Who Are The UK’s Most Valuable Startups?

The UK is home to some incredible startups. In fact, it’s Europe’s unicorn leader, boasting an impressive 67 unicorns according to Failory…though it is worth noting that the number changes all the time.

But which UK startups are the most valuable? What exactly is a unicorn? And how do companies become one?

 

What Exactly Is A Startup Unicorn?

 

A unicorn is a privately held startup that is valued at $1 billion or more. The term was used as it shows just how rare this phenomenon actually is.

However, as startups have continued to scale and grow, the term ‘unicorn’ has evolved even more, with new classifications coming to the surface. These include:

Dedacorns: valued at $10 billion+

Hectocorns: valued at $100 billion+

ZIRPicorns: companies that achieved unicorn status during during the zero-interest-rate period (ZIRP) of 2021 but have not closed any new rounds since.

Soonicorns: companies that are on track to become unicorns soon.

 

Where Are Most Of The UK’s Unicorns?

 

According to Beauhurst, 74% of all UK unicorns are headquartered in London.

And when it comes to fintech specifically, the Capital is home to all but one of the country’s fintech unicorns, with OakNorth being the only fintech unicorn hailing from the North West.

Beyond London, hubs like Bristol, Manchester, Edinburgh and Aberdeen are also homes to some of the country’s unicorns.

 

 

Who Are Some Of The UK’s Most Valuable Startups?

 

According to Failory, the following startups are some of the UK’s most valuable.

 

Revolut

 

 

Valuation: $75 billion

Founded in: 2015

Sector: Fintech – focusing on everything from banking to transfers, foreign exchange and tracking spending habits.

 

Checkout.com

 

 

Valuation: $40 billion

Founded in: 2012

Sector: Fintech – a global payment processing platform, allowing companies to accept payments in over 150 currencies.

 

FNZ

 

 

Valuation: $20 billion

Founded in: 2004

Sector: Finance – a wealth management platform that allows financial services companies to provide personalised recommendations and services to their clients.

 

The Access Group

 

Valuation: $12 billion

Founded in: 1991

Sector: Accounting – The Access Group has created cloud computing software for a range of sectors. It helps companies manage everything in one place, including accounting, information and finance.

 

Octopus Energy Group

 

 

Valuation: $9 billion

Founded in: 2015

Sector: Energy – Octopus is quickly becoming one of the leading energy suppliers in the UK, supplying renewable gas and energy to millions.

 

Rapyd

 

 

Valuation: $8.75 billion

Founded in: 2016

Sector: Fintech – Rapyd is a payments platform that can be used in any app, helping businesses collect payments and make payouts all around the world through a single platform.

 

SumUp

 

 

Valuation: $8.5 billion

Founded in: 2011

Sector: Fintech – SumUp is a point of sale company that allows businesses to accept payments on the go. Their card readers are well known and widely used by small businesses.

 

THG Ingenuity

 

 

Valuation: $8 billion

Founded in: 2004

Sector: e-Commerce – THG Ingenuity is a SaaS company that handles everything from building online stores, to fulfilment and digital marketing.

 

Blockchain.com

 

 

Valuation: $7 billion

Founded in: 2011

Sector: Cryptocurrency – Blockchain.com is a platform that allows people to hold their digital assets in a secure place. It allows users to store and trade cryptocurrencies and other digital assets.

 

Constellation Automotive Group

 

 

Valuation: $7 billion

Founded in: 2019

Sector: Automotive – Constellation Automotive Group has created a second hand car marketplace for cars across Europe. Their portfolio includes well known companies like BCA and WeBuyAnyCar.