- Returning for its 17th year, Startups.co.uk has unveiled its annual Startups 100 index, which ranks the most promising UK startups
- Among them are two West Midlands startups, Strolll and RideTandem, ranked 19th and 67th respectively
The Startups 100, the UK’s longest-running index of the most promising new startups, has released its 2025 lineup and this year includes two West Midlands startups, Strolll placing 19th and RideTandem placing 67th.
The Startups 100, run by Startups.co.uk, showcases the top 100 young UK businesses which exhibit innovation, solid financials, opportunity in their market, a great concept and a strong customer base or following.
To support the launch of this year’s list, Startups.co.uk also surveyed 531 business leaders on their outlook for 2025. 84% of those surveyed in the West Midlands revealed that they feel optimistic about business growth, signalling strong business confidence in this area.
The Startups 100 Index has been running for the last seventeen years, spanning all industries with the final list championing a huge range of inventive and original ideas. In previous years the Startups 100 index has predicted the success of huge names such as Monzo and Deliveroo so it is an extraordinary achievement for these promising businesses to have ranked on this renowned list.
- Strolll
Strolll is a revolutionary all-in-one digital therapeutic software solution for commercially available augmented reality (AR) glasses.
Founders: Tom Finn & Jorgen Ellis
Year founded: 2019
Strolll was founded by Tom Finn after he discovered that painting coloured cues helped reduce his father Nigel’s vascular parkinsonism symptoms. The company has since evolved from a kitchen-table prototype to a futuristic AR headset designed for individuals with neurological disorders, projecting therapeutic cues during rehabilitation sessions and at home.
Strolll prioritizes scalability and affordability by selling through healthcare providers, including NHS trusts and Cleveland Clinic, as part of its U.S. expansion.
With growing demand following its debut at a medtech conference, the company is aiming for national adoption in the UK, aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision for a digital NHS, and is on track to become a leader in digital physiotherapy.
- RideTandem
RideTandem partners with local coach, minibus, and taxi companies to provide affordable, reliable, and sustainable commuter services.
Founders: Alex Shapland-Howes, Tatseng Chiam & Huw McLeod
Year founded: 2019
RideTandem recognises the issue of Transport poverty, which often affects people in rural and remote areas, and can significantly hinder access to employment due to the high costs of car ownership and lack of reliable public transport.
Cofounder Alex Shapland Howes encountered unemployed fathers in Rochdale struggling with limited transport options. The company offers a mobility-as-a-service solution, partnering with local transport providers to offer affordable and accessible commuting options.
With a focus on sustainability, RideTandem has become an accredited B Corp and helps businesses reduce CO2 emissions. Despite the challenges of launching during the COVID pandemic, it has thrived, surpassing two million passenger journeys and partnering with major brands. Next, it aims to reach ten million journeys by 2034.
Editor of Startups.co.uk, Zohra Huda, comments:
“Who says you need to be born in London to succeed? This year’s Startups 100 index proves that inspiration, innovation and ingenuity is in abundance in the West Midlands with these startups leading the charge in spite of the challenges of the post-COVID and current economic landscape.”
About the Index: The Startups 100, run by Startups.co.uk, showcases the top 100 new UK businesses based on five key areas of analysis: finance, external validation, size of opportunity, innovativeness of idea and strength of concept.
As well as celebrating the best small businesses in the UK, the list is also an opportunity to grow a community of like-minded entrepreneurs and business owners who support and advocate for each other.
