Best Startup
2020 was not a year that many will forget in a hurry. It was, for most, a year that saw businesses of all shapes and sizes navigating through a unique set of challenges. Yet, in the midst of it all, a wave of innovative startups was born across the UK. Now, as we thread into a new era of resilience and entrepreneurial spirit, we shine a spotlight on some of the trailblazing companies that have commenced operations in the communities industry since 2020 and are based in London. These startups are building community-focused solutions, addressing diverse needs, and leading the way in their respective industries.
From platforms designed to empower local businesses and projects, to those facilitating peer-to-peer networking or educating women about technology, these startups offer a myriad of community-centered solutions and services. Their innovative approach, coupled with the passionate drive of their founding teams, helps London maintain a vibrant, diverse, and progressive startup ecosystem. Let’s delve deeper and explore these pioneering ventures.
Odin
Odin was founded by Dom Bowcock, Mary Lin, and Patrick Ryan in London. The company operates in the Communities, Financial Services, and Venture Capital sectors. With its mission Web: Odin. Twitter: @joinodin. Linkedin: Odin.
Pilgrimist
Based in London, Pilgrimist is a startup operating in the Communities, Information Technology, Software, and Travel sectors. With its aim to enhance community connections and travel experiences, the company presents a promising solution. Web: Pilgrimist. Twitter: @pilgrimistworld. Linkedin: Pilgrimist.
ITS ITALY
ITS ITALY is a London-based startup operating in the Communities, Crowdfunding, Finance, and Financial Services sectors. Offering support to local businesses and projects within local communities, it uses its crowdfunding platform for investible projects. Twitter: @ITSforItaly. Linkedin: ITS ITALY.
Happl
Happl, founded by Ben Towers and Michael Rose, operates in London, within the B2B, Communities, and Wellness sectors. They aim to make Happl the leading People Experience platform, with a focus on employee engagement and support. Web: Happl. Twitter: @joinHappl. Linkedin: Happl.
Findstack
Established by Axel Grubba, London-based Findstack operates in the Communities, Consumer Reviews, Internet, and Software sectors. Web: Findstack. Twitter: @findstack. Facebook: Findstack. Linkedin: Findstack.
Browniemall
Based in East London, South Africa with London connections, Browniemall operates in the Communities, E-Commerce, Internet, and Lifestyle sectors. It aims to connect black-owned businesses with customers interested in supporting black businesses and products. Web: Browniemall. Twitter: @browniemall. Facebook: Browniemall. Linkedin: Browniemall.
100ASA
London based 100ASA, a photo-sharing startup established by Andrea Turri and Massimiliano Peluso, operates in the Communities, Content, Internet, Photo Sharing, Photography, and Social Media sectors. On this platform, community-curated photos get to shine. Web: 100ASA. Facebook: 100ASA. Linkedin: 100ASA.
Women in CX
Founded by Clare Muscutt in London, Women in CX targets the Communities and Women’s segments. They aim to foster a new approach to career pathway development for women, with a focus on community co-design and ownership that is both enriching and scalable. Web: Women in CX. Twitter: @claremuscutt. Facebook: Women in CX. Linkedin: Women in CX.
The Portfolio Collective
The Portfolio Collective established in London by Ben Legg, Fiona Chorlton-Voong, Jesus Iniesta, and Mike Bank, is a promising startup in the Collaboration, Communities, Employment, Professional Networking, Training, and Virtual Workforce sectors. The startup combines facets of LinkedIn, Upwork, and On Deck to become a ‘home base’ for portfolio professionals. Web: The Portfolio Collective. Twitter: @ThePortfolioCo_. Facebook: The Portfolio Collective. Linkedin: The Portfolio Collective.
Voco
Co-founded by Katie Thompson and Simon Dennett, London-based Voco operates in the Communities, Human Resources, Internet, Peer to Peer, and Professional Networking sectors. Voco leverages data-driven matchmaking and behavioral psychology to create powerful thinking partnerships between peers. Web: Voco. Linkedin: Voco.
BIBAOrg.io
BIBAOrg.io, founded by Siddhi Trivedi in London, is a startup in the Communities, Education, and Information Technology industries. With a mission to change the way girls and women think about technology, it is a promising addition to the ecosystem. Web: BIBAOrg.io. Twitter: @Bibaorg. Linkedin: BIBAOrg.io.
These companies represent the future of the communities industry. Despite their freshness in the business scene, their contributions have already begun to make waves within their respective fields and beyond. They are the testament to London’s undying spirit of entrepreneurship.
