Innovative Business of the Year 2015

Start-up name: Purplebricks.com
Founders: Michael and Kenny Bruce
Started in: 2014
Based in: London
Business description: Online estate agency

Having already bagged the top spot in our Startups 100 2015 index, the disruptive proptech (property tech) firm’s comprehensive digital solution saw it crowned Innovative Business of the Year at the 2015 Startups Awards.

One of the latest in a line of start-ups aiming to take the hassle out of buying and selling property, Purplebricks’ 24/7 online estate agency enables customers to do everything from arranging viewings to agreeing on offers or sales from any internet enabled device, at anytime, anywhere in the world.

Founded by brothers, and property industry veterans, Michael and Kenny Bruce, Purplebricks has shunned the traditional commission-based business model and claims to save customers an average of £9,000 by instead charging a flat fee of £655 + VAT.

With 70% of its activity taking place when local estate agents are closed, it’s not hard to see how the company has already managed to take over 61% of the national online housing market and 34% in London.

Competing against the likes of third-placed CommuterClub, last year’s Service Business of the Year, as well as runner-up and three-time Startups 100 listed Eyetease, the mobile digital advertiser – the business was in illustrious company.

The list of Innovative Business of the Year finalists also included environmental and ecological solutions company Ebsford Environmental, Internet of Things kettle brand Smarter, and IT monitoring service Dataloop.