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The startup scene in United Kingdom
Maddyness reports fintech and insurtech activity in Cardiff, as well as cybersecurity, data analytics, medtech, and agritech activity.
About
Maddyness reports fintech and insurtech activity in Cardiff, as well as cybersecurity, data analytics, medtech, and agritech activity.
Cardiff Innovations is a Cardiff University incubator hub offering coworking, office, and laboratory space. Cardiff University said in 2021 that it joined SETsquared, a network supporting university ventures and knowledge exchange.
The Development Bank of Wales describes a Wales-wide syndicate route for investing in Wales-based small and medium-sized enterprises, with loans and equity up to £350,000; published information does not establish deal-specific intake.
Cardiff University reports that Cardiff ranked 19th in the United Kingdom and first in Wales in the 2026 Royal Academy of Engineering Spotlight on Spinouts, using spinout count, funding, and total value created.
Startup ecosystem standing
Where Cardiff ranks
| Ranking | Edition | Position | Since last edition | Trust | What it measures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Global Startup Ecosystem Index (cities) | 2025 | #264 | No prior edition | B | Ecosystem, Activity, Finance, Business Climate |
14 organizations with a profile
Who's based in Cardiff
Investors 10
Investor
InvestorEmpowering early-stage businesses for investment success.
InvestorConnecting founders with experienced investors for growth.
The 3 most prominent of 10. Browse all investors
Incubators 3
IncubatorSupporting tech startups in Wales.
IncubatorTransforming gym businesses for freedom and success.
IncubatorEmpowering graduate entrepreneurs in Wales.
Accelerators 1
AcceleratorAccelerating growth for ambitious SMEs.
Based here, most-ranked first
Universities in Cardiff
UniversityListed in 2 rankings
Pick what describes you
Your way in
Raising in Cardiff
Investors based here, and the programs that take teams at your stage.
Get investor introsFinding startups in Cardiff
Accelerators and incubators here see the earliest teams first.
Get startups that fitScouting in Cardiff
Campuses and communities are where teams form before anyone funds them.
Start scoutingFrom public sources
What the sources say about Cardiff
Cardiff University reports its place in the 2026 spinout report and describes the measures used.
Source: Cardiff’s spinouts recognised among top UK universitiesThe Development Bank describes a Wales-wide syndicate route up to £350,000; deal-specific intake is not stated.
Source: For angel investors looking for their next investmentStartupBlink’s 2026 index places Cardiff #273 globally and #17 nationally; this is a publisher-attributed measure.
Source: Cardiff Startup Ecosystem - Rankings, Startups, and InsightsCardiff University said it joined SETsquared in 2021, a network supporting university ventures and knowledge exchange.
Source: Cardiff joins SETsquared PartnershipCardiff University describes its incubator hub and workspace offerings.
Source: Cardiff InnovationsMaddyness reports cybersecurity, data analytics, medtech and agritech activity in Cardiff.
Source: Cardiff: What founders need to know about the Welsh capital
Questions about Cardiff
How does Cardiff rank as a startup ecosystem?
Its best position is #264 in StartupBlink Index (cities) (2025).
How many startup investors are based in Cardiff?
10 investors based in Cardiff have a profile here, including Gambit Corporate Finance LLP, Severn Seed Finance and GS Verde Investment Platform. The real number is higher.
Are there accelerators or incubators in Cardiff?
Yes. Cardiff has 1 accelerator and 3 incubators on record, including Catalyst Growth Partners Ltd and Tramshed Tech.
Which universities are in Cardiff?
One university has a profile: Cardiff University / Prifysgol Caerdydd.
Geographic proximity
Nearby cities to Cardiff
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