The UK has long been a hub for tech innovation, with startups driving change across industries such as fintech, healthcare, AI, and sustainability. As we look ahead to 2024, a new generation of tech startups is emerging, set to revolutionize the way we live, work, and interact with technology. Here are the top 20 UK tech startups you should keep an eye on this year.
1. Sano Genetics
Description: Sano Genetics is a health-tech startup focused on personalized medicine and genetics research. Their platform connects patients with researchers for clinical trials, while offering users insights into their genetic data in areas like rare diseases, autoimmune disorders, and mental health. Location: Cambridge, UK. Popularity: With the rise in personalized healthcare and genetic testing, Sano Genetics is becoming a key player in the field. Special Features: Provides at-home genetic testing kits and offers a secure, transparent platform for data sharing in research. Link: Sano Genetics
2. Zilch
Description: Zilch is a fintech company offering a unique “Buy Now, Pay Later” (BNPL) platform that integrates with customers’ debit cards to offer flexible payment plans. Unlike traditional BNPL services, Zilch allows users to spread payments over six weeks without interest or fees. Location: London, UK. Popularity: As BNPL services continue to grow in popularity, Zilch stands out for its user-friendly app and ethical approach to consumer finance. Special Features: Offers cashback rewards for paying early and interest-free payment plans. Link: Zilch
3. Octopus Energy
Description: Octopus Energy is a renewable energy startup that provides green electricity and gas to homes and businesses. Their focus on sustainability, combined with their transparent pricing and innovative use of smart technology, has made them one of the fastest-growing energy providers in the UK. Location: London, UK. Popularity: Known for their excellent customer service and commitment to renewable energy, Octopus is making waves in the UK energy market. Special Features: Offers 100% renewable energy and uses AI to help customers reduce energy usage. Link: Octopus Energy
4. Cleo
Description: Cleo is an AI-powered financial assistant that helps users manage their money through personalized insights, budget tracking, and bill reminders. Available via an app and a chatbot, Cleo offers a fun, interactive way to improve financial health. Location: London, UK. Popularity: Cleo has gained a massive following for its cheeky, relatable approach to personal finance, appealing to younger users looking for money management solutions. Special Features: Uses AI to offer spending breakdowns, saving tips, and even roast users for bad financial habits in a humorous way. Link: Cleo
5. Echo
Description: Echo is a health-tech startup that simplifies the process of managing and ordering prescription medications. Through their app, users can request medication refills, have them delivered to their homes, and receive reminders to take their meds. Location: London, UK. Popularity: With the ongoing digital health revolution, Echo has quickly become a go-to for people who need easy access to prescriptions and better health management. Special Features: Free prescription delivery, medication reminders, and integration with NHS services. Link: Echo
6. Bulb
Description: Bulb is a renewable energy startup that provides affordable green energy solutions to consumers. By offering electricity from renewable sources like wind and solar, and gas that’s carbon-offset, Bulb has established itself as an environmentally conscious and cost-effective alternative to traditional energy providers. Location: London, UK. Popularity: Bulb’s green credentials, coupled with their simple pricing and transparency, have made them one of the fastest-growing energy suppliers in the UK. Special Features: 100% renewable electricity and carbon-neutral gas, simple pricing model. Link: Bulb
7. Oxford Nanopore Technologies
Description: Oxford Nanopore is pioneering DNA sequencing technology that is portable, scalable, and low-cost, allowing for real-time analysis of genetic data. Their technology is used in various fields, from academic research to personalized medicine and even for tracking pandemics. Location: Oxford, UK. Popularity: With the growing demand for genetic testing and personalized medicine, Oxford Nanopore is a leader in DNA sequencing technology. Special Features: Portable devices for DNA/RNA sequencing, making genetic analysis more accessible globally. Link: Oxford Nanopore
8. Gousto
Description: Gousto is a meal kit delivery service that provides customers with fresh ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes, delivered directly to their door. Their mission is to make cooking at home fun, healthy, and sustainable, while reducing food waste. Location: London, UK. Popularity: With busy lifestyles and a growing interest in sustainable eating, Gousto is a popular choice for those who want quick, nutritious meals with minimal waste. Special Features: Offers a wide range of dietary options, including vegan, gluten-free, and low-carb meals. Link: Gousto
9. Graphcore
Description: Graphcore develops Intelligence Processing Units (IPUs), cutting-edge processors designed to support AI workloads and machine learning applications. Their technology is used by companies globally to power AI projects, from research to commercial applications. Location: Bristol, UK. Popularity: As AI and machine learning continue to grow, Graphcore’s IPUs are gaining attention for their ability to accelerate AI computations. Special Features: Their IPUs are optimized for machine learning, offering superior performance compared to traditional CPUs and GPUs. Link: Graphcore
10. Hopin
Description: Hopin is a virtual events platform that allows users to create and host live events online. Whether it’s a small meetup or a large-scale conference, Hopin offers a range of interactive features like networking, breakout sessions, and virtual booths. Location: London, UK. Popularity: With the rise of remote work and virtual events, Hopin has experienced rapid growth, becoming one of the go-to platforms for virtual gatherings. Special Features: Interactive features such as one-on-one networking, virtual expo booths, and real-time audience engagement tools. Link: Hopin
11. Starling Bank
Description: Starling Bank is a digital bank offering personal, business, and joint accounts with a focus on mobile banking. Known for its user-friendly app, Starling provides fee-free banking with real-time notifications, easy budgeting tools, and savings goals. Location: London, UK. Popularity: Starling has grown in popularity due to its customer-centric approach, especially among those looking to manage their finances digitally. Special Features: Real-time payment notifications, overdraft control, and savings features all integrated into a sleek app. Link: Starling Bank
12. Perlego
Description: Perlego is a digital learning platform often described as the “Spotify for textbooks.” It offers unlimited access to over 1 million academic and non-fiction books across a wide range of subjects, helping students and professionals alike to learn and grow. Location: London, UK. Popularity: As education becomes increasingly digital, Perlego’s subscription model is revolutionizing access to academic resources at an affordable price. Special Features: Unlimited reading, offline access, and a wide range of textbooks from top publishers. Link: Perlego
13. Freetrade
Description: Freetrade is a commission-free trading app that allows users to invest in stocks, ETFs, and bonds. With a focus on accessibility and simplicity, it’s designed for beginners who want to get started in investing without high fees. Location: London, UK. Popularity: As more people look to take control of their finances, Freetrade has gained popularity for offering a no-fee platform that simplifies investing. Special Features: Commission-free trades, user-friendly interface, and educational content for novice investors. Link: Freetrade
14. Five AI
Description: Five AI is a self-driving car startup that’s developing autonomous vehicle technology for urban environments. Their software platform focuses on safety, scalability, and efficiency, aiming to make autonomous driving a reality on UK roads. Location: Cambridge, UK. Popularity: With the rise of AI and the push for autonomous vehicles, Five AI is leading the charge in developing safe, reliable self-driving technology. Special Features: Focus on urban environments and real-world road tests in the UK. Link: Five AI
15. Arrival
Description: Arrival is an electric vehicle (EV) startup focusing on producing affordable, zero-emission vehicles. They aim to revolutionize public transport and delivery services with electric buses and vans that are cost-effective and sustainable. Location: London, UK. Popularity: As electric vehicles become more mainstream, Arrival is at the forefront with its innovative EV designs and focus on affordability. Special Features: Scalable, affordable EVs designed for mass production. Link: Arrival
16. Improbable
Description: Improbable is a technology company that creates virtual worlds using its SpatialOS platform, enabling massive-scale simulations for gaming, defense, and other industries. Their technology allows for real-time, highly complex simulations that can support thousands of simultaneous users. Location: London, UK. Popularity: With the rise of the metaverse and virtual spaces, Improbable’s technology is becoming key in building large-scale, interactive digital environments. Special Features: Large-scale simulation capabilities, often used in gaming and defense. Link: Improbable
17. Primer
Description: Primer is a payments infrastructure startup that simplifies how merchants handle transactions across different payment methods and services. Their platform integrates multiple payment systems into a single API, making it easier for businesses to manage global payments. Location: London, UK. Popularity: With the growth of e-commerce, Primer is gaining attention for its ability to simplify complex payment processes for online businesses. Special Features: Unified payments API that supports global payment methods and fraud prevention tools. Link: Primer
18. Huel
Description: Huel offers nutritionally complete, plant-based food products designed for convenience and sustainability. With options ranging from shakes to bars and hot meals, Huel is perfect for people seeking healthy, balanced meals on the go. Location: London, UK. Popularity: Huel is popular among busy professionals and fitness enthusiasts looking for quick, nutritious meals without compromising on health. Special Features: 100% vegan, with a focus on balanced nutrition and sustainability. Link: Huel
19. Revolut
Description: Revolut is a digital banking app that offers a range of financial services, including currency exchange, international money transfers, and cryptocurrency trading. Known for its flexibility and low fees, Revolut is popular with travelers and global citizens. Location: London, UK. Popularity: With over 25 million users globally, Revolut is one of the UK’s most successful fintech startups. Special Features: Multicurrency accounts, instant transfers, and crypto trading. Link: Revolut
20. DeepMind
Description: DeepMind is an AI research lab that focuses on creating artificial intelligence systems with applications in fields such as healthcare, robotics, and scientific research. Their breakthrough AlphaFold project has revolutionized protein structure prediction, potentially transforming medical research. Location: London, UK. Popularity: As one of the world’s leading AI labs, DeepMind’s research is highly influential across various scientific disciplines. Special Features: Groundbreaking AI applications in healthcare, protein folding, and game-playing AI (AlphaGo). Link: DeepMind
Conclusion: These 20 UK tech startups are poised to make a significant impact in 2024 and beyond. From fintech innovations and renewable energy solutions to breakthroughs in AI and health tech, these companies are shaping the future of technology both in the UK and globally. If you’re passionate about the tech world, these startups are definitely worth following as they continue to grow and revolutionize their respective industries.