It all started with sub-prime mortgages followed by prestigious banks going under worldwide resulting in low liquidity and economic contraction. Large companies are cutting down costs and headcounts with significant hits on R&D. In most cases all R&D spend has been frozen or cancelled. This is a great time for tech startups to innovate, prove concepts and be there strong when the economy recovers.

Whilst the last three years so the emergence of web 2.0 startups with no clear focus on revenue generation, the current economic climate is forcing these startups to think otherwise. The startups with the right strategy will emerge, grow and have the opportunity to acquire struggling startups.

Mike Butcher, Editor, TechCrunch UK and Ireland

Mike addressed the changing economic landscape for tech startups in the UK and Europe. Having travelled extensively within Europe over the last six months, speaking to tech startups from many countries as well as regularly blogging about the market, Mike was in unique position to spot trends, and he shared some of his thoughts about the future with Northern Startup 2.0 community.

Ed French, Venture Capitalist, Enterprise Ventures

Ed addressed the changes in approach to funding in the post-credit crunch world for early stage technology companies, providing some specific pointers to changes to the approach to investors that the new climate.

James Brocket, Managing Partner, CalibreOne

James spoke of the issues associated with recruiting and retaining talented Executives in these challenging times, and also with paving the way to being able to hire these people when the time is right to do so. Great companies are built in challenging times - and great people build great companies.

Dr. Zoe Lock, Technology Strategy Board

Zoe provided an overview of the aims and priorities of the Technology Strategy Board in the area of Information and Communication Technology.

Panel Discussion