Wealthy American investors are channelling more of their money into London technology companies than ever before, London Mayor Boris Johnson said today.

He made the comments while on a trade mission in New York and also called for more collaboration between US and UK businesses.

Figures by London & Partners released to coincide with the visit show that London technology businesses attracted $795.2 million (£520 million) from US investors in 2014.

That represents a significant increase on the $296 million raised from Americans in 2012.

Investment in the UK as a whole also set a new record of $1.35 billion last year, compared with $582 million just two years previous.

Johnson, said: “As the digital capital of Europe, London is clearly the place to create fast-growing tech companies, and our flourishing tech sector has caught the eye of US investors.

“London’s talent is attracting global investment, enabling our innovators to turn their ideas into companies that create jobs and economic growth in London.”

The mayor is on a six-day visit to the US East Coast, which is aimed at strengthen business ties between the UK and US.

More than 20 London firms from the financial technology sector are also in New York on a trade mission organised by the Mayor’s Export Programme.

They will use the event to pitch for investment.

Among recent deals funding UK firms, fintech business Transferwise won $58 million from Silicon Valley investment firm Andreessen Horowitz.

Music business Shazam announced an investment round totalling $30 million, valuing the business at more than $1 billion.

Taavet Hinrikus, co-founder of TransferWise, said: “London has been a great place to start and grow our business.

“Its status as both a tech and financial hub means we've been able to grow the company from just my co-founder and I to a company of 250 employees, processing over £3bn worth of customers' money in four years.

“We're fortunate to have raised money from some incredible US investors, including Peter Thiel's Valar Ventures, IA Ventures and Andreessen Horowitz. We're excited to be opening offices in the US this month."