13. Flubit

Founders: Bertie Stephens and Adel Louertatani
Founded: March 2011 (launched September 2012)
Website: www.flubit.com

Flubit was only launched in September 2012 but is already delivering on its promise to give consumers a brand new, and cheaper, way to shop online via its relationship with 200 retailers and merchants (with plans to double this to 400 within the year). Founding duo Bertie Stephens and Adel Louertatani used an initial private equity investment of £50,000 to create a sophisticated technology-heavy marketplace which allows users to specify products they hope to purchase and quickly receive a unique best possible offer. The promise of cheaper prices than can be found online anywhere else got consumers talking, and although the site had only recently launched, Christmas 2012 demonstrated the business’ potential through massive growth via word of mouth. Since then the firm has grown to employ 30 people, won the London Web Summit European Start Up Award, and secured a further $2.8m funding from private and angel investors to drive expansion. With a predicted turnover of £3m for 2013, you’ll certainly be hearing more of this unusually named start-up.