68. Ride25

Founders: John Readman and Rob Hamilton
Founded: January 2014 (launched April 2014)
Website: www.ride25.com

There is no denying that the cycling industry has become a predominant sector in the start-up world as innovations in technology and a growing number of UK cyclists have inspired a range of bike inspired businesses. Bike tour operator Ride25 has utilised this quickly expanding marketplace – as well as the thousands of British adventure seekers – by making around the world bike trips accessible to people regardless of time and experience. The company offers flexibility in how you complete your tour with a choice to stagger the whole trip over 25 years – meaning you don’t have to quit your job or train like a Tour de France athlete to get the opportunity to see the world from your bike seat.

The business, which was conceived at an annual international charity cycle, has proved to be a huge hit for Young Gun Rob Hamilton and co-founder John Readman. Signing Google as one of their first corporate clients, the duo and their bike tours have garnered attention in the media and political world, featuring in national publications including The Telegraph and The Times, and meeting the Prime Minster, David Cameron, for “a quick cup of tea and a chat about cycling!”

Moreover, Ride25, which currently has 13 charity partners and donates £20 per trip booked towards getting a bike to Africa, has signed up a 1,000 cyclists for rides in 2015 – a number which they plan to double over the next 12 months.