IoT Tribe was founded to bridge the gap between emerging technology companies and the industries that could benefit from them. The rapid evolution of technologies such as IoT, AI, and quantum presented a clear opportunity—but also a challenge—for startups to connect with the right corporate partners and investors. Our aim was to accelerate the adoption of deep tech by providing structured access to markets, funding, and expertise.
Tell us about the business – what it is, what it aims to achieve, who you work with, how you reach customers, and so on.
IoT Tribe is an ecosystem builder and accelerator that helps deep-tech startups scale by connecting them with corporates, investors, and government stakeholders. We run sector or tech-specific programmes across industries such as space, defence, manufacturing, and quantum, working with early-stage and growth-stage companies. We collaborate with public and private sector partners to drive adoption, ensuring that promising technologies don’t just remain in the lab but make it into real-world applications. Our engagement spans global ecosystems, and we reach our stakeholders through a mix of accelerator programmes, bespoke venture-building initiatives, and strategic thought leadership.
How has the business evolved since its launch? When was this?
IoT Tribe launched in 2017 with a strong focus on IoT but quickly expanded into other deep-tech areas, including AI, quantum and space. We recognised that the biggest challenges for startups were not just technology-related but also about navigating complex supply chains, regulatory environments, and market entry. Over the years, we’ve refined our approach, working more closely with governments, large enterprises, and investors to ensure that game-changing technologies land in the market. Most recently, we’ve partnered with the UK’s Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) to deliver the Janus accelerator. The programme supports a cohort of startups from across Europe to commercialise their dual-use defence technologies and enhance the productivity and competitiveness of NATO’s defence industrial base.
Tell us about the working culture at IoT Tribe
We have a dynamic and international team with a culture built around collaboration, curiosity, and resilience. Given the fast-moving nature of deep tech, adaptability is crucial. We also value pragmatism—startups and corporates need solutions, not just ideas. The team is headquartered in London but has been spread across different geographies. Regardless of where they are, we maintain close coordination through regular engagement and a shared commitment to making tech happen.
How are you funded?
Our clients are governments and corporates across world who are looking to build out their technology capabilities and ecosystems. We are equity and fee-free for founders, which means that we can be selective and work with the best.
What has been your biggest challenge so far and how have you overcome this?
One of the biggest challenges has been bridging the gap between deep-tech startups and large industry players. While startups move quickly, corporates and governments often have longer decision-making cycles. To address this, we’ve focused on designing programmes that create structured engagement, ensuring that innovation is not just showcased but also deployed. Building trust within both ecosystems has been key.
How does IoT Tribe answer an unmet need?
Many deep-tech startups struggle with commercialisation—not just securing funding but also finding the right partners to deploy their solutions. At the same time, corporates and governments often find it difficult to access the latest innovations in a way that fits their strategic needs. IoT Tribe acts as the bridge, reducing friction on both sides by curating relevant connections and supporting scale-up efforts.
What’s in store for the future?
We are expanding our work in quantum, space, and AI, particularly at their intersections with security, defence, and advanced manufacturing. We are also increasingly focused on building resilient industrial supply chains that can rapidly integrate new technologies. In our work with governments, we prioritise ensuring that technology development aligns with sovereign capabilities while addressing broader economic and environmental priorities. As markets and policies evolve, we will continue refining how we connect startups with industry.
What one piece of advice would you give other founders or future founders?
Understand the ecosystem you’re entering—not just from a technology perspective but also in terms of regulation, market demand, and commercialisation pathways. Great tech alone isn’t enough; knowing how to navigate stakeholders and build the right partnerships is just as important.
And finally, a more personal question! What’s your daily routine and the rules you’re living by at the moment?
No two days are the same. Travel is a big part of the role, as is connecting people and providing strategic support to my amazing team. Like most founders, I'm always on. If I'm at home, I cook supper (usually with a glass of wine in hand), catch up with my husband (if he isn't travelling), and have dinner with my family. Night-time is for catching up on reading (and some sleep).
One professional rule: whatever we commit to must be high-quality and have a tangible outcome—there’s no time for innovation theatre.
One personal rule: I take three weeks in August with no travel so I can spend time with my family in Galicia, northern Spain. Of course, I still have to work (everyone seems to launch RFPs and ITTs with deadlines at the end of August), but I still manage to carve out time to detox and reset.
Tanya Suarez is the CEO and Founder of IoT Tribe.
