The UK’s digital Startup 100 champions

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:

Huddle
Shortlist Media
Three Sixty Entertainment
Naked Wines
The Gym
MyBuilder.com
Seatwave
Wonga
Shiply.com
Zoopla.co.uk
Climatecars
Reggae Reggae Sauce
BaseKit
Adjug
Blink
Bulldog Natural Grooming
Slicethepie
Call Britannia
Tepilo
SuperJam
Tweetdeck
Brewdog
FreshNetworks
Skimlinks
Chemist Direct
UK Equipment Direct
Playfire
Graze.com
Masala Masala
Virtual Gym TV
Image Analysis
Talk to the Press
Bizk.it
Brownbook
ThanksTo
Curb
MyDestinationInfo.com
Wahanda
Travelguru.tv
trueCall
Betty and Belle
Music Concierge
Channelflip Media
Biscuiteers
Peachy Pink
New You Boot Camp
Phat Pasty Co.
Mendeley
StudentGems.com
TweetMeme
Crunch
Medikidz
Find Invest Grow
The Chase Distillery
skins4things
RateMyPlacement.co.uk
Cupcake
Upad
Hearing Direct
Spoonfed
BabyBoomBoom
Cognitive Match
Falling Pixel
Ovo Energy
Onzo
Pure Solo
Rent Your Rocks
BookingBug
Mediaroots
Contextured
Eco Concierge
SquidLondon
Weaniebeans
Global Bee Project
Virtual Farmer’s Market
BraveNewTalent
QuestionWhy
Kiss Me Cupcakes
The App Factory
Family Fridge
Insider London
UrbanMole.com
Diary.com
Mei Entertainment International
MBA & Company
Tuxebo
LeapAnywhere.com
Grab
ForceSelect
Provisional Marmalade
Bubble & Balm
Intelligent Tools
Yu-foria
Amuso
Girl Meets Dress
Surgins Surgical
Eatstudent.co.uk
Flamingo Creative
Just Love Food Company
Gérard School of Football