WINNER – Serious Tissues

SHORTLISTED – HACE

HACE offers a child labour index powered by AI, empowering investors to dilligently monitor supply chains for meaningful change. Founder Eleanor Harry started the company after working for a decade across supply chains including cotton, fishing and ready-made garments. She quickly realised that companies have little visibility into their global supply chains, creating blind spots for risk of child labour.

In answer, Harry came up with HACE. The specialised ESG rating scores companies and portfolios across three performance indicators, giving organisations and investors a way to monitor their supply chains for child labour in real-time.

Harry estimates that to achieve the UN’s SDG 8.7 (ending all child labour by 2025), three children in child labour must be remediated per second. To reach that goal, HACE wants to become the global leader in child labour data and information by 2025 and, with it, early proof that AI could help solve some of the world’s most challenging problems.

What did Karen Lynch have to say?

“HACE is a brilliant example of putting our most current technology at the front and centre of solving deeply embedded and hard to see and solve social issues,” congratulates Lynch. “This is a business that our big retailers and brand manufactures absolutely should be investing in to unravel efficiently the complex issue of child labour.”

SHORTLISTED – Fair Shot

Fair Shot, led by the inspiring Bianca Tavella, is brewing a revolution in the hospitality industry. Via its flagship coffee shop in Mayfair (and with plans to open three more) Fair Shot has helped over 36 individuals with learning disabilities and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) develop the skills to land their first full-time jobs. These graduates now shine bright in the kitchens and service areas of brands like Apple, Goldman Sachs, and Soho House.

Fair Shot’s commitment to sustainable employment doesn’t stop there. It works closely with its employment partners, ensuring that both are fully supported throughout the onboarding process. This empathetic approach has resulted in a staggering 80% of Fair Shot’s partners actively seeking to hire neurodivergent individuals.

Having officially become a social enterprise in December 2023, Fair Shot is determined to spread its message of inclusion far and wide, to create a world where everyone gets the fair shot they deserve.

What did Karen Lynch have to say?

“Fair Shot has dived straight into the challenging hospitality sector with purpose right at its heart, and early statistics show it’s working for both customers and their neurodiverse them,” highlights Lynch.

“I love the site in Covent Garden and truly hope we see a network of hundreds of Fair Shot outlets across the country soon.”

SHORTLISTED – Fink Street Food

Fink Street Food is on a mission to smash mental health stigma and improve young people’s mental health – one bite at a time. Inspired by their own experiences with friends and family members battling depression, co-founders James Reid and Lewis Greenwood set out to make mental health support more accessible to young people.

Using revenue from ‘The Fink Tank’, the startup’s pioneering social enterprise food truck, Reid and Greenwood have come up with a clever business model that takes the profits generated by corporate and social catering events to fund mental health counselling sessions for those in need.

As a member of Social Enterprise UK, Fink Street commits over 50% of profits to this goal. The firm has also established a pivotal partnership with No 5 Young People, a Reading-based children’s mental health charity which provides free counselling, support, and therapy services to young people in need.

What did Karen Lynch have to say?

“Fink Street must be applauded for the sheer amount of hard work that goes into trading and impacting simultaneously in the sector,” praises Lynch.

SHORTLISTED – Leiho

Leiho’s mission is simple: to spread warmth and positivity, not just on your feet but in the world around you. Co-founders Joey Li and Thuta Khin met while studying for masters degrees at City, University of London, where they learned that clean socks were the most requested items for clothing at homeless shelters.

Founded from a belief that everyone should have access to basic needs of comfort, safety, hygiene and health, they launched Leiho, a social enterprise which sells smiley bamboo socks to support 40 homeless organisations. Every month, the brand partners with a charity that’s making a difference in underserved communities, and uses 5% of its monthly revenue to support the chosen cause.

So far, the company has donated 12,873 essential items, funded community programs, and hosted six cooking classes with SPEAR to help upskill people living in sheltered accommodation.

What did Karen Lynch have to say?

“Congratulations to these young founders for putting their best foot forward and making change through socks,” applauds Lynch. “Clearly they are focused on having a positive impact in every aspect of their business model.”

WINNER – Chris Donnelly and Will Donnelly (Lottie)

Sometimes referred to as the RightMove for care homes, Lottie is the UK’s first directory to showcase a vetted supply of care homes. It aims to make it easier for families to place their loved ones in a trusted home, for the fairest price.

Sparked by the struggles to find suitable care for their own family members, founders Chris and Will wanted to challenge the industry’s stubborn status quo. Heavily impacted by the pandemic, they saw firsthand the impact that a solution like Lottie could have on care seekers, and so set about combining Chris’ expertise in technology and Will’s experience in the social care sector, to transform elderly care.

Having previously ranked 8th in last year’s Startups 100, Lottie’s remarkable growth in the past year – including raising an additional £25m in investment – demonstrates how its disruptive model is serving to address the UK’s social care crisis.

What did Ian Wallis have to say?

Wallis expresses his excitement at how Chris and Will are bringing greater transparency to UK care seekers. “I’m not surprised people are eager to use Lottie”, he exclaims. “Finding a care home is often fraught with worry and financially challenging beforehand and concerning later around levels of care provided. It’s been a known problem long before COVID, but Lottie appears to be solving it.”

SHORTLISTED – Mark Wong (IMPOSSIBREW)

IMPOSSIBREW is a challenger no-low drinks brand that offers drinkers the boozy experience sans the hangover. When founder Mark Wong was a student, he was told that because of health complications he had to quit drinking. Rather than resort to a sad Sprite during nights out or skipping them altogether, he got to work shaking up the alcohol-free beer market with a product he’d be happy to drink alongside any friend with a pint in hand. Launching the brand from Wong’s Durham University bedroom, IMPOSSIBREW was born.

Made with a proprietary blend of plant ingredients, it’s cleverly designed to mimic the relaxing effects of alcohol without any of the negative health consequences – including hangovers. Despite not securing any funding on his appearance in Dragons’ Den, IMPOSSIBREW is the most followed beer brand on TikTok. It has also collected a number of impressive accolades, including the GB Food and Drink Startup of the Year 2023.

What did Ian Wallis have to say?

“With younger generations drinking less and greater health awareness, it sounds like IMPOSSIBREW will be helping to solve some anti-social and long-term health issues. Its popularity on TikTok means it might have a greater impact than most,” Wallis says.

SHORTLISTED – Vicky Wilson (Settld)

Settld helps bereaved families to deal with the bureaucracy of death, cutting days or hours of process into minutes. Co-founder Vicky Wilson was inspired to launch the startup after her grandmother passed away in 2019. She found herself spending hours contacting the banks, pension providers, insurers, and utilities to close and transfer her grandmother’s accounts.

In less than two months, over 93,000 people signed her petition asking service providers to make it easier to close the accounts of a loved one who dies. Striving to help others avoid the same traumatic experience she’d been through, Wilson quit her job at Amazon to launch Settld. Since then, she has grown the platform to integrate 950 providers including social media accounts, email providers, and broadband.

What did Ian Wallis have to say?

“At perhaps the most emotional time for many, dealing with a loved one’s accounts only adds to the pain, so Settld appears an elegant solution and Vicky had a compelling reason to start,” Wallis appraises. “The fact that it is free for bereaved people puts the user first. I hope the model is able to scale through additional services that reflect the same levels of compassion.”

SHORTLISTED – Ariana Alexander-Sefre (SPOKE World)

Image credit: www.benpetercatchpole.com

Focusing on a demographic that might feel left behind by the mindfulness trend, SPOKE makes looking after your mind as easy as listening to your favourite music. Co-founder Alexander-Sefre started the company after her younger brother’s best friend took his life in 2017. She saw early-stage preventative mental wellness tools that didn’t feel culturally relevant or accessible to her brother and his friends – young men who needed mental health support but lacked a relatable platform for finding it.

Through its listening app, SPOKE is targeting young people – especially Gen Z men and those from more diverse backgrounds – who need a place of respite and relaxation. Her entrepreneurial journey has earned her the East London Innovator award in 2020. With over 500 five-star reviews on its app store listings, it’s clear that Alexander-Sefre’s idea is striking a chord with a demographic who might dangerously feel left out of the wider movements towards wellness and mindfulness.

What did Ian Wallis have to say?

“Ariana is deeply inspiring and SPOKE is undoubtedly targeting something that has needed to be addressed,” Wallis commends. “SPOKE is one of the smaller finalists here but with a powerful intention of saving lives – which none of the others can claim.”

SHORTLISTED – Tim Chong, Theso Jivajirajah, and Harry Jell (Yonder)

Yonder is a credit card with a difference – it’s specifically designed for young professionals who may not have a UK credit score, but are tech-savvy, love to explore, and expect the highest level of service. Yonder was inspired by Chong, Jivajirajahand Jell’s own struggles accessing credit when they first emigrated to the UK. But they turned that challenge into opportunity.

Chong and Jivajirajah had worked in the credit sector in Australia and other countries, as well as at Clearscore with co-founder Jell. After embarking on a mission to build a credit card for a demographic underserved by other providers, the founders have established extensive relationships with its Experience partners, including Le Bab, Lina Stores and BAO.

What did Ian Wallis have to say?

“Financial inclusion – or in Yonder’s case exclusion – takes many forms. Despite hearing anecdotally of credit score issues for people moving to the UK, the scale of the problem surprised me. As a force for good in terms of credit scores – and enjoyment – Yonder is unique,” outlines Wallis.

WINNER – WeWALK

Juggling a cane, smartphone, and suitcase at the airport, WeWALK co-founder Kursat Ceylan – who was born blind – tripped and fell over a pole. He realised that technology had advanced so much, yet the traditional white cane for the visually impaired was unchanged.

That epiphany sparked the birth of WEWALK. Its product, launched in 2019, is a tech-enabled cane that pairs with a smartphone app to make navigation easier, safer, and more accessible for the visually impaired.

WEWALK’s smart cane goes beyond the limitations of a traditional white cane, detecting above-ground obstacles that a typical cane misses. It provides voice navigation prompts, keeps users updated on bus and train timings, and even has an exploration mode that announces nearby points of interest like restaurants.

Named Amazon’s Startup of the Year and a TIME Best Invention, WeWALK exemplifies the Tech for Good ethos. Putting the ‘E’ in DEI, it has also launched a fundraising campaign to provide canes to those who cannot afford advanced hardware.

What did Danielle Bowman have to say? 

“WeWALK’s mission to develop technologies for the full and equal participation of more than 250 million visually impaired people worldwide in social life is incredible,” Bowman enthuses.

“It has not only shown a commitment to DEI in its product but also in building a team and company that is inclusive of both sighted and blind members, and impressive testimonials showing a clear impact on people’s quality of life. An admirable mission.”

SHORTLISTED – Frobelles

Frobelles all began with a simple question from a six-year-old Alyssa, who couldn’t find a single game character with Afro hair like hers. Sparked by this realisation, she and her Mum set out to create a gaming experience that celebrated the beauty and diversity of Afro hair.

Frobelles is a celebration of Afro hair and a platform for kids to express their unique identities. Coco, Kelli, and Krista, the game’s virtual fashionistas, sport stunning Afro hairstyles that can be styled in a variety of ways, from puffy twists to intricate braids.

But at 100,000 downloads, Frobelles isn’t just a game; it’s a thriving community where empowerment and sisterhood reign. Now 11 years old, Alyssa (who we also nominated for our Young Entrepreneur award) and her Mum are inspiring kids worldwide.

Bowman picks out Alyssa’s involvement as key to the brand’s DEI aspirations. “Frobelle’s is a great mission in trying to tackle the lack of inclusion in the gaming industry when it comes to Black female representation. In having Alyssa involved, they can create authentic content that is valuable to their target audience,” she assesses.

SHORTLISTED – Postpartum Plan Ltd.

Balancing both parenthood and a demanding career can feel like a high-wire act without a net. In fact, 75% of parents report feeling overwhelmed and stressed when returning to work after childbirth. That’s where Postpartum Plan comes in.

Offering a virtual village of support for new parents, Postpartum Plan is the first of its kind to extend its services and resources to all, regardless of birthing status. Whether you’re a birthing parent, non-birthing parent, or embarking on the journey of adoption or surrogacy, the startup ensures that everyone’s needs are met.

Unlike other employee benefits that often focus on equality, Postpartum Plan prioritises equity. It provides five pillars of postpartum support, tailoring the experience to each parent’s unique needs, not the dictates of society.

Bowman evaluates Postpartum Plan as a “really great mission with clear objectives to tackle a problem that many do not talk about or that often gets forgotten.” She applauds the brand for its measures to remain inclusive for all parents.

SHORTLISTED – Propelle

In the UK, women retire with 40% less than their male counterparts. That’s not just a statistic; it’s a reality that’s holding women back from financial independence. Enter Propelle, a mission-driven fintech startup determined to close the gender wealth gap.

Founder Ayesha Ofori, a former Goldman Sachs banker, left the corporate world behind, feeling unfulfilled by the pursuit of wealth for the already wealthy. She knew there was a better way to use her expertise, one that could make a real difference in the lives of women.

Born out of this conviction, Propelle is revolutionising the investment landscape, breaking down barriers that have traditionally kept women from gaining full financial control. In one year, it has developed a thriving beta platform with 6,000+ sign ups, helping women employees take charge of their finances at major organisations like Google and GiffGaff.

Bowman commends Propelle’s “admirable mission in helping to close the gender pay and wealth gap.” She especially praises the firm’s supporting DEI materials, such as its company principles, for demonstrating “that the product is effective and aligns with their DEI values.”

SHORTLISTED – UNDO Carbon

Green giant UNDO Carbon uses revolutionary enhanced rock weathering technology to dramatically accelerate the process of carbon capture. But UNDO is not just about saving the planet. It is also about empowering people.

Recruitment is a key area of focus for UNDO’s DEI efforts. It employs an internal tool to track hiring and train managers on unconscious biases, and also works with recruiters who specialise in finding diverse candidates – one reason it now has 40% women in leadership positions against a tech average of 28%.

Working in communities across the mining and farming industries, UNDO puts relationships first. Local farmers often operate on thin margins, so UNDO provides them with free, nutrient-rich silicate rock to spread on the land. It also hires locally, and is committed to giving rural farming communities a say in how its projects are designed and implemented.

“The mission is great in trying to reduce CO2 and make our planet habitable,” Bowman praises. “Commitment to helping the local communities they work with suggests UNDO is trying to create a more equitable future for workers. Its gender diversity is also impressive.”

SHORTLISTED – Zero Gravity

Growing up in West Yorkshire in a single-parent family, Joe Seddon experienced firsthand the challenges faced by individuals from low-opportunity backgrounds. Inspired, he set out to start Zero Gravity, a tech startup that’s rewriting the rules of social mobility.

Zero Gravity is a launchpad for top-performing students in disadvantaged areas, providing mentoring, masterclasses, and scholarships to propel them into top universities and careers. Via strategic partnerships with corporations like HSBC, it has harnessed technology to pair students with graduate mentors, skyrocketing their chances of securing work placements.

Having already partnered with over 500 state schools, Zero Gravity captures a significant 20% market share. In just three years, it is already leading the movement to prove that with the right support, anyone can achieve greatness.

“Zero Gravity is tackling a systemic problem that needs addressing,” Bowman assesses. “It’s a brilliant mission that affects a wide group of people from all walks of life.” Her conclusion? “Zero Gravity is a business with a far-reaching impact and data to back it up.”

WINNER – Brent Oldfield (Voltric Mobility Technologies)

Brent Oldfield has been hustling since his university days. Growing up in Guernsey, he was unable to access student loans, and so took matters into his own hands, setting up his first business upcycling lamps to fund his studies. His choice of degree, Team Entrepreneurship (TE), proved to be a strategic move, providing him with the tools to navigate the world of business while juggling his academic pursuits.

In 2019, Oldfield’s entrepreneurial prowess reached new heights when he co-founded Voltric while still at university. Voltric’s all-inclusive monthly or yearly subscriptions take the hassle out of EV ownership, making the switch to electric as smooth as a ride in a Tesla.

Despite the demands of full-time study, Oldfield’s achievements have not gone unnoticed. He was named a finalist for the UWE Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2020 and recognised as one of the top 11 UK student founders in 2020 by Beauhurst.

Oldfield is still involved as a mentor for current TE students and Voltric has successfully raised nearly £500,000. He sees Voltric as a catalyst for change, shaping the future of mobility and transport to make the UK a greener place for generations to come.

What did Eloise Skinner have to say? 

“Along with the impressive amount of funding and investor interest, I loved hearing about the founder’s passion for giving back to the student entrepreneurial community,” says Skinner. “Brent is clearly passionate about supporting others.”

SHORTLISTED – Alyssa Ottley-Awuah (Frobelles)

When most kids were busy with cartoons and colouring books, Alyssa Ottley-Awuah was already flexing her entrepreneurial muscles. At the age of six, she noticed a glaring gap in the world of dolls and dress-up – a lack of characters that reflected the beauty of afro hair.

Unwilling to settle for subpar representation, Alyssa teamed up with her cofounder and Mum, Yvonne, to create Frobelles, the UK’s first Afro hair dress-up game. This wasn’t just a casual after-school project; Alyssa poured her heart and soul into the game, spending hours designing characters, hairstyles, textures, and clothes. She even lent her voice to every character, instruction, and expression, and had the brilliant idea to add an educational section to the game, providing valuable information on Afro hair care and maintenance.

With Yvonne’s guidance and their shared vision, Alyssa (now aged 11) is leaving an indelible mark on the gaming world, proving age is just a number when it comes to making a difference. Skinner expresses admiration for Alyssa’s motivation to break down barriers. “Frobelles is such an important and meaningful business,” she commends.

SHORTLISTED –  Abisola Bright (PolishPad)

While studying at Essex University, Abisola Bright decided to nail nail artistry. But instead of doing  manis and pedis, she found herself drowning in a sea of messages trying to manage her busy schedule. This experience laid the base coat idea for PolishPad, an all-in-one management tool for nail technicians.

In 2019, Bright  pitched her venture at the Essex Startups Summer Bootcamp, where her infectious passion and well-crafted pitch earned her a £200 investment (funded by Santander Universities) – the first step on her entrepreneurial journey.

Since then, Bright has secured investments from corporations like SKY & BEO, joined the prestigious Microsoft for Startups program, and even graced the stage as a panellist at Enterprise Nation’s Next Gen Fest to share her wisdom with aspiring young entrepreneurs.

Skinner praises PolishPad for its goal of polishing up the nail sector by addressing a challenge faced by underserved nail technicians and sole traders. “I love the community aspect – PolishPad has a really clear and effective product market fit,” she enthuses.

WINNER – Fussy

Fussy is a sustainable deodorant that is on a mission to ban single-use plastic from the bathroom so that both the planet and armpits don’t stink. It has claimed the marketing crown thanks to its purpose-driven marketing, as well as out-of-the-box campaigns. After a successful appearance on Dragons’ Den, Fussy collaborated with Deborah Meaden to compose a Christmas song, using armpit fart noises as instruments (we did say it was out-of-the box). 

Fussy claimed the top spot because of its daring approach. Following loud criticism of the carbon impact of its main rival, Unilever, the brand made headlines after it left an olive tree outside the Unilever HQ as an apology. The bold move established it as a challenger brand and has landed the great-smelling products in the aisles of Tesco, Wholefoods, and Ocado.

What did Finn Lagun have to say?

“The sheer daring to take on an organisation as big and powerful as Unilever – this could’ve gotten Fussy into deep waters, and that’s what growth hacking is all about. It has not only appeared on Dragon’s Den, but has also leveraged this thereafter in its marketing to great effect. I like to call this ‘brand piggybacking’ – when a smaller challenger brand aligns itself with a bigger partner to benefit from its wider halo effect.”

SHORTLISTED – Bold Bean Co

Bold Bean Co, an F&B brand that makes tasty premium-tasting bean jars, made the shortlist because of the effectiveness of its organic content and brand credentials. In an effort to change the way we view a staid category like beans, Bold Bean Co has focused on sharing what it coined ‘beanspo’, recipe video content that shares tasty ways to cook the product rather than investing in paid advertising. 

With over 70k followers across TikTok and Instagram, Bold Bean Co collaborates with chefs and content creators to share recipes with its budding bean community. This helps to build its brand awareness, while also giving customers added value. Winner winner, bean dinner.

What did Finn Lagun have to say?

“Bold Bean Co is an extremely fresh, vibrant and fun take on a previously downtrodden and underloved ingredient. It is Gen Z friendly and has strong social engagement – my compliments to Amelia and Ed for managing to make beans aspirational enough to register this way.” 

SHORTLISTED – JUBEL

Jubel is a challenger brand disrupting the drinks industry with its refreshing beer product that uniquely combines fruit cider with the seasonality of a crisp lager. 

Earlier this year, JUBEL launched its Where’s Wally campaign to celebrate being sold in over 500 Tescos – customers had to try and find the character Wally in stores to be in with a chance to win £5,000. The brand also made headlines after pulling an anti-Brew Dog stunt, wherein it encouraged rugby fans to chuck cans of BrewDog into a toilet.

Impressively, versus a beer industry average of 83% male consumers, 50% of JUBEL’s consumers are female; a testament to its efforts to position itself as a more diverse and inclusive beer product in a male-centric market.

What did Finn Lagun have to say?

“In a crowded market, it was thoughtful of the JUBEL team to take a step back to identify an untapped market within beer – female consumers. Identifying this gap in the market was an important step in creating space for early-stage awareness generation and cut through. It’s also great and daring to give BrewDog a taste of its own medicine: this could have backfired, given BrewDog’s propensity for confrontation!’

SHORTLISTED – PerfectTed

At first glance, PerfectTed is just another energy drink. But during competitor analysis, founder Marisa says she felt there were few options that appealed to her as a woman. Red Bull, Monster, and Rockstar, all appeared pretty hyper-masculine in their approach. Sensing that creating something that would resonate with more people and be more accessible, PerfectTed’s clever narrative hinges on creating an inclusive caffeinated drink for those with anxiety and ADHD – without the crashes and the jitters. 

Notable campaigns include the Hardest Geezer Meal Deal Challenge, in partnership with Russ Cook. Wanting to support his mission to be the first man to run the full length of Africa, the PerfectTed founders flew to Angola to meet Cook and give him the ‘ideal’ energetic meal deal complete with a PerfectTed can. 

What did Finn Lagun have to say?

Lagun praised how deploying creativity to create interesting, stand out branding can help generate intrigue around the brand, albeit with limited resources at the early stage. “It’s great to apply to Dragons’ Den and raise awareness in this way,” he adds. “We did the same at Pasta Evangelists!”

SHORTLISTED – THIS™

Establishing itself as a leader in the plant-based meat market, THIS™ has made our shortlist because of its guerilla marketing efforts that have seen it become the best known meat substitute on the market. Rather than focusing on sustainability and ethical messaging, the company places humour at the forefront, ensuring it is appealing to meat-eaters, not just preaching to nicher vegan audiences. 

To achieve this, THIS has performed a series of stunts, tricking over 7,000 people into thinking they are eating meat – from high-profile influencers to an entire Italian food show. It also ‘sponsored’ the town of Quorn in Leicestershire as a dig against their meat free rival Quorn, and released a bacon-scented perfume to horrify and intrigue consumers in equal amounts. 

What did Finn Lagun have to say?

“THIS has done a great job of its overall marketing,” Lagun notes. He commends the brand for adopting a disruptive brand tone in its messaging.

WINNER – Mr Bug

80% of the planet embraces insect protein, consuming over 2,000 species in total, but Westerners still grimace at the idea of eating a crunchy critter for breakfast. Mr. Bug is changing that, by bringing the UK’s first mealworm farm to market. 

Wisely judging that people might not be ready to eat Jiminy Cricket yet, co-founders Conal Cunningham and Paul Walton have focused their initial product development on dog treats. Just one year in, Mr Bug has already secured a significant £270k Innovate UK grant and won an array of prestigious awards including the Global Good Product of the Year. 

Mr Bug has bolder ambitions, however. Confirming the South West’s status as a hotbed for sustainable talent, its ultimate goal is reducing the UK’s dependence on meat. As Cunningham explains, “mealworms are jam-packed with protein, calcium, B12, iron, and all nine essential amino acids!” Now that’s a tasty statistic to swallow.

What did Liz Barclay have to say? 

“Mr Bug is tapping into what will be a growing need, taking the risk as an early adopter and innovating, while demonstrating one practical solution and shifting public opinion and human behaviour,” Barclay appraises.

“Innovative, growing impressively and demonstrating the potential to play an important part in resolving impending food supply insecurity exacerbated by climate change. What is starting fairly small here could have huge potential around the globe.”

SHORTLISTED –  Athena AI

While managing his previous venture, the grocery app Grocemania, Askar Bulegenov, kept experiencing a repeat pain point: customers using multiple sales channels to enquire about the same order. Frustrated with the communication issues this created, he and cofounder Artem Shitov designed Athena, a platform that consolidates inbound communications into a single business interface. 

Even ChatGPT couldn’t have written a better growth story for Athena. After generating over £1,400 in sales, Bulegenov and Shitov became convinced of the platform’s potential, and it launched officially in May 2023. In just over six months, the platform has expanded to a team of 12, secured trials with 200 customers, and been accepted onto the Google AI Accelerator.

What did Liz Barclay have to say? 

“Customer care has been dire in many sectors since the pandemic,” Barclay states. “The market is ripe for innovative solutions that help firms rebuild their reputation for great customer experience in the face of skills shortages. Athena feels as if it could be innovative and disruptive.”

SHORTLISTED – Story Locker

From the name alone, you won’t be surprised to learn that Story Locker boasts an inspiring and emotional origin story. Founder Dhilon Solanki’s Mum passed away at the age of just 50. His son, who had never met his Grandma, started to ask lots of questions about who she was. Wanting to give him more than just VHS tapes and photos, Solanki asked his Dad to record a podcast about her life. That’s when he decided to start Story Locker – the world’s first Paa (Podcast-as-a-Service) business model.

All while balancing a full-time job, Solanki has managed to create a customer proposition and market viable products using his life savings. He launched the ‘record from home’ personal podcast platform earlier this year, and has already locked in a number of partnerships with premium services for life’s biggest events including W Uden & Sons funeral services, RNIB, Hitched, and Guides for Brides.

What did Liz Barclay have to say? 

Taking to the podium, Barclay praises Story Locker for “tapping into an existing trend and adding a layer of purpose in a very crowded podcast market. Human stories play an important role in the gathering of social as well as family history. Story Locker’s potential for growth is huge, probably without the need for huge amounts of funding.”

 SHORTLISTED – Magic AI

We all know that smashing a mirror brings seven years of bad luck. But what about using a mirror to become a smashing success? That has brought only good luck to Magic AI, the AI-powered smart mirror that acts as a personal trainer without the public gym congestion and high prices. 

Magic’s vision has already earned the brand immense accolades since its launch last year. Key milestones include raising £2m, and collaborating with some of Britain’s leading athletes including football legend Jesse Lingard. Cofounder Varun Bhanot is also making his mark in its push to diversify AI. He was invited to 10 Downing Street to advise the PM on encouraging more ethnic minority youths to build AI. 

What did Liz Barclay have to say? 

“Innovative and impressive in terms of funding, Magic feels like the next step up from Peloton,” Barclay summises. “It takes the intimidation out of the workout, disrupts the gym market further and brings the possibility of better health and fitness at home. Investors seem to be impressed and the use of celebrity sport gurus is inspired.”

SHORTLISTED – Ujamaa Spice

Image credit: MAVERICK PHOTO AGENCY

Ujamaa Spice is a mission-driven company that is addressing one of the biggest gaps in UK fair trade supply chains: spices. Founded by Jawahir Al-Mauly in 2022, Ujamaa aims to address the rise in spice exploitation by crime gangs by supporting women farmers in Zanzibar (known as the ‘Spice Islands’).

The company sources its produce from turmeric farms run by its own women’s cooperative. Farmers get training, resources, and a fair market price for crops, while buyers get flavourful and ethically-sourced spices for their kitchen cupboards. 

Ujamaa has already cooked up a storm in the F&B industry. It won the Impact award in Edinburgh’s 2023 Inspire Launch Grow awards and became a Great Taste Award winner. It has also started how it means to go on, and is targeting becoming B Corp next year. 

What did Liz Barclay have to say? 

Barclay expresses admiration for Ujamaa’s straightforward mission-backed focus and progress towards promoting industry change. “Ujamaa demonstrates clear emphasis on purpose and ethical business practices,” she says. “Helping to uplift women farmers will make a big difference to families, education and poverty. Purposeful and empowering and with the potential to grow.”

WINNER – Seep

Laura, an eco-conscious shopper, was horrified to discover that while her local supermarket was brimming with eco-friendly options, the cleaning aisle was stuck in a plastic time warp. Determined to clean up this mess, Laura founded Seep, the UK’s first-ever plastic-free cleaning accessory company selling biodegradable sponges, cloths, and brushes.

Forbes requested impressive stats from every Startups 100 entrant, and Seep didn’t disappoint. Their 2022 impact report revealed that their compostable products have diverted over 19,000 tonnes of waste from landfills, keeping the planet cleaner and greener.

Seep’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond just their products. They’ve partnered with ON A MISSION, a non-profit organisation dedicated to reforestation, to help fund the planting of 626,700 trees, creating a cleaner, greener future.

At the same time, after 12 months of rigorous preparation and assessment, Seep became the first B Corp-certified cleaning accessories business. Not only that, it ranked in the top 5% of all B Corp members, giving it Best for the World (BFTW) status for environmental impact. Now, it’s cleaned up at the Startups 100, and can add a Sustainability trophy to its case!

What did Chris Forbes have to say? 

“Despite a small team the numbers are phenomenal,” Forbes assesses. “Seep also has a very high B Corp score which underlines it’s not just a tall tale, but truly impactful.

“Seep has also demonstrated a huge amount of measurable impact on limited capital injection, delivering significant revenues,” Forbes enthuses. “This is a perfect example of a great sustainable story, and a great business.”

SHORTLISTED –  Canopey

Inspired by Amazon – and yet very, very different – Canopey is the sustainable marketplace that puts all the world’s verified, sustainable products (including our winner, Seep) in one, easy-to-find place.

Canopey’s USP is its carbon calculator, where shoppers can see their sustainable impact instantly. By the time of its launch in September 2023, Canopey’s community of 8,500 had saved over 520kg of plastic waste and 160,000 litres of water – and planted more than 12,500 trees, covering the equivalent of nearly four and a half football pitches.

Part of Techstars’ Sustainability Paris accelerator, and having recently received an Innovate UK grant, Canopey next plans to build out its educational platform features, and zero in on planned campaigns with major environmental charities.

As a self-professed “big fan of people reporting big numbers of carbon and waste savings,” Forbes expresses a liking for “the ambition on Canopey’s marketplace project”.

SHORTLISTED –  Jude

Feminine hygiene products are some of the worst contributors to the global plastic pollution crisis. In an industry that’s built on disposability, Jude is a disruptive force.

Alongside its main bladder supplement product line, the company also sells liners and pads – every layer of which is made using the sustainable plant-based material, bamboo. Its wrappers are made from corn starch and are 100% degradable within 100 days, while its recyclable boxes are made from wood pulp and use 50% less glue than rival products.

Jude’s commitment to sustainability extends to their manufacturing process as well. Its supply chain is powered by 80% solar energy, while production uses 20% less water. And despite these eco-conscious practices, Jude remains affordable, with a box of 120 liners costing just £13.75 per month.

Forbes particularly singles Jude out for the firm’s superfast growth. “I was impressed with Jude’s strong traction in the market”, he notes, “combined with impressive fundraising and building a team quickly. Great products too.”

SHORTLISTED –  Renais Spirits

In the world of premium spirits, innovation can be rare. But Alex Watson (a drinks industry veteran) and his sister Emma Watson (an actress and environmental activist) decided the sector was ripe for change. Together, they founded Renais Spirits, the gin brand that’s not just delicious, but also deeply committed to sustainability.

The heart of Renais Gin lies in its unique ingredient of upcycled French pressed wine grape skins. These skins, once destined for the discard pile or animal feed, are now transformed into the gin’s base spirit, giving it a distinctive flavour profile.

Renais has also partnered with Mushroom® Packaging for its plastic-alternative packaging that breaks down naturally at home in under 50 days. And if that wasn’t enough, Renais is proudly carbon neutral, having offset a whopping 176,620 KG of carbon through the accredited ClimatePartner program.

Forbes gives points to Renais Spirits for its “impressive raising of capital and clear ambitions. The use of mushroom packaging is a clever idea.”

SHORTLISTED –  UNDO Carbon

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) says we need to remove 10 billion tonnes of CO₂ from the atmosphere every year by 2050 to keep our planet habitable. That’s a daunting task, but one that Jim Mann, founder of UNDO Carbon, is determined to tackle head-on.

UNDO’s weapon of choice? Rocks. Enhanced rock weathering technology, to be precise. This nature-based carbon removal solution harnesses the power of minerals to permanently lock away CO₂ from the atmosphere.

In 2021, UNDO partnered with Stripe Climate to pilot its groundbreaking technology. Since then, UNDO has made significant progress. Having so far spread over 140,000 tonnes of silicate rock on more than 200 farms, capturing over 35,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide in the process, it is laying the foundation for a more sustainable future; one rock at a time.

Forbes was intrigued by UNDO’s application of rock weathering as an emergent sustainable technology. “This is a very interesting business that has scaled very quickly,” he praises.