Published: September 22, 2025 at 3:17 pm
Barney Hussey-Yeo, CEO of fast-growing UK FinTech Cleo, said things need to change if tech firms are to list in London instead of Nasdaq.
He described the exodus from the UK as a ‘real travesty’ and called on better incentives for the tech sector.
The entrepreneur suggested: “Offer preferential CGT treatment for founders who list on the LSE and remain listed for a set period. With very few venture-backed listings today, the revenue impact is negligible.
“Exempt venture-backed tech companies from stamp duty on share transactions. This self-inflicted wound reduces liquidity for no good reason.
“Create a pan-European exchange or explore an LSE-Nasdaq merger. Give UK tech access to deeper capital pools and global liquidity.”
It’s widely reported that Cleo has hit unicorn status and Hussey-Yeo said November’s budget was the ‘moment to get the LSE working’.