At the 2025 South East StartUp Awards, founders from across the region showed up with ideas that are shaking up their industries, growing fast, and solving real problems. Some were launching their very first idea. Others were growing their tenth. All of them took a chance and made it count.
This year’s winners came with ideas, put in the hours, rode the highs and lows and came out on top. Every win was earned.
Congratulations to Silence Speaks, who won the award for South East StartUp of the Year. It was a standout win in a room full of remarkable stories.
Also, congratulations to all our winners. You’ve put the South East on the map in a big way.
Let’s take a look at who took home the trophies.
The South East StartUp Winners Last Night in Reading.
Agritech & Foodtech StartUp of the Year – icesupp
icesupp is the world’s first frozen food supplement, created to support people struggling to eat during illness. Inspired by the founder’s father, it’s plant-based, allergen-free, and melts in the mouth, delivering vital nutrients when they’re needed most.
AI StartUp of the Year – EasiChat
EasiChat is a SaaS platform delivering hybrid AI-human customer engagement for automotive retailers, designed to boost conversions and simplify sales and service journeys.
Business to Business StartUp of the Year – Blip
Blip Insurance is a fully digital insurtech built for small businesses with five or fewer employees, offering jargon-free, customisable cover and a seamless self-service platform. With features like video-based tool registration, 24-hour claim payouts, and a pioneering profit-sharing model, Blip is redefining insurance for entrepreneurs left behind by traditional providers.
Business, Consulting & Management StartUp of the Year – CultureSight Global
CultureSight Global is a Positive Psychology SaaS company helping organisations, coaches, and consultants uncover the hidden drivers of team performance through data-driven tools.
Consumer Products StartUp of the Year – ISOMUM
IsoMum is the world’s first pregnancy-safe hydration drink, developed by a midwife to meet the unique needs of expectant mothers. Packed with electrolytes and essential nutrients, it offers the kind of targeted hydration support usually reserved for elite athletes, now made for pregnancy.
Consumer Services StartUp of the Year – The Net Vet
The Net Vet is a registered UK veterinary practice offering unlimited free consultations and prescriptions through an easy-to-use app — giving pet owners instant access to licensed vets from home. With live video, photo, and text consultations, it’s expert care without the stress, wait times, or clinic costs.
Creative StartUp of the Year – Styled Home Studios
Styled Home Studios is a curated platform that connects brands and creatives with design-led homes for shoots, filming, content creation, and events.
Digital StartUp of the Year – Silence Speaks
Silence Speaks is an innovative real-time, multi-lingual sign language translation app designed to break down communication barriers for millions of deaf and hard-of-hearing users worldwide.
Education & Training StartUp of the Year – SwitchedON!
SwitchedON! provides personalised coaching and mentorship to help teens overcome academic hurdles, build confidence, and develop essential life skills.
Equity-Backed StartUp of the Year – Gardin
Gardin offers advanced plant photosynthesis sensors that help commercial growers optimise crop yield, reduce resource use, and improve resilience to climate change.
Fashion & Beauty StartUp of the Year – My Skin Feels
My Skin Feels is an award-winning natural skincare brand using over 99% vegan, upcycled ingredients sourced from food industry by-products. Designed for sensitive skin and pro-healthy ageing, it offers simple, effective self-care with a focus on sustainability and ethical packaging.
Food & Drink StartUp of the Year – Zaman Condiments and Sauces
Zaman Condiments and Sauces is an award-winning, eco-friendly food start-up crafting authentic Indian restaurant-quality sauces in small batches using ethically sourced local ingredients.
Global StartUp of the Year – Crossborder Logistics
Crossborder Logistics is a UK-based freight forwarding and compliance specialist that helps international e-commerce and Amazon FBA sellers expand seamlessly into UK and EU markets.
Green StartUp of the Year – Dubs
Dubs is a parent-founded kids’ footwear brand combining innovative design, AI technology, and eco-friendly materials to create the most comfortable, sustainable trainers.
Health & Wellbeing StartUp of the Year – Vitola
Vitola is a wellness brand transforming hair care with science-backed, nutrient-rich powdered supplements that nourish hair from within, promoting strength, growth, and hydration. Born from a personal journey with hair loss, Vitola offers a refreshing, sustainable alternative to traditional pills, empowering confidence through holistic self-care.