The Future Fifty 7.0: 24 UK Start‑ups on the Fast‑Track to Global Fame
Tech Nation has just unveiled its 2019 cohort for the Future Fifty programme – a hand‑picked group of 24 late‑stage ventures that are already rocking their markets and looking up the horizon for worldwide expansion. The lineup is a no‑frills mix of fintech, hardware, cyber‑security, and a splash of data science, marketing tech, and health care. These are the companies that, if you’re lucky, will soon become household names across the globe.
What the Future Fifty Programme Gives Them
- Top‑Tier Mentorship – Access to the world’s leading experts and a peer network that’s as supportive as it is competitive.
- Custom Masterclasses – A curriculum that lifts each business to the next level of growth.
- Polite “Government” Hand‑shakes – Direct contact with senior decision‑makers, perfect for those look‑alike lobbying missions.
- Visa Support – A dedicated Tech Nation visa team that makes Tier 1 applications feel like a walk in the park.
Since its launch in 2013, the Future Fifty programme has built an alumni network of over 100 companies – from Deliveroo and Farfetch to Skyscanner, Made.com, and Shazam. The track record speaks for itself: 127 businesses have gone through the programme, 29 M&A deals, 9 public listings, and a staggering $8 bn raised in VC and capital markets (up from a mere $199 m in 2013 to $2.5 bn last year).
Who’s in the 2019 Lineup?
Fintech – 10 stars:
- Aire, Blockchain, Currencycloud, MarketInvoice, Monzo Bank, Nested, Quantexa, Starling Bank, Revolut, Salary Finance
Data Analytics – Behavox
Ecommerce and Marketplaces – Bizuma
Hardware & IoT – Bulb Energy, M Squared Lasers, Reach Robotics
Digital Entertainment – Culture Trip, Mediatonic
Software as a Service – Ensek, Kimble Applications
Cyber‑Security – Garrison Technology
Biotech & Healthcare – Ieso Digital Health
Ad‑Tech & Marketing – GlobalWebIndex
Enterprise Software – Perkbox, StarLeaf
Backed by the Big Guys
- Barclays – Operational banking, capital, funding, and exit support.
- Macfarlanes – Legal nudge‑caresses for IPOs, international expansion, and regulation.
What the Leaders Are Saying
“The UK has a fantastic track record of producing globally successful tech companies. I’m pleased to see another diverse and impressive group in this year’s program.” – Jeremy Wright, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
London’s tech scene is world‑leading, but we’re also strengthening other cities. The Future Fifty programme plays a key role in ensuring sustained success.” – Peter Estlin, Lord Mayor of the City of London
“These companies are at a point where rapid scaling is not just inevitable, it’s essential. Our network will help them deliver on that potential.” – Parveen Dhanda, Programme Lead, Tech Nation
One‑liner Praise From the Cohort
- Anne Boden (Starling Bank): “Banking is changing fast – we’re disrupting the old order and pushing for better, more responsive services.”
- Silas Adekunie (Reach Robotics): “We’ve turned cutting‑edge robotics into an everyday experience, and Future Fifty will help us go global.”
- Dr Nigel Pitchford (Ieso Digital Health): “Being part of Future Fifty affirms what we’ve built so far.”
- Jon Slade (ENSEK): “Recognition from this cohort sends a strong message of our commitment to innovation.”
- Dr Graeme Malcolm (M Squared): “We’re on the front line of photonic and quantum tech – the programme will help us reach society’s biggest challenges.”
- Mark Loney (StarLeaf): “We’re transforming the meeting‑room experience worldwide, and Future Fifty will sustain that growth.”
Why It Matters for the UK
The future of the UK tech economy is bright – another year saw $7.9 bn in VC funds pour in, year‑closing the gap with the US for venture‑backed exits. The UK now accounts for 1.8 times the VC capital invested in France and 1.6 times that in Germany. Over five years this has made our country the biggest source of successful exits in Europe, with $119 bn in combined sales and IPOs.
Future Fifty 7.0 mirrors this trend, with fintech leading the charge (10 out of 24). The roster also showcases Diversity: five new companies are head‑quartered in regional hubs – Cambridge, Bristol, Glasgow, Nottingham, and Watford – proving that innovation is nationwide, not just London‑centric.
In short, these startups are the engines that drive the UK’s digital future. The Programme equips them with the tools, mentors, and resources to turn local triumphs into global achievements. Stay tuned – if you’re looking to follow where the next wave of tech giants will rise, this cohort is a must‑watch.
