UK Startups on the Rise: What the 2025 Startups 100 Index Tells Us About Business Growth – and Why Flexible Office Space Matters

Robert Fraser
Jun 25
5 min read

Celebrating innovation: The 2025 Startups 100 Index showcases the year's top emerging companies making leaps in technology and entrepreneurship.

The 2025 edition of the Startups 100 Index is out now – and once again it showcases the energy, resilience, and innovation powering the UK’s startup ecosystem.

As the most established list of new businesses founded in the past five years, the Startups 100 is more than just a ranking.

It’s a roadmap for early-stage entrepreneurs who dream of scaling their startup into a household name like Monzo, Deliveroo, or Revolut.

Here at Our HQ, we share that dream.

That’s why we support startups and small businesses in Glasgow with affordable, flexible office space that removes common barriers to growth.

Because let’s face it – if you want to one day feature in the Startups 100, you’ll need more than just a brilliant idea. You’ll need the right environment to grow.

What Is the Startups 100 Index?

Published by Startups.co.uk – the UK’s longest-serving small business advice platform – the Startups 100 Index has been celebrating entrepreneurial excellence for the past 17 years. To qualify, businesses must:

Be based in the UK
Be under five years old
Show disruptive innovation and growth potential

And at Our HQ, we provide the perfect setting in Glasgow for the starting point in your journey.

This year’s list is unique. It’s the first composed entirely of post-pandemic companies, reflecting how new businesses have emerged in a changed world – one where remote working, digital-first strategies, and agile business models are more important than ever.

Spotlight on the UK’s Top 3 Startups in 2025

1. Lottie – Revolutionising Adult Social Care

Topping the 2025 Startups 100 Index is Lottie, a tech-driven platform transforming how families find elderly care.

After struggling to find care for a loved one, founders Chris and Will Donnelly created a comparison platform that only features vetted, trusted providers.

With a user-friendly interface and a mission to improve transparency and affordability in adult social care, Lottie has not only gained industry trust but also inspired a broader movement for compassionate tech solutions in underserved sectors.

Their advice for fellow entrepreneurs? “Take time daily to reflect, adapt, and learn. Markets change fast—so must your business.”

2. Robin AI – Reducing Legal Fees with AI

In second place, Robin AI is tackling one of the business world’s most expensive pain points: legal fees. Co-founded by former lawyer Richard Robinson and AI expert Dr. James Clough, Robin AI uses artificial intelligence to automate and simplify contract reviews.

Legal teams using their tech have seen time reductions of up to 85%, proving that smart automation can significantly cut costs and boost productivity.

For startups managing tight budgets, innovations like this are a game changer.

3. Yonder – The Challenger Credit Card with a Lifestyle Twist

At number three is Yonder, a challenger credit card reimagining rewards for young professionals.

Backed by ex-footballer Rio Ferdinand, Yonder differentiates itself by focusing on relevant, lifestyle-based rewards with independent partners like local wine bars and theatres.

The fintech trio behind Yonder spotted a gap: rewards that customers actually want to use, delivered through a sleek, intuitive platform.

Since launch, Yonder members have spent over £3 million with rewards partners. The lesson? Understand your audience and build for their needs.

Flexible Office Space In Glasgow: The Hidden Growth Driver for Startups

While ideas, talent, and tech are key ingredients in startup success, physical workspace often gets overlooked. But ask any founder who’s tried working from a noisy café or their cramped kitchen table — the need for a professional, affordable, and inspiring space is real.

At Our HQ, we’ve built our offering around exactly that.

Dynamic workspace at OurHQ, where the next Startup 100 companies are being powered forward.

Why Office Space Still Matters in a Hybrid World

Even in a world of Zoom calls and Slack messages, startups benefit immensely from having a base of operations. Here’s why:

Collaboration: In-person teamwork can supercharge creativity and problem-solving.
Credibility: Meeting clients in a proper office boosts your startup’s professional image.
Separation: Working outside your home helps maintain work-life balance and productivity.

But for early-stage businesses, cost and commitment can be blockers. That’s where flexible office contracts come in.

Our HQ: Affordable Office Space for Glasgow Startups

We provide high-quality, low-cost office space in Glasgow with flexible terms that suit startups at every stage.

No long-term leases
Month-to-month flexibility
All-inclusive pricing
Prime location without the city-centre price tag

We understand that cash flow is critical for startups. Our memberships are designed to keep overheads low and opportunities high — all while giving you access to a like-minded entrepreneurial community.

Location Matters: Don’t Let Commuting Drain Your Resources

Glasgow city-centre office space might sound impressive, but it often comes with major downsides:

Higher rent prices
Limited parking
Stressful, time-consuming commutes

At Our HQ, we’ve chosen a location that’s accessible, affordable, and practical. Our members enjoy ease of access with ample parking, public transport links, and a community vibe that makes work feel less like a chore.

Whether you’re scaling a startup or freelancing your way to a full-blown business, we offer the kind of environment where you can focus, grow, and thrive.

From Startup to Scaleup: Your Growth Journey Starts Here

The startups listed in the 2025 Startups 100 Index didn’t get there overnight. Behind each success story is a blend of grit, support, and strategic decision-making — including where to work and grow.

Choosing the right office space is more than a logistical step. It’s an investment in:

Your brand
Your mindset
Your business’s future

Joining Our HQ means becoming part of a Glasgow-based network of ambitious entrepreneurs. It’s more than just a desk — it’s your launchpad.

Entrepreneurs collaborate in a vibrant Glasgow workspace, turning ideas into reality at Our HQ.

Could You Be Next on the Startups 100?

Startups.co.uk has been helping UK entrepreneurs for 25 years, offering expert guides on how to start, buy, grow, and even sell your business. They’ve helped launch some of the biggest names in UK tech and commerce — and there’s no reason your business can’t be next.

We’ve seen firsthand how powerful a well-supported startup can be. That’s why we’re so passionate about providing workspace solutions tailored to early-stage businesses.

We truly believe that one day, a future Startups 100 Index will feature a business that started right here at Our HQ.

Ready to Grow? Join Our HQ Today

With over 90% of the UK’s private sector made up of SMEs, it’s clear: small businesses are the backbone of the British economy. Supporting startups isn’t just good business — it’s essential to our future prosperity.

If you’re building something great and need the right space to make it happen, Our HQ in Glasgow is ready to welcome you. With flexible co-working memberships, private office options, and a built-in community of innovators, we’re here to help you succeed — on your terms.