London start-ups catching the eye across Europe
London is one of Europe’s most vital hubs for technological growth, as shown by the capital’s strong representation in a list of the continent’s hottest start-up companies.
Technology magazine Wired has published the list and says that London could rival Silicon Valley in the future.
The region in America is brimming with successful start-ups but it appears that the UK, and the capital especially, is starting to play catch-up.
Wired’s Top 100 list includes many British companies and included ten from the capital that are creating “the greatest buzz”.
Android keyboard Swiftkey and same-day delivery service Shutl make the list, as does direct debit processor GoCardless.
Also there are 3D printed toy company MakieLab, the black cap application Hailo and the overseas money transfer service TransferWise.
It’s not just technology firms that make the list though, as health snack service Graze also featured, as did business information service DueDil.
The list goes on to highlight the large number of businesses that are finding success in the capital, while it suggests a bright future for many. All of which indicates why more and more companies are turning to London as they search for success in the business sphere.
TransferWise’s chief executive Taavet Hinrikus said: “Seeing a list like this goes to show that London is far from a second rate technology hub - these guys are all experiencing incredible growth and attracting big funds from some of the world’s biggest and best investors.”
SwiftKey co-founder Ben Medlock added: “It’s great to be endorsed in this way by a magazine renowned for its emphasis on innovation - a value we put at the heart of all we do. This recognition is testament to the creativity and hard work of our growing team.”
Andrew Hunter, co-founder of job search engine Adzuna, another company on the list said he was thrilled his company was part of what he described as “London’s booming tech scene”.
The majority of companies on the list are technological but many other sectors are also covered, showing the range of solutions that British companies are successfully implementing.
Despite economic pressures, these businesses have clear plans for the future and are enjoying the many benefits that planning ahead brings.
By Phil Smith