Best Startup
At Best Startup UK we track over 130,000 UK startups and over 500,000 people who hold key positions in these companies. We use this directory of startups to highlight top employees, founders and board members we think deserve more appreciation than they are currently getting.
This list showcases the top United Kingdom based Founder operating in the Innovation Management space. If you think a Founder is missing from this list, feel free to contact our editor on editor@beststartup.co.uk.
The individuals on this list have been included because of exceptional performance in one of the following categories:
- Innovation – Operating as a key part in an extremely innovative business or startup.
- Growth – Operating as a key figure in the growth and upscale of a market leading business or startup.
- Management – Showing exceptional management skills.
- Societal impact – Putting their business on the map for their positive societal or environmental impact.
Our Data – We source our data from OSINT (open source intelligence) and public directories such as Companies House UK, Crunchbase, SemRush and many more. The data from these sources should be treated with a degree of caution and verified yourself.
Stuart Marks
Founder and Chairman of L Marks
Stuart Marks is a successful entrepreneur who has built and sold four businesses over the past 25 years. They have spanned several sectors including CRM, location-based services and digital media. Every company applied innovation to challenge existing business models. Stuart has worked with a diverse and international customer-base including Sainsbury’s, British Airways, Unilever, Vodafone, BMW and various government agencies across the world. His previous company, ITIS Holdings plc, was listed on the London Stock Exchange and was Europe’s leading provider of real-time traffic information and connected car technology. The first company to commercialize crowdsourced data from GPS devices and mobile phone networks, Stuart sold the firm in 2011 to Washington-based INRIX before going on to establish L Marks to invest in the entrepreneurs of tomorrow.
Follow Stuart Marks:
About a2om international, L Marks: L Marks is the trusted partner for global businesses, powering corporate innovation and fuelling growth
_______
Nick Hynes
CEO & Founder of Somo
A true business visionary, Nick has established some of the most successful fast-growth digital companies of the last two decades. In recognition of his contribution to the digital industry, he was recently shortlisted as one of the top 20 most influential and inspirational Britons in the BIMA Digital Hall of Fame. Nick founded Somo in 2009 with Carl Uminski to help companies make sense of the huge opportunities and the disruptive potential of mobile technology. In his role as CEO, Nick defines the overall strategy, has recruited the team, and shaped the culture of Somo, establishing corporate-scale governance in this rapid-growth business. Nick was formerly CEO and owner of The IMW Group, comprising search marketing agency, The Search Works, and digital tech business, The Technology Works. He launched operations across Asia, with offices in Tokyo and Seoul, and established The Search Works as Europe’s largest search agency, before the group was acquired by TradeDoubler AB in 2007 for $112 million. Before that, Nick was founder, CEO and President of Overture Europe. Here he launched the paid search industry in Europe, building Overture from a start up to an established billion dollar business across 16 countries, in just 30 months. Acquiring AltaVista FAST Technology Search along the way, Overture secured exclusive, multi-year distribution deals with every premium portal and ISP in Europe. The company was sold for $1.63 billion to Yahoo! in 2003 and became Yahoo! Search Marketing. In his early career, Nick created the electronic points system for Air Miles, transforming a struggling paper voucher business into a $62 million per annum profitable business in four years. Nick developed and implemented Air Miles loyalty schemes across NatWest, BT and Vodafone (building their first customer database). He also introduced the world’s first national Smart Card programme for Shell, and the ‘Reward’ loyalty scheme for Sainsbury’s. Nick’s career began as a fast-track graduate at British Airways, where he led a number of global initiatives. Appointed as BA’s youngest senior manager at the age of 29, he was sponsored by the airline to complete an MBA at the University of Bath in 1992.
Follow Nick Hynes:
About : Somo, part of the CI&T family (NYSE: CINT), is a leading digital product agency, delivering digital ambitions at pace and scale.
Carl Uminski
COO & Co- Founder of Somo
Carl is an internet industry pioneer with over 16 years’ experience creating new products, platforms and executing scalable growth strategies for businesses across the globe. Carl’s impact on the mobile industry was recently acknowledged by The Drum, who named him the most influential person in mobile.As COO & Co-Founder, Carl takes hands on leadership for the delivery of all Somo’s products and advertising businesses, splitting his time between our international offices. Carl has a unique knowledge of the mobile industry ranging from technical challenges to the commercial opportunities for brands to succeed in mobile. He has advised and executed for over 60 international brands on their mobile strategy, working with the leaders of companies including Audi, Groupon, Zynga, Fidelity Investments & BP. Prior to founding Somo, Carl was co-founder at Overture Europe, the company to pioneer the multi-billion dollar pay-per-click advertising industry into Europe. As CTO, he was integral in leading the business to success in 15 European countries, and its eventual sale to Yahoo! for $1.63 billion in 2003. A leader in search and social networking, he was headhunted to the Silicon Valley, where he created the Yahoo! One Search mobile platform, working with some of the world’s largest mobile brands. Previously, Carl was responsible for running real-time systems such as aircraft parking, flight information and security at seven British airports including London’s Heathrow Airport.
Follow Carl Uminski:
About : Somo, part of the CI&T family (NYSE: CINT), is a leading digital product agency, delivering digital ambitions at pace and scale.
Rusty Johnson
Co-Founder & CTO of SharpCloud Software
Follow Rusty Johnson:
About SharpCloud Software: Data visualization software that transforms business data into engaging visual stories, helping you make smarter strategic decisions.
Faisal Butt
Founder, CEO & Chairman of Pi Labs
Faisal is CEO, Founder and Chairman of Pi Labs Ltd. Faisal founded Pi Labs Ltd in 2015, after leading the first round of investments in PropTech start-ups Hubble and Trussle as an individual investor. Faisal and his team have built a portfolio of 50 PropTech companies across UK and Europe, making Pi Labs one of the most active investors in PropTech start-ups globally.
Follow Faisal Butt:
About Pi Labs, Spire Ventures: Europe’s first and most active VC firm investing in early-stage proptech entrepreneurs.
Cassandra Harris
Founder of Venturespring
Founder at Venturespring
Follow Cassandra Harris:
About Venturespring: A digital transformation firm and early growth venture capital fund that match makes corporates with game changing startups.
Charles Sermon
General Counsel & Co-Founder of Mereo Biopharma
Charles is Mereo Biopharma’s General Counsel, Company Secretary and a co-founder. He has over 20 years’ experience in corporate law and biopharmaceuticals. He started his career as a corporate lawyer at Freshfields before joining Nomura as an Associate Director in 1998 where he worked for Nomura’s life science investment team investing globally in biotechnology companies. Charles was part of Phase4 Partners’ MBO from Nomura in 2010. Charles has an LLB (Hons) from Hull University. Charles is a Board Member of Phase4 Partners and a Member of the Mayor of London Enterprise Panel’s Digital Creative, Science and Technology Working Group. Prior to Nomura Charles was a corporate lawyer in London with Freshfields. Charles holds a LLB (Hons) from the University of Hull and a Diploma in Company Direction from the Institute of Directors.
Follow Charles Sermon:
About Mereo Biopharma: Mereo is a new UK-based speciality biopharmaceutical company.
Alastair MacKinnon
CMO and Co-Founder of Mereo Biopharma
Alastair joined the team in 2005. He serves as Board Observer for Albireo and Chroma. Further to these he has been actively involved in the investments in OncoMed (OMED), Proteolix and Nabriva. Prior to joining, Alastair was a practising physician, with a breadth of experience across cardiovascular and oncology surgery and intensive care. He holds a Physiology BSc (Hons) and MBBS from King’s College London, is a Member of the Royal College of Surgeons (Ed) and hold s a Diploma in Corporate Finance from the London Business School.
Follow Alastair MacKinnon:
About Mereo Biopharma: Mereo is a new UK-based speciality biopharmaceutical company.
Simon Hill
CEO & Founder of Wazoku
Simon Hill is the CEO of Wazoku.
Follow Simon Hill:
About InnoCentive, INSEAD, The Future Shaping Media Company Limited, Wazoku: An Enterprise Innovation Platform comprising: Idea Management, Open Innovation Marketplace, Innovation Consulting, Portfolio Management
Mark Perera
Founder & CEO of Vizibl
CEO of Old St Labs / Founder of Procurement Leaders
Follow Mark Perera:
About Procurement Leaders, Sigaria, Vizibl: Vizibl is a global cloud platform that enables enterprise companies to manage their innovation lifecycle.
Alex Short
Founder of Vizibl
Follow Alex Short:
About Vizibl: Vizibl’s application puts collaboration, innovation and sustainability at the heart of supplier relationships. Their best in class digital platform enables enterprise organisations to tackle their most ambitious challenges collaboratively with suppliers and partners, to drive mutual value & sustainable business growth.
Josh Thomas
Co-Founder, Head of Innovation of Karakoram
I’m Josh Thomas, an engineer, designer and innovation specialist with a career devoted to discovering and exploiting opportunities that arise when emerging technologies or business changes create new consumer and user needs. I build and lead cross-disciplinary teams of designers, engineers, developers, strategists, stand-up comics, and experiential artists who focus on new approaches to creating digital and physical products, platforms and organizational design.
Follow Josh Thomas:
About BuyLevel, Glorious Labs, Karakoram: Karakoram is an award-winning innovation consultancy that creates breakthrough solutions for the world’s toughest humanitarian challenges.
Barry Shrier
Co-Founder & CEO of The Health-Tech Innovation LABS
Barry Shrier is Founder and CEO of Health-tech Innovation LABS, Barry is a serial entrepreneur with a history of successful exits .
Follow Barry Shrier:
About GIANT Health Events, The Health-Tech Innovation LABS: The Health-Tech Innovation LABS (HTI-LABS) are a group of businesses that improve the healthcare sector.
Farid Khan
Co-Founder of The Health-Tech Innovation LABS
Farid Khan obtained his Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge, UK where he studied the folding of GFP using fluorescence and NMR. Previously, he worked for a number of years at GlaxoSmithkline pharmaceuticals in fluorescence assay development for drug discovery projects.
Follow Farid Khan:
About Elucid mHealth, Pharmakure Ltd., Protein Technologies, The Health-Tech Innovation LABS: The Health-Tech Innovation LABS (HTI-LABS) are a group of businesses that improve the healthcare sector.
Jenny Pool
Co-Founder of 8billionideas
Also with a background in IT, Jenny decided that she would leave the corporate world and start multiple businesses in 2014. Her background as a project manager, professional seller and working directly for leaders in large businesses gives Jenny a unique view on how things should be done. Her creativity and customer centric values are an asset to our team.
Follow Jenny Pool:
About 8billionideas: 8billionideas is an early-stage online education firm that teaches what children don’t learn in school.
Kaan Akın
Founder, CEO of Hackquarters
Tech investor, startup mentor and founder of Hackquarters Startup Accelerator. He is involved with corporate accelerator programs.
Follow Kaan Akın:
About Hackquarters: Hackquarters accelerated 150+ startups and helped 40+ corporates to innovate with startup collaboration
Seonaid Mackenzie
Founder Partner of Sturgeon Ventures
Seonaid founded Sturgeon Ventures LLP as a “single family office” in 1998 investing in public and private companies in the capacity as a manager/advisor with the family as the Active LP. Seonaid Mackenzie has had an award winning 33-year career in the City with positions including stockbroker, fund manager, an operator of UK funds; fund raising for private companies and funds; and multiple non-exec of financial service firms and SMEs. Sturgeon took a new active business line in 1999 and became the pioneer coining the phrase “The Regulatory Incubator” for financial services known by some as an FCA Umbrella, or Regulatory Hosting Platform, taking the AR/Tied Agent into a wholesale market in 2003. In 2013, Sturgeon Ventures became an Investment Advisor with the SEC and in 2014 a sub threshold AIFM (Alternative Investment Fund Manager), laterally an EU VECA manager in 2016. The firm has now incubated over 150 start ups since this business model began, including a number of disreet families. The Incubator clients include fund managers with various strategies, third party fund raisers, corporate finance firms. Although jurisdiction neutral; Sturgeon have assisted in a number of firms setting up funds in Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Cayman, BVI and the UK. Seonaid is also regulated by the MFSA as an investment manager and sits on a number of investment committees in Malta, and by the Central Bank of Ireland sitting on UCITs Boards. Seonaid has previously been approved as a member of the investment committee of Guernsey regulated entities.
Follow Seonaid Mackenzie:
About Sturgeon Ventures: Sturgeon Ventures are the most established FCA Regulated Regulatory Incubator, having coined the phrase Regulatory Incubator in 2001.
Martin Tangney
Founder and President of Celtic Renewables
Internationally recognised expert in microbial biofuel production, particularly biobutanol. Professor Tangney is Director of the Biofuel Research Centre at Edinburgh Napier University, which conducted the innovative research to develop the fermentation technology being commercialised by Celtic Renewables. Martin advises the Scottish Government on biofuels, and represents the government on its MOU with India on Renewable Energy. Martin is a prominent international speaker in the biofuel area and regularly features in the media, and his international profile, domain expertise and connections will be hugely beneficial to Celtic Renewables Ltd.
Follow Martin Tangney:
About Celtic Renewables: Celtic Renewables is a biofuel startup focused on the renewable energy and whisky sector.
Nick Patience
Co-Founder and Research Vice President of 451 Research
Nick Patience has over 20 years experience in the technology industry in the US and Europe, and manages 451 Research’s software analyst team. Probably best known as being a co-founder of The 451 Group, Nick helped grow that company into a significant force in the technology industry analyst market in the US and Europe, as well as developing into a thought leader in the information management sector of the software industry. A highly experienced and adaptable marketing professional, Nick moved to the vendor side with Recommind, running product marketing and strategy, and then influencer relations and competitive intelligence, all the while remaining one of the company’s principal global evangelists. Nick now manages 451 Research’s software analyst team, spanning software development, DevOps & IT Ops, through data platforms and analytics to business applications. Nick will join a multi-angle panel discussion in which the conversation will focus on how digital transformation has impacted the world of IT research and Analyst Relations, and perhaps more importantly, how this will continue to do so in the future.
Follow Nick Patience:
About 451 Research: 451 Research is an information technology research and advisory company providing essential insight for the pioneers of the digital economy.
Gregor Hoefter
Founder of GridDuck
Follow Gregor Hoefter:
About GridDuck: GridDuck is a cloud-based hardware, dashboard & API enabling control of your clients’ energy
Colleen Wong
Founder & CEO of Techsixtyfour
Techsixtyfour was founded in September 2015 by Colleen Wong, an investment banker turned entrepreneur. As a new mum on a day out with her children she witnessed a parent’s panic when their child when missing and was inspired to develop something that would help children and their parents stay better connected but without tying them to a smart phone, which comes with so many unnecessary distractions. Techsixtyfour’s first product, the Gator watch, is a wearable mobile phone and tracker made for young kids and now available to purchase at John Lewis, Amazon and at Bentalls Kingston.
Follow Colleen Wong:
About Techsixtyfour: The UK’s coolest wearable mobile phone and tracker made just for kids.
Jo Agar
Founder of Agar Corporation
Agar attended Battersea College of Advanced Technology receiving a diploma in Process Controls. He also received a Master of Philosophy in Physical Chemistry from the University of Surrey. His work experience in Physical Chemistry lead him to establish and become the Founder of Agar Instrumentation Ltd. in England in 1968 and Agar Corporation Ltd. in the Cayman Islands in 1979. These companies lead to the opening of additional Agar companies starting in 1980, notably Agar Corporation Inc. in Houston, Texas; Agarcorp de Venezuela C.A. in Maracaibo, Venezuela; AgarCorp SDN. BHD. in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; AgarCorp Middle East in Abu Dhabi, DAE; and PT AgarCorp Indonesia in Tangerang, Indonesia. Agar is a holder of numerous patented inventions which are manufactured by the Agar companies.
Follow Jo Agar:
About Agar Corporation: Agar Corporation is a leading pioneer of non-nuclear, versatile, multi-phase flow meters used to optimize oil well testing and production.
Antoine Baschiera
CEO and Co-Founder of Early Metrics
Follow Antoine Baschiera:
About Early Metrics: Early Metrics is the first startup rating agency.
Sebastien Paillet
President and Co-Founder of Early Metrics
Follow Sebastien Paillet:
About Early Metrics: Early Metrics is the first startup rating agency.
Mat Hunter
Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Plus X
Follow Mat Hunter:
About Plus X: Plus X creates workspaces that unlock potential, business growth and innovation, community collaboration, and positive social impact.
Vincent Efferoth
Co-Founder & Managing Director of NOVELTEA
Follow Vincent Efferoth:
About NOVELTEA: NOVELTEA is a premium alcoholic tea blend inspired by globetrotting travels.
Michael Dewhirst
CEO | Founder of Evolve Dynamics
Follow Michael Dewhirst:
About Evolve Dynamics, Match2One: UAV innovations company, working on computer vision, AI autopilot systems, long flight solutions and rapid ready-to-fly/deploy platforms.
Ian Cray
CTO and Founder of Clekt
Follow Ian Cray:
About Clekt: Clekt gets corporate data to improve performance, generate innovation, and expand the organization.
Phil Stevens
Co-Founder & COO of Wayv Technologies Ltd
Follow Phil Stevens:
About Heat Wayv, Wayv Technologies Ltd: WAYV products provide up to 30 minutes of instant and constant heat, whenever and wherever you may need it.
Paul Atherton
CEO & Co-Founder of Wayv Technologies Ltd
Follow Paul Atherton:
About Wayv Technologies Ltd: WAYV products provide up to 30 minutes of instant and constant heat, whenever and wherever you may need it.
Mark Truman
Founder and CEO of ArcVehicle
Follow Mark Truman:
About ArcVehicle: ArcVehicle an electric motorcycle startup.
Dominik Peus
Founder & CEO of Antaco
Dominik Peus is a Founder & CEO at Antaco.
Follow Dominik Peus:
About Antaco: Antaco’s mission is to accelerate the world’s transition to a circular economy.
Anushka Sharma
Founder of Naaut
Follow Anushka Sharma:
About Naaut: Innovation and Frontier Technology Strategy and Consulting
Dean Boyle
Founder and CEO of Ekkosense
A born leader, Dean’s skills include extensive ‘networking’ sessions on the golf course and in coffee shops.
Follow Dean Boyle:
About Ekkosense: Ekkosense specialises in developing and delivering expert software analytics, low cost innovative sensors.
Ben Goldsmith
Founder of Weedingtech
Follow Ben Goldsmith:
About Weedingtech: Weedingtech is a British company that designs and manufactures innovative weed control technologies for the amenity and utility markets.
Ben Goldsmith
Founder of Weedingtech
Follow Ben Goldsmith:
About Weedingtech: Weedingtech is a British company that designs and manufactures innovative weed control technologies for the amenity and utility markets.
Bill Hart
Co-Founder of Ntegra
Bill Hart is one of the Co-Founders of Ntegra. He has played a key role in building the business from the very start alongside Andy Jefferies. Bill has over 29 years of experience in the IT sector.
Follow Bill Hart:
About Ntegra: Ntegra are a technology consultancy who specialise in Digital solutions and IT Transformation managed services.
Tony Fish
Founder/Managing Director of AMF Ventures
I focus on how the future of corporate governance, decision making and judgement will be affected by complex data at the board. My focus leads me to imagine a board meeting in 2025, and the implications and unintended consequences. Tony thrives in complex, ground-breaking & uncertain environments; bringing proven judgement and decision-making skills with cross-sectorial experience. He has a track record of sense-making and foresight; his enthusiasm and drive are contagious & inspiring – definitely a maverick and unintentional rule breaker. He has founded, co-founded, sold and listed many businesses but remains passionate about new ways of creating value which has the capability of scaling fast, are at an early stage and creates value for many people.
Follow Tony Fish:
About AMF Ventures, Mashup Event: AMF Ventures was founded in 2002 by Tony Fish. AMF Ventures work on a variety of intellectually challenging assignments conducted in a
Lloyd Cooper
Founder and Chief Design Officer & Creator of Movi Medical
For the past 15 years, Lloyd has led major research and development projects for clients ranging from Medtronic to Yamaha. Specifically relating to ergonomics, comfort and safety, he has designed seating for automotive applications, office seating for work environments and ergonomically advanced equipment in operating rooms. He understands how thought leading companies constantly struggle with innovating within the constraints of market competition, tight timeframes and restricted development budgets. In addition to client projects, Lloyd has spun off companies based on the IP he has helped develop. KontrolFreek, a leading developer of innovative gaming accessories, sold at GameStop and by Microsoft, is another example of carefully designed products that solve unique needs.
Follow Lloyd Cooper:
About Movi Medical, Push Product Design: Movi is a healthcare innovation company that specializes in innovation management, product design, and healthcare.
Ralf Gehrig
Co-Founder and CXO of Brilliant Basics
Follow Ralf Gehrig:
About Brilliant Basics: Brilliant Basics is a global digital product and customer experience studio.
Paul Gill
Founder & Director of Orsto
Paul Gill is Founder & Director at Orsto.
Follow Paul Gill:
About Orsto: ORSTO Ltd is a British Private Ltd company backed by 84 International Investors.
Alison Saunders
Co-Founder of Two Birds
Alison worked in PR for and was co-founder of Three Sixty Communications before selling the agency to Exposure. She worked on campaigns for many food and drinks brands including New Covent garden Food Company, Associated British Foods brands Ryvita, kingsmill, Patak’s, Blue Dragon, as well as Coors Brewing, Guinness and Smirnoff. Alison is co-founder of Two Birds Breakfast Boosts – a range of nutrient-dense super seed toppers that can be added to any breakfast to deliver additional protein and the goodness your body needs. Two Birds are stocked on Ocado, Planet Organic, Revital, Selfridges and many online and independent health stores.
Follow Alison Saunders:
About Two Birds: Two Birds offers delicious, energizing blend of super seeds and bee pollen seed cereals.
Dave Ward
Founder & Creative Director of CreateFuture
Follow Dave Ward:
About CreateFuture: CreateFuture is a design and innovation firm that puts creativity to good use.
Chris Skitch
Founder & CEO of Didgeroo
Follow Chris Skitch:
About Didgeroo: DIDGEROO HELPS CREATIVE AGENCIES BUILD INNOVATIVE WEBSITES.
Ahmed Shahrabani
Co Founder of Locum’s Nest
Follow Ahmed Shahrabani:
About Locum’s Nest: Locum’s Nest is an award-winning software platform, connecting healthcare professionals to vacant work through innovative technology.
Rudy De Waele
Keynote Speaker, Conscious Futurist, Personal Transformation Coach, Mentor, Author, Co-Founder of Human Works Design
Follow Rudy De Waele:
About Human Works Design: Human Works Design assists leaders in creating futures by designing conscious businesses that leverage innovation and technology trends.
George Liarikos
Founder, CEO of OOf
Follow George Liarikos:
About OOf: Innovative furniture empowering mobile work
Jimmy Costello
Co-Founder of Innovate Circle
Follow Jimmy Costello:
About Innovate Circle: Platform to experience and meet producers and consumers of innovation across the fintech industry.
Andrew Monk
Founder and Director of ioLight
Follow Andrew Monk:
About ioLight: ioLight is a technology company that manufactures mobile microscopes that are easy to use and fit in jacket pockets and desk craws.
Richard Williams
Founder and Director of ioLight
Follow Richard Williams:
About ioLight: ioLight is a technology company that manufactures mobile microscopes that are easy to use and fit in jacket pockets and desk craws.
Elliott Grant
Founder & CEO of HOOF
Follow Elliott Grant:
About HOOF: HOOF is an innovative travel and location app which allows users to store, share and log their travels and experiences.
Chris Martin
Founder of Skunkworks Surf
Chris is the engineering mind behind it all. He started his entrepreneurial life in Glasgow making t-shirts before travelling the world and ending up in Amsterdam for three years. Now back in Northern Ireland he is fully committed to lead the world in surfboard manufacture.
Follow Chris Martin:
About Skunkworks Surf: Skunkworks Surf provides robust, high performance soft surfboards and stand-up paddleboards.
Mike Schmidt
Founder and President of SoClean
Follow Mike Schmidt:
About SoClean: SoClean Inc. is the creator of the world’s first automated CPAP cleaner and sanitizer.
Loren Barton
Founder, Managing Director of Kaleidoscope Group Ltd
Follow Loren Barton:
About Kaleidoscope Group Ltd: Consultancy and advisory firm focused on bridging the gap between innovation and performance in the market
Jon Clauson
Founder of 2DHeat
Jon Clauson is Founder & Director at 2DHeat.
Follow Jon Clauson:
About 2DHeat: They are a researcdh and development company commercialising our innovative, patent pending.
