( CNN ) -- Entrepreneurs gathering for London 's inaugural Technology Week have set the city 's east end abuzz . As the event winds up , CNN has tapped five of tech 's leading minds to reveal how they see the future of technology -- and whether London can stand its ground against tech centers like Silicon Valley . From home-made computers to money transfers , the five represent the disruption of established norms . They are creating better , more streamlined ways to operate in the modern world -- and inspiring those who follow in their path . London is seen as a laggard to its U.S. counterparts , but the emergence of the city 's east end as a tech hub is helping inject energy into the sector . And according to the five -- Alex Klein of Kano , Ben Medlock of Swiftkey , Kathryn Parsons of Decoded , Michael Kent of Azimo and Emily Brooke of Blaze -- London is making its mark on the global tech stage . Klein , who has created a build-your-own computer kit , says London still `` has a lot to learn from the Valley , but it 's got its own tricks -- brilliant design talent , and close cooperation in government . '' And , as Klein notes , geography is decreasing in importance as the world changes into one where entrepreneurs can `` self-teach , open-source , and crowdfund . '' Parsons , who is determined to demystify coding and make it available to all , says London 's fame across so many sectors -- fashion , finance and media , for example -- is now spreading to technology . Emily Brooke , of bike safety innovators Blaze , agrees , noting this is particularly the case with hardware . `` There is a growing community of people `` building things '' ' in London , '' she told CNN . And `` as a globally recognized design capital , London is the perfect place to do it from . '' London is , indeed , at the heart of Britain 's tech scene , Medlock says . The man behind one of the hottest keyboard apps on the market says it `` attracts some of the best global talent , it 's got a great vibe and a growing early stage investment culture . '' But there 's work to be done , he adds . `` We 're a generation behind but we 're catching up . '' London is the `` best place in the world '' to start a financial tech business , according to Michael Kent , of international money transfer start-up Azimo . But , like Medlock , he remains cautious . According to Kent , the venture capital scene needs to `` grow up '' or see the `` U.S. firms come over and eat their lunch . '' READ MORE : UK tech companies to watch . WATCH MORE : Best gadgets at tech week .
London has held its first Technology Week , bringing together thinkers and inventors . The aim is to grow the sector and establish London as a leading light in global tech . Five of the sector 's influential thinkers have shared their thoughts on the event . Use the interactive to find out what they do , and how it will change your life .