UCL students buy into retail expertise as new partnership launches

True, Europe’s only retail and consumer sector specialist that operates across the entire investment vertical, is partnering with UCL School of Management to establish its first Academic & Entrepreneurial Alliance.

True will have direct input into lectures for the ‘consumer and retail module’ of the Master’s Entrepreneurship course from across its own specialist team, as well as from its extensive network of portfolio businesses, innovative startups, and Leading Industry Partners. In addition, True will host UCL School of Management students at its innovation Hub in London to immerse them in a truly entrepreneurial environment.

True will also introduce the students to members of its True Live Network, creating valuable investment, partnership and employment opportunities for students and their startups. True has already invested in two UCL School of Management alumni startups: Mishipay, a new technology that allows customers to pay for goods in store through their phones without having to go to the till, and Hoxton Analytics, a device which applies artificial intelligence to footfall and demographic tracking for highly accurate and non-invasive insight.

Bert De Reyck, Professor and Director of the UCL School of Management says: “We are delighted to strengthen our existing relationship with True. We have been working together since 2016 to ensure that the students have the most up to date and relevant business case-studies. This partnership marks the beginning of increased investment, ties and employment for our students via True’s extensive network.”

Richard Anson, True’s Entrepreneur in Residence and UCL School of Management Senior Teaching Fellow comments: “Having worked directly with both UCL and True – it’s clear that a closer relationship will bring about significant opportunities for the students that would be difficult to come by in other Masters courses. Additionally, True will benefit from the fresh perspectives and opportunities presented by the latest intake of entrepreneurs coming through UCL School of Management, as already demonstrated by True’s investments in Mishipay and Hoxton Analytics.”

Mike Tattersall, Chief Commercial Officer, True adds: “We’re delighted to announce our first Academic & Entrepreneurial Alliance with the UCL School of Management – one of the most prestigious academic institutions in the world. We believe a partnership model of this nature creates true reciprocal advantage; True and its partners will impart knowledge and make introductions to young businesses, at a stage where support is priceless, and in return, they will be exposed to the highest calibre entrepreneurs and future-facing businesses.”