. This maiden journey is in fact the first flight to leave for the US city outside of London, and the new route is expected to drive significant growth for the North of England by linking northern businesses with funding and talent from across the pond.
Commenting on the opportunity, Gavin Wheeldon, CEO of Purple, said: “Purple is delighted to be a part of this trade mission, with such a prestigious and interesting bunch of northern tech companies and entrepreneurs. We are really looking forward to seeing what innovation, collaboration and investor opportunities come out of the trip and we are very proud to be a part of it.”
Tomorrow’s trip will see Gavin and our Alliances Director, Kerry Wright, board the Virgin Atlantic plane and jet off to the Californian city to meet with some of the West Coast’s top tech giants, as well as leading universities and funders that will be pitching investment and collaboration opportunities.
Purple’s visit to Silicon Valley, the home of hundreds of start-up and global technology firms – including Google, Apple and Facebook, will be invaluable as we continue to expand our presence across the region following the opening of our new US headquarters in Austin, Texas earlier this year.
The trade mission is being coordinated by MC2, a Northern Powerhouse partner with offices in Manchester and San Francisco, in partnership with Manchester Airport and Virgin Atlantic, and is supported by the Department for International Trade and the Institute of Directors.