Startups 100 2018 reveals definitive ranking of the UK’s top 100 businesses

Startups.co.uk is proud to officially unveil the Startups 100 2018 index – the longest-running ranking of the UK’s top 100 best and brightest new businesses launched since 2015.

Sponsored by global marketing company DCMN, the Startups 100 2018 – which features game-changers, innovators, and disrupters – is proof that entrepreneurship is more vibrant and robust than ever.

From the weird to the wonderful, with ideas tackling everything from divorces to plastic pollution to nightmare flatmates,  these start-ups are creating jobs, boosting the economy, and solving problems for businesses and consumers.

Startups.co.uk projects editor, Megan Dunsby commented: “Each year we see a whole host of innovative new businesses being launched and this year is no exception!

“Tech developments mean that launching a business is much easier than it was a few years ago – all you need is a good idea and a solution that people are looking for.

“This year is notable for the new markets being catered for – new mothers, pensioners and divorcees are an under served market perfect for start-up disruption.”

The Startups 100 2018 in numbers

• The businesses collectively employ a total of 1,981 staff
• They’ve raised £270.8m collectively (compared to £200m in 2017)…
• While 14 businesses have grown organically
• Retail was the most popular start-up sector with 14 businesses featured, followed by food and drink (9), proptech (9), health (7), and finance (7).
• 70 of the 100 are new entries
• 19 are based outside London
• 35 founders are female
• The average age of entrepreneurs is 34
• The youngest entrepreneurs in the index are 24
• The oldest entrepreneur is 59 years’ old

How are the Startups 100 2018 chosen?

In order to be eligible, entrants must be UK-based, privately-owned, and have started trading on, or after, January 1 2015.

The businesses are then assessed on a number of key criteria to determine whether they meet the high standards we’ve come to expect from the high-performing businesses identified over the last 10 years.

These are:

• An innovative USP – we want to get excited about unique and disruptive ideas that are going to transform sectors for the better
• Exceptional founders – whether fresh-faced or serial entrepreneurs , we’re looking for founders that show exceptional drive, talent and ambition
• Employee numbers and contribution to the economy – we value businesses that are creating jobs and growth
• Amount of funding raised or impressive organic growth – whether a start-up has raised millions or is entirely bootstrapped
• Traction to date, including current financials – great clients, strong sales, thousands of customers; all are taken into account
• Potential for growth – we’re looking for businesses that are in it for the long haul.
• Global ambitions –  we also want to find start-ups that have ambitions to conquer the world

Make some noise about the Startups 100 2018 using the hashtag #Startups100. Keen to be featured on our next list or think your business was overlooked? Let us know using #Startups100 or contact us at startups100@startups.co.uk