InvestorGlobal investment firm focused on growth-oriented strategies.
United Kingdom startup and venture ecosystem
Where startups are forming across United Kingdom: the cities, accelerators and investors, and how you get close to them.
Startup ecosystem standing
Where United Kingdom ranks
| Ranking | Edition | Position | Since last edition | Trust | What it measures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Global Startup Ecosystem Index (countries) | 2026 | #2 | No change | B | Ecosystem, Activity, Finance, Business Climate |
 Global Innovation Index | 2025 | #6 | Down 1 | A | Innovation, Competitiveness, Research, Talent |
 Doing Business (Ease of Doing Business ranking) | Doing Business 2020 | #8 | Up 1 | B | Business Climate |
 Bloomberg Innovation Index | 2019 | #18 | Down 1 | B | Innovation, Research |
 IMD World Competitiveness Ranking | 2026 | #24 | Up 4 | B | Competitiveness, Business Climate, Performance |
| Business Ready (B-READY) | B-READY 2025 | Listed | No prior edition | C | Business Climate |
3,358 organizations with a profile
Who's based in United Kingdom
Investors 2,548
Investor
InvestorInvesting in exceptional entrepreneurs and innovative technology.
InvestorAdvocating for private capital in the UK.
The 3 most prominent of 2,548. Browse all investors
Accelerators 308
AcceleratorAKSU LLC is an organization based in Turkey that offers web design and hosting services. The company is currently developing its website to provide…
AcceleratorDream VC is an African-focused venture capital institute and accelerator that provides educational programs for aspiring and current investors in the…
AcceleratorDigital Catapult is the UK's deep tech innovation organization, part of the Innovate UK Catapult Network, focused on accelerating the application of…
The 3 most prominent of 308. Browse all accelerators
Venture studios 260
Venture studioBuilding ventures for the climate emergency.
Venture studioAccelerating digital product development and innovation.
Venture studioIncubating best-in-class hospitality concepts.
The 3 most prominent of 260. Browse all venture studios
Incubators 242
IncubatorAccelerating AI startups through mentorship and resources.
IncubatorTransforming ideas into viable businesses.
IncubatorSupporting technology startups and innovative SMEs.
The 3 most prominent of 242. Browse all incubators
Based here, most-ranked first
Universities in United Kingdom
UniversityListed in 13 rankings
UniversityListed in 12 rankings
UniversityListed in 11 rankings
UniversityListed in 8 rankings
UniversityListed in 7 rankings
UniversityListed in 5 rankings
UniversityListed in 5 rankings
UniversityListed in 5 rankings
Pick what describes you
Your way in
Raising in United Kingdom
Investors based here, and the programs that take teams at your stage.
Get investor introsFinding startups in United Kingdom
Accelerators and incubators here see the earliest teams first.
Get startups that fitScouting in United Kingdom
Campuses and communities are where teams form before anyone funds them.
Start scoutingCity guides
Cities in United Kingdom
The largest 4 of 65 published city guides.
City
8,961,989 people
City
1,144,919 people
City
864,122 people
City
626,410 people
Questions about United Kingdom
How does United Kingdom rank as a startup ecosystem?
United Kingdom is #2 of 120 in StartupBlink Index (countries) (2026). It appears in 6 published rankings; the table above lists each one.
How many startup investors are based in United Kingdom?
2,548 investors based in United Kingdom have a profile here, including Permira, Index Ventures and British Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (BVCA). The real number is higher.
Are there accelerators or incubators in United Kingdom?
Yes. United Kingdom has 308 accelerators, 242 incubators and 260 venture studios on record, including AKSU LLC, AI Forge and Carbon13.
Which universities are in United Kingdom?
27 universities have a profile: University of Oxford, University of Cambridge and Imperial College London and more.
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