Technology is a dynamic, varied industry that’s driving many of the changes we see in the world today.  It’s distinguished by its rapid pace and the potential for radical new departures.  Following a pause in 2000-2003, technology businesses are once again growing quickly.  It’s one of the few sectors where international borders have limited impact and a company can go from start-up to global giant in less than a decade.

At 3i, we’ve worked with technology businesses for more than 20 years, providing consistent support at all stages of the economic and technological cycles.  We’ve worked with numerous entrepreneurs to turn innovative ideas into fast-growing revenue streams.  The businesses we support operate in five main sub-sectors:

• Software and internet: Collaboration is often the theme, as specialist programmes and networking websites enable people to work, socialise and trade together more effectively.
• Telecoms: The world’s second-largest industry offers many opportunities to providers whose applications boost a range of processes from handset functionality to network management.
• Electronics and semiconductors: As more and more devices become intelligent, many businesses are exiting commoditised manufacturing and focusing on the supply of added-value solutions.
• IT services: Instead of simply operating clients’ IT infrastructure, service providers are now running key business processes.  Consolidation and offshoring are building scale and efficiency.

• Cleantech: Clentech embraces a cluster of leading-edge technologies that are addressing many of the world’s key concerns by making better use of resources and finding cleaner, greener ways to build prosperity.

Our presence in California helps us understand emerging trends, our Nordic network puts us at the heart of developments in mobile technology, and our Asian offices provide knowledge of the latest manufacturing techniques.  We use these insights to benefit the businesses we partner globally and we help companies grow by introducing them to new customers, partners and sources of innovation.