Honda Xcelerator Ventures Expands to the UK, Kicking Off with Ecosystem Events in London and Manchester

Honda Xcelerator Ventures has officially expanded its presence into the United Kingdom, marking a new step in its global efforts to support and collaborate with the deeptech ecosystem.

To launch its UK presence, HXV hosted two events in London and Manchester, bringing together founders, investors, and ecosystem partners across mobility, robotics, climate, and advanced manufacturing.

The London event welcomed over 70 participants, reflecting the strength and diversity of the UK’s deeptech and climate tech community. In Manchester, approximately 40 founders, investors, and operators gathered for in-depth discussions on what drives successful startup–corporate partnerships. Key themes included the importance of aligned incentives, access to decision-makers, clearly defined pilot pathways, and long-term collaboration beyond transactional proof-of-concepts.

Participants also highlighted opportunities and challenges in scaling innovation across the UK, including access to later-stage capital, the commercialization of university research, and the need for stronger connections between corporates, startups, and customers to accelerate go-to-market efforts.

As part of this expansion, Roberta Franchi will lead HXV’s activities in the UK, focusing on building meaningful relationships and fostering collaboration across the ecosystem.

HXV looks forward to working alongside key partners, including TDK Ventures, Sony Innovation Fund, Rakuten Ventures, Nordic Ninja, National Wealth Fund, Counteract, and U2V, to support the continued growth of deeptech innovation in the region.

This expansion reflects HXV’s commitment to engaging with leading innovation hubs globally and contributing to the development of strong, collaborative ecosystems.