This year’s Startups 100 list contains some of the UK’s most innovative companies, but its digital companies that have been the true heroes during a turbulent recession.

Startups 100 is the definitive countdown to the UK’s most innovative, inspiring and ground-breaking new companies.

The list is unashamedly unscientific in its methodology for this year’s Startups 100 – it represents the best, most exciting, promising, disruptive new businesses and entrepreneurs shaping the start-up market right now.

Top of the list is Huddle, one of the most successful tech companies to come
out of the UK in years.

Founded by Alastair Mitchell and Andy McLouglin, Huddle provides packages of project management and online collaboration software and, while there are many players in this market, has managed to gain a remarkable stronghold both in the UK and the US, securing some impressive blue-chip and public sector clients including Nokia, Panasonic, Kia Motors and the NHS.

Sara Rizk, editor of Startups.co.uk, said, “Huddle was an obvious choice to top this year’s Startups 100 list. In just a few years Alastair and Andy have created a market-leading brand with global reach. What these two entrepreneurs have achieved, supported by an enthusiastic, fast-growing team, is proof that world-beating technology companies are not the preserve of Silicon Valley. We’re incredibly proud to have them heading up our list.”

The list also contains other such digital champions including TweetDeck – a personal browser for staying in touch with what’s happening now, connecting users with their contacts across Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn and more.

But most importantly, every single company on the 2010 list has felt the effects of launching during one of the most turbulent economic periods in modern history, says Rizk.

“For some it has presented unexpected challenges, while others have relished the opportunities the downturn has thrown up. The result is a list of companies and entrepreneurs to be proud of. The Startups 100 is made up of a truly eclectic group of businesses and entrepreneurs. On our list, global
brands sit alongside one-man bands in what we believe is an accurate reflection of the UK’s colourful, diverse and vibrant start-up community.”

To be eligible, businesses had to have started trading post January 2007 and demonstrate:

*    Innovation, in concept or delivery
*    Ability to disrupt existing market places
*    Demonstratable growth potential
*    Strong management, bright thinkers
*    Evidence of existing or future revenues

Startups 100, selected by the startups.co.uk team, celebrates the 100 most exciting, promising, disruptive new businesses and entrepreneurs shaping the start-up market right now.

Here’s the full list: Read the rest of this entry »