2. YPlan

Founders: Rytis Vitkauskas and Viktoras Jucikas
Founded: February 2012 (launched November 2012)
Website: www.yplanapp.com

Created with the aim to “radically change the way people go out and enjoy their city”, YPlan; the “world’s first mobile ticketing app”, has gone from strength to strength since featuring in the Startups 100 2013. Launched by Growing Business Young Guns Rytis Vitkauskas and Viktoras Jucikas, the company enables users to browse curated shortlists of last minute events on their Android or iOS smartphone, and purchase discounted tickets within two taps. It’s this unique offering which has seen it raise $13.7m funding from leading venture capital firms and business angels, build a team of 50 employees and secure backing from high-profile personalities such as Pharrell Williams (pictured), Ashton Kutcher and Stephen Fry.

Beating 28 finalists to win the title of Simply Business Startups Business of the Year at the Startups Awards 2013 and one of Forbes magazine’s “7 hottest start-ups of 2013”, YPlan has swiftly positioned itself at the top spot of an industry worth $50bn. Over the last year, the business has gone global; having opened offices in New York, San Francisco and most recently Las Vegas. With 90% of its app reviews rated five stars on the ITunes App store; YPlan is quickly becoming a household name and firmly deserves its illustrious second place position.