Maya Mancuso

President, BABC

Northern California

US Business Relationships Manager

Dear Members and Friends of the BABC Northern California,

The year has kicked off with great momentum, and we have many exciting events lined up. Please take a look at our Events Calendar. I’d like to highlight our annual Penfolds MasterClass on Feb 19 at the offices of Grant Thornton (thank you for hosting). This event is always a delightful educational experience and a chance to enjoy Penfolds' exceptional wines. Thank you, Penfolds!

Additionally, our annual venture capital event will be held on March 18th at the Quadrus Center. This event, featuring discussions on Funding, Exits and IPO’s, boasts a fantastic panel line-up and typically attracts over 75 guests. It’s not only informative, as our panelists predict which technology companies will exit in some fashion, but also a great networking opportunity.

Reflecting on recent events, I was thrilled to attend the BABC 35th Annual Economic Forecast Luncheon on February 4th at the City Club. The event was well-attended and the discussions were incredibly engaging, especially with the new administration in place. Our thanks to HSBC for being our Presenting Sponsor and to all the panelists for an excellent discussion. You can see the photos here.

Last weekend, I had the pleasure of attending the Mostly British Film Festival (MBFF) with other BABC members and our Consul General, Tammy Sandhu MBE. The festival showcased some excellent films, and the highlight for me was the Evening with Mr. Hugh Bonneville event where he shared stories from his incredible career and the joy of a return to regional theatre in Berkeley. Thank you to everyone at MBFF for your hard work in bringing all that is British filmmaking to the Bay Area.

BABC Members: Now is the perfect time to check your membership status and ensure your account is up to date. Are your contact and company details current? Are you making the most of your membership benefits? You can search for your directory listing here and please let our Executive Director know if you need any updates at jhealey@babcsf.org. You can also use the Membership Directory to find members who might be able to assist you and contact them directly from their listing page.

For those planning travel to the UK this year, please be aware of new UK and European travel legislation that came into effect on January 8th. Learn more here: Important Travel Update for International Flyers - BABC.

Finally, a warm welcome to all our new members and a heartfelt thank you to our existing members for your renewals and continued support of BABC Northern California. You can see who they are below.

Here’s to making the most of 2025 – let’s stay connected, stay engaged, and make it a great year for all and the BABC.

With gratitude,



Maya Mancuso

BABC President

Tammy Sandhu MBE

HM British Consul- General

San Francisco

Dear Members of the BABC,

The change of seasons brings a change in our leadership in the US: as we say goodbye to Ambassador Karen Pierce and thank her for her years of dedicated service, we also welcome new opportunities for growth and collaboration under the leadership of Peter Mandelson, who has now officially assumed the role of His Majesty’s Ambassador to the United States.

Ambassador Mandelson comes to the US following five decades of experience as a politician, a legislator, and latterly as a businessman. He has a longstanding relationship with the US and wants to ensure the UK is the best positioned partner to the US administration at this important period for modern America.

The number one UK priority is to kickstart economic growth through both public and private investment. With $1.5 trillion invested in each other's economies, much of that private investment with come from the US and a lot will be linked to services, digital trade and tech cooperation.

This is a message supported by the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, who recently set out the UK’s strategy for economic growth. And the Technology Secretary, Peter Kyle, who launched our

AI Opportunities Action Plan last month.

We are at the forefront of that push for economic growth on the West Coast across a range of sectors. We promoted the UK’s photonics clusters during Photonics West last week with over 50 British companies in San Francisco. I am looking forward to continuing our trajectory this week at FusionX Invest Global, and at the Game Developers Conference next month.

This Spring, we are also seeing an amazing concentration of British art and culture in San Francisco. This week, the San Francisco Ballet is opening their Cool Britannia programme

celebrating the iconic era of British culture and its profound influence on the world. And next month the De Young Museum will showcase Paul McCartney’s photography exhibition, Eyes of the Storm. I hope to see some of you at the opening night events!

Of course, my month wouldn’t have been complete without the BABC’s 35th Annual Economic Forum Lunch, which sets out the US and Bay Area economic picture for the year ahead. Thank you as always for an excellent, insightful event.

You can keep up to date on all our activities via our LinkedIn, Instagram, or Twitter.

All the Best,



Tammy Sandhu MBE

Don't miss out! A few spots still remain!

Join us for a rare opportunity to taste the renowned iconic wines of Penfolds at the Penfolds Masterclass—A Tour of 3 Continents and 3 Hemispheres all in one experience!

The legendary winemaker has redefined the industry for over 180 years and this exclusive masterclass will take you on a sensory journey across three continents—Australia, France, and California—all in a single unforgettable evening!

🍷 Taste 7 iconic, 90+ point wines, including the world-renowned Grange

🍷 Begin with a gourmet amuse-bouche and mingling before an intimate seated masterclass

🍷 Enjoy special event pricing on select wines, with a portion of sales benefiting BABC

This is a rare and intimate event, with only 30 seats available. Secure your spot today and experience the magic of Penfolds!

Special thanks to Grant Thornton for hosting this prestigious event.

After two years of subdued activity, the 2024 IPO market witnessed a gradual revival with 50% more IPOs in 2024 than in the prior year. And while Financials and Healthcare accounted for approximately 50% of those, the two best performing IPOs of the year were technology companies, Reddit and Astera Labs.

With a change of administration, favorable policies, relative economic stability and industry momentum 2025 looks like it should be a better year than 2024. And it seems that there is a backlog of both private equity sponsored companies as well as the usual Venture Capital funded companies seeking exit opportunities this year. Will tech IPOs pick up the pace in 2025?

Which tech companies appear most likely to go public this year? We know CoreWeave, backed by Nvidia is planning a substantial public offering in 2025. SymphonyAI just added a seasoned CFO to their team who has taken multiple companies public. Stripe has been a hot contender to IPO for the past few years but will it be beaten to it by Klarna or Revolut? HingeHealth has signalled that it will go public this year. Will this inspire other health and biotech companies to do the same?

Join us for an evening of lively, engaging and fun discussions and hear more about how things might work out for the technology community in 2025 and get a chance to ask questions our panel of Venture Capitalists. We will see how accurate their 2024 forecasts were and will see what their predictions are for 2025.

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

The BABC, in cooperation with the Association of American European Chambers of Commerce and Business Associations invite you to join us for another wonderful European Networking Evening at the offices of Cooley, LLP in Palo Alto.

Come and mingle with entrepreneurs and a range of professionals involved in cross-border business in a relaxed and European atmosphere! Complimentary appetizers, beer, wine and soft drinks will be served.

This event attracts many international business professionals from different European countries. Members of the partnering organizations and their guests have priority access to tickets for this event which is attended by over 100 guests. The perfect networking opportunity!

Fees/Admission:

$30: BABC Member Ticket

$45: Non-Member Ticket

$55: On The Door

On February 4^th, 2025, we hosted the 35^th Annual Economic Forecast Luncheon, Presented by our Patron Member HSBC, at The City Club in San Francisco.

70+ guests from the BABC Community and beyond came along to hear from our expert panelists on their predictions for the economy in the year ahead.

We would like to thank our Presenting Sponsor HSBC and HSBC Innovation Banking for making the event possible, and all of our guests who joined us.

Also, huge thanks to Richard Waters for brilliantly moderating the event as per usual and to our panelists, Ryan Wang, US Economist for HSBC and, Sean Randolph, Director at the Bay Area Council Economic Institute.

Photos available HERE.

The European Chamber of Commerce in the Bay Area (AAECCBA) in cooperation with the Bay Area Council Economic Institute invites you to a timely discussion on the future of transatlantic trade relations under the new U.S. administration. This event will explore the potential real-world implications of a change in U.S. leadership for European and American businesses, from tariffs and trade agreements to regulatory cooperation. The discussion will explore the policies and priorities shaping the trade landscape under the new US administration, highlighting challenges and opportunities for businesses navigating this critical relationship.

Set against the iconic backdrop of the historic Klamath in San Francisco, the gathering on February 27, 2025, will feature an expert panel and networking opportunities with thought leaders, policymakers, and executives. The event is designed to foster dialogue on regulatory shifts, economic trends, and the broader geopolitical context influencing trade partnerships. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how evolving trade policies could shape industries, markets, and investment opportunities on both sides of the Atlantic.

Exciting things are on the horizon at Hiba Academy, a pioneering new international school for Pre-K through Grade 5, opening in San Francisco in Fall 2026! We are thrilled to invite educators, parents, and community members to join our online and offline events to get an in-depth look at our innovative approach to education. These upcoming talks, led by our expert team, will showcase how we are shaping the future of education for young learners.

At Hiba Academy, we are committed to creating a unique learning community that empowers children to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. These events will offer an exclusive look at our curriculum, educational philosophy, and the future of learning.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn more about our vision for the future of education. Click the links below to learn more and to register for the upcoming webinars!

Early Years Virtual Sessions: Tuesday, March 4th

Primary Virtual Sessions: Thursday, February 13th; Tuesday, March 11th

HSBC Supply Chain & Logistics Innovation Day — an exclusive invitation-only event produced in partnership with Silicon Foundry / Kearney and some of world's top supply chain & logistics focused VC firms bringing together senior corporate executives, thought leaders, venture capitalists, and disruptive startups to explore the future of supply chain innovation.

HSBC Innovation Days provide a unique opportunity for Senior Executives from Leading Enterprises to hear from their peers, engage with influential voices shaping the industry, and discover cutting-edge technologies driving transformation in areas such as procurement, logistics, manufacturing, and supply chain resilience.

To learn more and request to attend, click HERE.

Understanding the tax implications of US stock incentives is essential for UK employees. As global companies increasingly offer equity-based compensation, particularly in the tech sector, UK employees must understand how these incentives are taxed and how to navigate the complexities of cross-border tax obligations.

This guide by Moore Kingston Smith provides an overview of US stock incentives, explains how to pay tax on stock options for UK employees, outlines reporting requirements, and offers strategies for managing tax liabilities effectively.

Continue reading HERE.

If you search the Google Map of Palo Alto using the term “Magical Playground,” you will come across a children’s park filled with innovative play structures and a natural history museum. Kids love it, and they usually learn something, too.

Just two miles away, Playground Global—a leading deep-tech investor—operates from a discreet warehouse. Their key due diligence question: Does this idea challenge the laws of physics? If the answer is "Possibly, and it could change the world," it's game on!

Continue reading HERE.

Calling all curry lovers! Join Join the British Benevolent Society (BBS) for their first South Bay Curry Clubbers event of the New Year! Mark your calendars for Thursday, February 20th at Aurum Los Altos from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM.

For just $65 per person, you’ll enjoy:

🍽️ Appetizer

🍛 Main Course

🍰 Dessert

🍺 1 Beer

✅ Taxes and Tip included

👍 What a deal!

This is a laid-back, social event where you can meet new people, enjoy fantastic food, and share a great time with fellow curry lovers.

Be sure to RSVP to Senay Ryan at senay.ryan@bbsofca.org to lock in your spot for this fun-filled evening!

Welcome to the February BABN Policy and Trade Update.

On 20 January, Donald J. Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States, marking a historic return to the White House. BAB is monitoring several policy areas, including trade and tariffs, and we look forward to working with the newly appointed USTR once fully in place.

During the month of January, BAB submitted a response to the UK Department for Business and Trade's call for view on the Trade Strategy. On February 4, BAB also released its latest White Paper, focusing on the role of US-owned companies as part of the UK defence industrial base.

For a breakdown of policy and trade headlines and our published works, click HERE.

Join over 100 representatives from business, government, and academia to discuss policy ideas that can shape transatlantic investment in the UK economy, and the future of the US-UK Trade and Investment Relationship.

This conference is by invitation only for members of BAB and offers a series of panel discussions, keynote sessions and a networking lunch.

To register, click HERE.

Focus on the Future: Navigating the Demands of Tomorrow’s World

The 2025 Transatlantic Conference —taking place April 30 through May 2, 2025 in Charlotte, NC — will feature experts discussing key topics like AI, sustainability, green finance, circular economies, renewable energy, AR in healthcare, cybersecurity, autonomous vehicles, and upskilling. They will address the challenges of technological growth, ethical and privacy concerns, necessary safeguards, and how non-tech executives can lead in this evolving landscape.

Each year, the BABN brings together members of all 20 chapters throughout the US, UK and Canada for a 3-day conference. The aim is to convene a senior level business executives and government representatives actively involved in trade, investment and business flows between the UK and US. ​ This conference is by invitation only and for members of the BABN chapters and offers a series of roundtables, plenary sessions and networking receptions for over 150 guests. ​

CORPORATE MEMBER

As the newest member of Wellington College Education, Hiba Academy Bay Area is looking forward to providing a truly transformative education experience to Early Years and Primary aged children with our innovative English and Chinese bilingual curriculum. We are part of a global network of schools united by a 160-year history of excellence with roots in the UK.

Guided by a shared vision of pioneering education to serve and help shape a better world, Wellington College Education currently empowers more than 10,000 students across the UK, China, Thailand, India, and soon Indonesia.

Opening in Fall 2026, Hiba Academy Bay Area is a bilingual international school that will serve Pre-K to Grade 5 students in the San Francisco Bay Area. At capacity, roughly 400 children will thrive in a dual-language educational environment, where they will learn English and Chinese not as discrete academic subjects but as languages of instruction across the curriculum.

CORPORATE MEMBER

Spott, Lucey & Wall is a boutique CPA firm providing a full range of taxation and attestation services. We have over 40 years of experience assisting our domestic and international business and individual clients manage their demanding cross border transactions and compliance requirements. We offer our clients extensive technical skills and resources to provide solutions to complex business issues. Our professional staff all have the extensive academic background and rigorous training necessary to provide tax and consulting services to help our clients succeed.

BUSINESS MEMBERS

CFGI—a portfolio company of Carlyle and CVC—is an established national leader in providing operational finance and technical accounting services. Our clients range from pre-revenue private start-up companies to Fortune 100 public companies, including various private equity firms and their portfolio companies. We work with finance leaders during every stage of the business lifecycle to solve complex business challenges.

Founded in 1978, Erickson Immigration Group, P.C. (''EIG'') is a 200 member global law firm that provides comprehensive business immigration, global migration, and compliance solutions that enable companies to hire the best and brightest talent from around the world.

Headquartered in Arlington, Va., with an office in San Francisco, and a global alliance spanning more than 100 countries, EIG represents clients ranging from Fortune 50s to cutting-edge startups. Sectors represented by our firm include technology (including CRM services, e-commerce, social and online news media, online entertainment and television/movie production, FinTech, online payments), financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, and universities/public school districts.

Joe Laver Consulting provides services for clinical trials startup (EDC selection, study database build and testing, user training) through study conduct (query management, forms tracking, data issue identification) and onto database lock and archiving. CDM documents (DMP, UAT Plan, Edit Check Specifications) created to FDA standards. Joe has been in the Pharmaceutical industry for over 30 years (4 in the UK, remainder in the US). Experience working with pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device and CROs companies. A Clinical Data Management (CDM) leader and Electronic Data Capture (EDC) subject matter expert.

Our clients count on us to do certain things extraordinarily well. As corporate attorneys, we help start up, emerging, and later stage companies successfully grow. Inspired technology, life science, and other privately held companies from the Bay Area and all over the world seek us out because we offer our clients an exceptional blend of sophisticated big law firm, general counsel and cross-border transactional expertise, with a boutique law firm’s ability to focus laser sharp attention on their unique business and legal needs.

Taylor Wessing is a leading full-service tech & life sciences focussed law firm with 29 offices worldwide and a center of gravity in Europe. We have been helping North American companies of all sizes do business in the UK, Europe and beyond for over 30 years, from the early pioneers of Silicon Valley through to some of the biggest companies and brands in the world. Our San Francisco team supports 50 – 75 North American venture-backed companies each year with their international expansion projects as well as assisting clients with the full-range of corporate, commercial, HR, privacy and other legal matters.

For all of your US origin export needs, contact Tokyo Express Co., Inc. We can find, purchase and ship overseas on your behalf any and all construction related materials .

INDIVIDUAL MEMBER

Tom Pulley

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL MEMBER

David Mansi

One of the benefits of membership in the BABC Northern California is the opportunity to access Member-to-Member-Only special offers and hot deals.

To learn how to access codes and instructions, log in to your BABC Account and click on the Member-to-Member Deals button.

To take advantage of these Member-to-Member offers, join the BABC today to obtain the discount code. Click here to learn more about membership.