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The startup scene in United Kingdom
Bristol City Council’s Economic Strategy 2025–2035 names immersive creative technologies, fintech, quantum, and energy and environmental technologies among the city’s sector priorities. The strategy also describes Engine Shed, SETsquared, the National Composites Centre, Bristol Robotics Laboratory, and local universities as parts of Bristol’s innovation infrastructure.
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Bristol City Council’s Economic Strategy 2025–2035 names immersive creative technologies, fintech, quantum, and energy and environmental technologies among the city’s sector priorities. The strategy also describes Engine Shed, SETsquared, the National Composites Centre, Bristol Robotics Laboratory, and local universities as parts of Bristol’s innovation infrastructure.
Dealroom’s live profile defines its Bristol geography as a metro area with a profile population of 600,000. Its database reports 269 funded startups, 76 startups founded annually, 26 funded annually, and 78 university spinouts; these figures follow Dealroom’s database coverage and definitions.
SETsquared Bristol reports supporting more than 450 companies across more than 20 sectors that have raised over £742 million. This is an operator-reported cumulative result.
Graphcore says its Bristol office has been home to the company since its founding in 2016 and still hosts many core technology teams. Its company profile identifies Graphcore as a wholly owned SoftBank Group subsidiary operating under the Graphcore name.
Startup ecosystem standing
Where Bristol ranks
| Ranking | Edition | Position | Since last edition | Trust | What it measures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Global Startup Ecosystem Index (cities) | 2025 | #120 | No prior edition | B | Ecosystem, Activity, Finance, Business Climate |
 Emerging Ecosystems Ranking (GSER Top 100) | 2026 | 31 to 40 | No prior edition | C | Ecosystem, Performance, Finance, Talent |
29 organizations with a profile
Who's based in Bristol
Investors 18
Investor
InvestorImpact investment for local communities in the South West.
InvestorConnecting investors with innovative early-stage businesses in Bristol.
The 3 most prominent of 18. Browse all investors
Incubators 7
IncubatorSupporting tech startups and high-growth ventures.
IncubatorEmpowering scientific entrepreneurs and startups.
IncubatorBristol's innovation hub for startups and collaboration.
The 3 most prominent of 7. Browse all incubators
Accelerators 3
AcceleratorSupercharging business growth through technology.
AcceleratorEmpowering first-time founders to build successful B2B businesses.
AcceleratorAccelerating the success of international graduates.
Venture studios 1
Venture studioBuilding technology-driven businesses.
Based here, most-ranked first
Universities in Bristol
UniversityListed in 5 rankings
Pick what describes you
Your way in
Raising in Bristol
Investors based here, and the programs that take teams at your stage.
Get investor introsFinding startups in Bristol
Accelerators and incubators here see the earliest teams first.
Get startups that fitScouting in Bristol
Campuses and communities are where teams form before anyone funds them.
Start scoutingFrom public sources
What the sources say about Bristol
Graphcore says its Bristol office has been home to the company since its 2016 founding and still hosts many core technology teams.
Source: Growing with Graphcore: From Front of House to the People TeamSETsquared Bristol reports support for 450+ companies across 20+ sectors that have raised more than £742 million.
Source: SETsquared BristolDealroom’s live profile describes its Bristol geography as a 600,000-person metro area and provides database counts for funded ventures, annual formation and university spinouts.
Source: Bristol — city startup ecosystem profileThe city strategy describes Engine Shed, SETsquared, the National Composites Centre, Bristol Robotics Laboratory, and local universities as parts of Bristol’s innovation infrastructure.
Source: Bristol City Council Economic Strategy 2025–2035Bristol City Council’s 2025–2035 strategy names immersive creative tech, fintech, quantum, and energy and environmental technology among the city’s sector priorities.
Source: Bristol City Council Economic Strategy 2025–2035
Questions about Bristol
How does Bristol rank as a startup ecosystem?
Bristol is #120 of 1,473 in StartupBlink Index (cities) (2025). It appears in 2 published rankings; the table above lists each one.
How many startup investors are based in Bristol?
18 investors based in Bristol have a profile here, including Wealth Club, Bristol & Bath Regional Capital and Bristol Private Equity Club. The real number is higher.
Are there accelerators or incubators in Bristol?
Yes. Bristol has 3 accelerators, 7 incubators and 1 venture studio on record, including Disruptive Thinking | B Corp, SETsquared Bristol and Gravitywell.
Which universities are in Bristol?
One university has a profile: University of Bristol.
Geographic proximity
Nearby cities to Bristol
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