James Hind, Alexandra Margolis and David Santoro: carwow

James Hind, Alexandra Margolis and David Santoro, 28, 28 and 32
Company: carwow
Web: www.carwow.co.uk

Buying a new car can be a veritable minefield of hassling, haggling and hidden costs – when all the consumer wants to know is that they’re getting a good deal.

After a brief stint as a car review site, James Hind, Alexandra Margolis and David Santoro realised their online platform could better serve consumers as a new car comparison site. carwow compares deals from rated and approved dealerships, allowing users to select everything from colour to engine and price to see the most competitive offers in their local area. The site is free for customers – and the platform manages all communication between dealers and customers to avoid consumers being hounded by sales calls – with carwow charging the dealership for every sale completed through the platform.

Launched just two years ago and listed at 19 in our prestigious Startups 100, the Holborn-based business is currently projecting a staggering £5m turnover, and claims to be completely unique in Europe. Having helped 15,000 new car buyers to date, and backed by nearly £6m in venture capital and angel funding, carwow looks set to become the go to place for new car buyers in the UK market.