Tech Nation reveals the UK’s most promising early-stage tech startups from every region

• Tech Nation has announced the finalists for its Rising Stars programme, which champions exceptional startups across the UK.
• The UK’s largest pitch competition for B2B startups connects founders from across every region of the UK to resources, networks and opportunities to help them grow.
• The winning tech startups from the regional heats will compete at the grand finale held at London Tech Week, where finalists compete for £1 million worth of investment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 28 May 2025 – LONDON. Tech Nation, part of Founders Forum Group, has today unveiled the eight finalists for its 2025 Rising Stars competition, the UK’s largest prize pitch competition for early-stage B2B startups. Its Rising Stars report, out today, details the 60 startups that pitched across the country’s regional heats.

Representing every region of the UK, this year’s cohort demonstrates how each UK region is home to flourishing tech ecosystems with distinct strengths. Bristol, for example, has emerged as a deeptech powerhouse, Birmingham is leading in advanced manufacturing, and Leeds and Edinburgh are becoming unique centres for fintech.

Despite the UK’s longstanding excellence at startup creation, founders outside London and the South East continue to face significant challenges in securing investment, building networks, and scaling their businesses. In 2024, founders outside London raised seven times less funding than their counterparts in the capital, leaving significant potential to boost the entire UK economy untapped.

To help address this challenge, Rising Stars provides startups nationwide enhanced visibility and direct access to investors and funding. The finalists now head to London Tech Week where they will take to the stage and share their ideas on a national platform. Cutting-edge AI startups, edtech businesses and pioneering climatetech companies are amongst the top eight competing for the grand prize: £1 million in investment. 

To date, Rising Stars alumni have collectively reached a total valuation of $2.3 billion and employ over 4,500 people. Rising Stars is led by Founders Forum Group and supported by – and in partnership with – Rigby Group (SCC), Haatch, Wealth Club, HSBC Innovation Banking, Amazon Web Services and British Business Bank.

Carolyn Dawson OBE, CEO of Founders Forum Group, said: “Every corner of the UK brims with entrepreneurial talent. Rising Stars exists to ensure that groundbreaking ideas from across the UK get the visibility, funding and mentorship they need to scale globally. We’re backing the next generation of tech leaders and calling on the whole ecosystem – investors, government, and industry – to help turn these bold ideas into global successes.”

Baroness Jones of Whitchurch, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Future

Digital Economy and Online Safety, said: “These Rising Stars are testament to the fact that innovation spans the length and breadth of the country. The startups on this list give us so much to be proud of. And initiatives like Tech Nation’s Rising Stars offer them the platform they deserve. Government must, and will, be the partner that meets our entrepreneurs at the table – so that people across Britain can benefit from the ideas they offer.”

Chantelle Young, Head of Early Stage Programmes at Tech Nation, commented: “We are proud to spotlight these founders and to play a part in connecting the dots between innovation, investment and opportunity. Supporting startups at this stage is not only about celebration. It is about building a more inclusive, competitive and representative future for UK tech. We hope this report inspires you to champion early-stage founders, wherever they are based, and to recognise the value they bring to our shared future.”

Steve Rigby, Co-CEO of Rigby Group, commented:“The UK is home to some of the best and brightest entrepreneurs in the world. Although London often takes the spotlight, these Rising Stars prove that there is incredible talent flourishing all over the nation. This year I am delighted that One to Win, the £1 million pitch to win competition Rigby Group and SCC  helped launch last year in the West Midlands, has been extended joining forces with Tech Nation’s Rising Stars”.