Why should you apply to the Startups 100 Index for 2024?

The Startups 100 Index is the longest-running new business index in the UK. Since 2008, our authoritative panel of experts has shone a light on 1,500 early-stage startups, including industry-giants like Monzo, Deliveroo, and Reggae Reggae sauce.

Entries are now open for the 2024 index, and we want every entrepreneur to apply so we can make this our most exciting list yet.

But, with so many awards out there, it’s hard to know which rosette will bring value to the entrant, and which will just make money for the organiser. This dilemma means lots of firms avoid applying altogether – missing out on a whole heap of business benefits as a result.

Having worked with startup owners for over twenty years, we know that time is your most valuable resource. If you’re considering entering the Startups 100 this year, you might be wondering: is it a smart decision? Is it really worth the effort?

In short, YES. But don’t just take our word for it! Below, we’ve outlined five reasons why you should apply according to those who made the list last year (besides the fact that it’s entirely free to enter).

1. Build brand exposure

The Startups 100 is a brand accelerator. We don’t just use our platform to draw up a bland list of business names. We actively publicise your business for long after the index has been published to ensure a genuine, tangible uplift in brand awareness.

Each year, our writers dedicate hundreds of hours to publishing a 300-word profile on every single company that makes it into our top 100 list, so we can tell the full story of your incredible accomplishments.

Once live, we promote each listed firm far and wide across our 100,000-strong social media following, in order to catapult your company to small business fame and glory.

And, as if that wasn’t enough, we regularly contact all of our Startups 100 businesses for commentary and quotes on the latest news and topical issues that are affecting the UK startup community and SMEs.

Here’s what previous winners had to say:

“The Startups 100 is well-recognised and respected within the startup community. It takes the time to profile and spotlight the different companies and what they’re doing, which makes it more powerful than just a list.” – Beam

From this year, our overall winner will also benefit from a complete publishing package which will include:

• An exclusive feature published on the Startups.co.uk website
• An interview with Eloise Skinner on the Speaking of Startups podcast
• Up to four published articles relaying company news and updates
• Posts to Startups’ social media pages across LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram
• Branded assets to celebrate the win on your social media pages and website

2. Attract investor and partner attention

Here’s what previous winners had to say:

“We regularly have business partnerships stemming from the coverage. Usually the email goes along the lines of “I saw you in the Startups 100, congratulations….” – SlothMove

Money is probably the most important ingredient in the recipe for a successful startup. It’s the lifeblood that keeps the company going, pays the salaries, and funds the growth.

The best way to boost cash flow is by capturing the attention of new clients or investors, by impressing them with fantastic results and achievements. And the best way to do that is by getting third-party validation from a credible, reputable source.

The Startups 100 Index is widely regarded as a prestigious recognition for early-stage businesses. Being included on the list can help to raise a company’s profile and attract attention from investors, customers, and potential partners.

Here’s what previous winners had to say:

“Since appearing in the list we’ve had numerous approaches from investors, two new clients whose interest stemmed from seeing us on the list, and a collaboration with one of our fellow Startups-100 listees.” – Essentialise Workplace Wellbeing

3. Boost organisational culture

Having a positive organisational culture is absolutely key in today’s business environment. Being listed in one of the sector’s best-known industry indexes provides a solid foundation.

Featuring in the Startups 100 will help you to stand out from the crowd as a forward-thinking employer. Recruitment will be less of a challenge, as job seekers are increasingly seeking out companies that have a good industry reputation.

Being named one of the most innovative and forward-thinking in the whole of the UK also provides a healthy morale boost, as highlighting your staff’s achievements will ensure they feel engaged and motivated to help the company grow even further.

Here’s what previous winners had to say:

“Inclusion in the list means a lot to us as a small team. It’s a boost for all employees.” – Grubby

4. Track your growth

Lots of business awards prevent companies from applying more than once. Not us.

Your relationship with Startups doesn’t end at launch – in fact, it’s just beginning! Our team genuinely cares about every one of our listees, and we keep track of how they are doing so we can celebrate their wins and champion their successes on our website.

Plenty of companies, including big-name industry hitters like Pasta Evangelists, have appeared twice, or even three times, on our list as they go from strength-to-strength.

And, if you didn’t quite make the list last year, we’ll still let you know when entries re-open. That way, we can see how far you’ve come since we last heard from you.

Here’s what previous winners had to say:

“Our close collaborative approach with care providers is, I believe, one of the major reasons we’ve experienced a 300% increase in demand for our platform. Securing a place on the index three times running provides external recognition of our team’s hard work in achieving that goal.” – Birdie

5. Get free marketing materials

Once a Startups 100 business, always a Startups 100 business. Every company that features in our list can capitalise on the win in their branding strategy for years to come, making it the gift that keeps on giving.

Potential collaborators will recognise you as one of the most exciting new businesses in the UK – whether they’ll be a customer, employee, or even an investor.

We asked our previous winners how they had used the Startups 100 logo in their business branding and marketing. Some of the main materials they mentioned included:

• Social media bios
• Email signatures
• Linked in their website
• Funding applications
• Internal presentations
• Partnership applications
• Tendering for contracts
• Job adverts

Here’s what previous winners had to say:

“The Startups 100 has helped to raise our profile within the event industry, increasing our visibility and exposure to potential customers and investors, and enhancing our credibility. These benefits have resulted in tangible outcomes, including increasing our social media following.” – Vendoir

Apply to the Startups 100 2024

With a panel of expert judges, and a proven track record of finding tomorrow’s industry leaders, the Startups 100 is the ideal way to verify your company as a one-to-watch.

Appearing in our list will boost brand awareness, maximise employee satisfaction, and generate long-term financial wins – all of which will move you closer towards achieving your ultimate business goal.

Best of all? Applicants can get every single one of the above benefits entirely free of charge. 

We’re all about celebrating the top new UK businesses in the UK, not charging them. All the entrepreneurs who apply to the Startups 100 2024 can rest assured that we will never ask for a single, hard-earned penny.

Here’s what previous winners had to say:

“Wild became a truly international business last year. We managed to crack a couple of existing European markets and we’ve had a great start with lots of amazing partnerships like our collaboration with Disney’s The Little Mermaid.

“The Startups 100 helps to substantiate the growth and achievements Wild has had, and helps us market ourselves as a business on the up that is both exciting and good to work with whilst also spreading the brand mission far and wide.”- Wild

Related reading:

• 5 top tips to boost your Startups 100 entry
• Startups 100 Index 2023
• Is it worth applying for business awards?