Texas is strengthening its international investment strategy with the launch of a new economic development office in London, aimed at increasing foreign direct investment and deepening trade ties with the United Kingdom.
The Texas Economic Development and Tourism Office awarded a contract in March to Vianovo, an Austin-based public affairs firm, to lead the State of Texas United Kingdom Office. The office is expected to begin operations this month and will focus on attracting UK-based companies to expand into Texas.
The initiative comes as Texas continues to position itself as a global hub for business investment. Trade between Texas and the United Kingdom reached $17.6 billion in 2025, making the UK the state’s 13th-largest trading partner. Over the past decade, UK companies have invested $10.3 billion into Texas, supporting more than 18,000 jobs, according to state data.
A business delegation led by the Texas Economic Development Corporation will accompany the office launch. The group includes Linda McMahon, CEO of the Dallas Economic Development Corporation, alongside other North Texas business leaders. The delegation aims to strengthen relationships with UK investors and promote Texas as a destination for expansion.
The move aligns with broader efforts by Dallas to grow its financial services sector, increasingly referred to as “Y’all Street.” A key development is the planned launch of the Texas Stock Exchange, which is expected to begin trading this summer. The initiative has already prompted responses from major exchanges, including New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq, both of which have announced plans to expand operations in Dallas.
International interest in Texas’ financial ecosystem is growing. Susan Langley noted in a recent statement that the Texas Stock Exchange could create new opportunities to connect British and Texan firms to capital markets.
In parallel, Texas officials are also targeting domestic investment. A recent delegation to New York City included Mayor Eric Johnson and senior business leaders, who promoted Dallas as a business-friendly alternative to traditional financial centers.
The London office marks a continued push by Texas to diversify its investment base and strengthen its position in global capital markets, as competition among U.S. states for international business intensifies.
