{
  "id": 14116294,
  "title": "I’m a tech founder – here’s why I chose rats in London over robotaxis in San Francisco",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/im-a-tech-founder-heres-why-i-chose-rats-in-london-over-robotaxis-in",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-13T04:28:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "City AM",
    "slug": "city-am",
    "url": "https://www.cityam.com/im-a-tech-founder-heres-why-i-chose-rats-in-london-over-robotaxis-in-san-francisco/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Marit Rodevand, a tech founder, opted to establish her financial crime prevention startup in London rather than San Francisco. Despite the challenges, the UK capital's commitment to combating money laundering attracted her. During her initial days in an Islington flatshare, she observed a rat in her neighbor's drainpipe, which prompted contemplation about her choice over Silicon Valley. She recognized that in-person connections were vital for business growth. Rodevand held a six-month visa option for both the UK and the US, having built UK momentum over the years via Norwegian Air flights. San Francisco, with its Scandi founders and trendy cafes, seemed like a fantasy world compared to her current reality. However, the sheer volume of illicit money flowing through London—£325 billion annually—convinced her that the UK was the ideal place to address the issue. With a strong desire to combat financial crime and the backing of compliance officers, MLROs, regulators, and law enforcement, Rodevand was confident that London offered the perfect environment to make a tangible difference. In contrast, San Francisco's political and financial landscape appeared less committed to tackling money laundering. Despite her Norwegian-ness, Rodevand found that London welcomed founders with ideas and tested them with humor, creating the perfect blend of business and camaraderie.",
  "summary": "Marit Rodevand chose to build her financial crime prevention startup in London rather than San Francisco because, despite its challenges, the UK capital offers a genuine commitment to tackling money laundering In my first few days after moving to my Islington flatshare, as I watched my new rat neighbour scurry into a drainpipe, I could [...]",
  "key_points": [
    "Marit Rodevand founded financial crime prevention startup in London.",
    "Observed rat in neighbor's drainpipe during London startup journey.",
    "London's £325 billion annual illicit money flow attracted her."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Prioritizing regulatory commitment and high volumes of illicit capital over the cultural allure of Silicon Valley allows specialized founders to build businesses where the actual problem is most acute.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}