Figma expands London office as tech hubs deepen ties

Figma, a US design software firm, has expanded its London headquarters, signaling a commitment to the capital. The move aligns with broader trends of increasing collaboration and investment between the tech hubs of San Francisco and London.

The Mayor of London's promotional agency, London & Partners, is also expanding its presence in San Francisco to further facilitate trade and investment. According to the agency's CEO, Laura Citron, London offers a "home away from home" for West Coast businesses looking to internationalize, owing to shared values of innovation and inclusivity.

Research indicates a strong alignment between the tech sectors of London and San Francisco regarding diversity and inclusion. A survey of West Coast tech executives revealed that three quarters believe the two cities share similar values on this issue, with London being considered more aligned than other global cities. The availability of a skilled and diverse workforce is also a key consideration for Bay Area firms expanding overseas.

American tech companies have been a significant source of foreign investment into London, with Bay Area firms accounting for over 18% of all investment in the city over the past decade. Major West Coast US tech businesses, including Google, Snap Inc, and Apple, have recently announced job creation and investment in the UK capital.