Some investors have an uncanny ability to spot tomorrow’s success stories. The 100 fastest-growing startups in the UK and Ireland have attracted backing from 953 investors—a 27% jump from last year’s cohort.
Among these investors, 125 have at least two startups on this year’s list. While the majority (54%) are headquartered in the UK, a notable 24% hail from the US, underscoring the transatlantic interest in the region’s startup ecosystem. Other non-European players include firms from Canada, Singapore, China, Japan, and Nigeria.
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Venture capital dominates the landscape, accounting for 45% of the backers. LocalGlobe leads the charge as the most active VC. Angel investors make up 17% of the mix, with prominent names like Tom Blomfield and Charlie Songhurst securing spots in the top 10. The ranking methodology prioritizes the number of investments in the Sifted 100: UK & Ireland Leaderboard, followed by the companies’ average two-year revenue CAGR.
Only 25 startups from last year’s list cut again, highlighting a dynamic investment landscape. Meanwhile, 31% of this year’s 953 investors have at least one company in their portfolio that appeared in both the 2024 and 2025 rankings.
Among the biggest movers, US fintech-focused QED Investors saw a dramatic rise, climbing from 385th to 5th place after adding three more investments. On the flip side, True dropped off entirely after backing three startups in 2024 but none this year. Other notable investors like 20VC, Eurazeo, and Partech also saw their presence wane.
Top 10 Investors in the UK & Ireland Leaderboard
1. LocalGlobe (UK)
- 2025 investments: 7 (+1 vs. 2024)
- Avg. company CAGR: 142.16%
- Portfolio highlights: Monzo (#57), Multiverse (#81), Wagestream (#46)
London-based LocalGlobe remains a powerhouse in early-stage investing, increasing its presence with seven startups on this year’s list. The firm, known for its pre-seed and seed investments, continues to back high-growth companies like fintech unicorn Monzo and apprenticeship scale-up Multiverse.
2. Octopus Ventures (UK)
- 2025 investments: 6 (+1 vs. 2024)
- Avg. company CAGR: 226.83%
- Portfolio highlights: Switchee (#3), Bondaval (#19), Definely (#59)
Octopus Ventures has been building a diverse portfolio spanning B2B SaaS, fintech, and deep tech since 2008. This year’s leaderboard features its investments in smart energy platform Switchee and fintech risk manager Bondaval.
3. Balderton Capital (UK)
- 2025 investments: 6 (+3 vs. 2024)
- Avg. company CAGR: 225.42%
- Portfolio highlights: Lindus Health (#4), ZOE Health (#32), Cleo (#85)
With $5.7bn raised across multiple funds, Balderton Capital remains a dominant force in European venture capital. Its expanded portfolio includes clinical trials platform Lindus Health and AI-driven nutrition startup ZOE Health.
4. Plug and Play (US)
- 2025 investments: 5 (-1 vs. 2024)
- Avg. company CAGR: 199.47%
- Portfolio highlights: Sunsave (#14), Holibob (#25), Greyparrot.AI (#40)
Silicon Valley’s Plug and Play has cemented its role in the UK startup scene since launching its London office in 2019. The accelerator-VC hybrid continues backing high-potential early-stage companies like Sunsave and travel-tech disruptor Holibob.
5. QED Investors (US)
- 2025 investments: 5 (+4 vs. 2024)
- Avg. company CAGR: 154.15%
- Portfolio highlights: Carmoola (#23), Wayflyer (#76), Payhawk (#99)
Fintech specialist QED Investors made one of the most impressive leaps in this year’s rankings, surging from 385th to 5th place with investments in companies like car finance startup Carmoola and alternative lending platform Wayflyer.
6. Tom Blomfield (US)
- 2025 investments: 4 (new)
- Avg. company CAGR: 375.21%
- Portfolio highlights: Robin AI (#2), Healthtech-1 (#8), Bondaval (#19)
The Monzo and GoCardless co-founder is now making waves as an angel investor. His backing of AI-driven legal assistant Robin AI and health tech disruptor Healthtech-1 puts him at the forefront of the UK’s emerging startup boom.
7. Salica (UK)
- 2025 investments: 4 (+2 vs. 2024)
- Avg. company CAGR: 296.18%
- Portfolio highlights: Lindus Health (#4), Abound (#12), Moneybox (#50)
Salica has carved out a niche in technology, healthcare, and fintech since 2017. With three active funds, the firm continues to back high-growth companies, including Lindus Health and AI-powered financial wellness startup Abound.
8. University of Cambridge (UK)
- 2025 investments: 4 (same as 2024)
- Avg. company CAGR: 284.94%
- Portfolio highlights: Robin AI (#2), bit.bio (#21), PolyAI (#73)
Cambridge’s investment arms—Cambridge Enterprise and Cambridge Innovation Capital—are behind some of the UK’s most innovative startups. Their portfolio includes AI-driven legal tech firm Robin AI and synthetic biology company bit.bio.
9. Charlie Songhurst (US)
- 2025 investments: 4 (+3 vs. 2024)
- Avg. company CAGR: 263.52%
- Portfolio highlights: Zelt (#10), Neurolabs (#16), Open Cosmos (#80)
Former Microsoft executive and founder of Katana Capital, Charlie Songhurst continues to be a prolific angel investor. His latest bets include workforce management platform Zelt and computer vision startup Neurolabs.
10. Seedcamp (UK)
- 2025 investments: 4 (-2 vs. 2024)
- Avg. company CAGR: 262.69%
- Portfolio highlights: Lindus Health (#4), Juro (#10), Synthesia (#22)
One of Europe’s most established early-stage investors, Seedcamp has backed over 460 companies, including nine unicorns. Two of its startups—Lindus Health and Juro—secured the top 10 spots in this year’s ranking.
As the UK and Ireland’s startup ecosystem continues to evolve, the competition among investors is only getting fiercer. With rising interest from international VCs and angels, the next wave of high-growth companies will likely attract an even broader range of backers. Who will dominate the leaderboard next year? Time will tell.
