The Midlands know how to bring the buzz.
Last week in Manchester, the 2025 UK StartUp Awards took centre stage, delivering big time as the fourth stop on this year’s tour. This week, all eyes turn to Birmingham as the Midlands kick off their own spotlight on innovation, continuing the momentum of the StartUp Awards tour that began last week.
From founders turning hard-won ideas into thriving ventures to teams solving real challenges their communities face every day, the start-ups we celebrate are at the heart of the Midlands driving change, creating jobs, and shaping the region’s future.
Recognised for their innovative approach and positive impact on bald men’s skincare, BLD BRO took home StartUp of the Year. A huge congratulations on a win truly earned!
Next stop: South West. But before we move on, let’s hear it loud and proud for the Midlands! Massive thanks to all the winners. You made this night unforgettable.
Here’s the full list of the Midlands StartUp Awards winners.
The 2025 Midlands StartUp Awards Winners.
AI StartUp of the Year — Rupert
Rupert is an AI-powered social media assistant that helps businesses manage customer comments and interactions across multiple platforms from one easy dashboard.
Business to Business StartUp of the Year — Canine Business Academy
Canine Business Academy empowers dog trainers to turn their passion into profitable businesses, helping clients hit major revenue milestones and confidently grow their brands.
Business, Consulting & Management StartUp of the Year — Datagum
Datagum offers software and consultancy solutions tailored to the finance sector, helping clients gain better control over their Market Data environment and reduce costs. Their expertise drives efficiency through smart technology and streamlined workflows, saving time and money.
Cleantech StartUp of the Year — Aegis FibreTech
Aegis FibreTech is revolutionising thermal management with ultra-thin, high-performance insulation materials that boost energy efficiency and safety across automotive, construction, and logistics industries. Their cutting-edge technology supports everything from electric vehicle battery protection to sustainable building retrofits, driving a greener, more efficient future.
Consumer Products StartUp of the Year — BLD BRO
BLD BRO is a skincare brand designed specifically for bald men, offering premium products that cater to the unique needs of bald heads. Their mission is to challenge the stigma around baldness and promote confidence through bald positivity.
Consumer Services StartUp of the Year — Evolve Weight Loss
Evolve Weight Loss offers a fresh alternative to traditional slimming groups by combining personalised support with a strong sense of community. With over 750 members across in-person meetups and an active online network, Evolve makes the weight loss journey flexible, enjoyable, and sustainable for all.
Creative StartUp of the Year — Ying Modern Batik
Ying Modern Batik blends traditional wax-resist dyeing with contemporary design to create vibrant art, craft kits, and home accessories. Inspired by generations of women artisans, Ying celebrates cultural heritage while giving batik a fresh, modern twist.
Digital StartUp of the Year — Neuro Notion App
Neuro Notion is creating a life management platform designed specifically for adults with ADHD, helping them organise thoughts, set routines, and stay on track with minimal effort. Their voice-first, expert-informed approach makes managing executive dysfunction easier by combining education and practical tools in one seamless app.
Education & Training StartUp of the Year — Financial Education Crew
Financial Education Crew is tackling the UK’s financial literacy crisis with interactive, gamified tools that simplify complex money matters and build real confidence. Backed by Innovate UK and the NatWest Accelerator, they’re empowering people to take control of their finances and make smarter decisions for a stronger future.
Equity-Backed StartUp of the Year — Powdr
Powdr is a game-changing SaaS platform that simplifies financial forecasting, enabling businesses of all sizes to create clear, reliable 3-statement models without the usual complexity.
Fashion & Beauty StartUp of the Year — Anna James
Anna James is a womenswear brand crafting feel-good, statement blazers and suits designed to boost confidence and empower women. Each limited-edition piece is ethically made from premium UK and European fabrics, with uplifting quotes embroidered inside to add a personal touch.
Food & Drink StartUp of the Year — GuDee
GuDee brings the power of West African superfoods to the global stage, spotlighting nutrient-rich Egusi seeds that are high in protein and allergen-free.
Global StartUp of the Year — Amp Wellbeing
Amp Wellbeing offers premium, stylish fitness equipment designed to fit seamlessly into home and studio spaces.
Health & Wellbeing StartUp of the Year — Musgrove and Ball
Musgrove and Ball help UK businesses tackle hidden addiction and substance misuse in the workplace through tailored training and awareness programs.
Hospitality, Tourism & Events StartUp of the Year — Woodcote Events
Woodcote Events is a specialist agency creating high-impact automotive experiences, from product launches to customer activations.
Innovative StartUp of the Year — Powdr
Powdr is a SaaS platform transforming financial forecasting by making complex 3-statement models quick, simple, and accessible for businesses of all sizes.
Manufacturing & Engineering StartUp of the Year — Wartens
Wartens is a global industrial automation company certified to ISO 9001:2015, specialising in training, recruitment, and remote engineering services. They empower industries worldwide with advanced technologies like Industry 4.0, AI, and VR to boost innovation and operational efficiency.
Marketing, Advertising & PR StartUp of the Year — Clever Clicks Digital
Clever Clicks is a Nottingham-based digital marketing agency that partners with clients from start-ups to global corporations to boost e-commerce sales and lead generation.
Professional Services StartUp of the Year — PYVITAL
PYVITAL is more than a recruitment agency, they’re a full-service growth partner, supporting businesses with strategy, hiring, training, marketing, and HR. By aligning teams and opportunities, PYVITAL helps companies build strong foundations and unlock long-term success.
Retail & E-Commerce StartUp of the Year — Jollybox
Jollybox is a sensory toy company bringing fun and learning together through carefully designed toys and reward charts. Selling online and in their new pop-up shop, they’re growing fast with plans to triple sales in 2025 and inspire children through school visits and playful experiences.
Rising Star Award — Seedprint
Seedprint is a passionate team of eco-print enthusiasts on a mission to help businesses make a real environmental impact. They create sustainable seeded paper products, from name badges to business cards that can be planted after use, turning event waste into wildflowers, herbs, or veggies and giving new life to what would otherwise be thrown away.
Rural StartUp of the Year — BizEd Projects CIC
BizEd Projects CIC is a community-focused social enterprise breaking down barriers to digital inclusion and green skills. Based in Shropshire, they provide business support, digital training, and climate education, reinvesting profits to create lasting positive impact locally and beyond.
Social Enterprise StartUp of the Year — AJ Racing: Driving Female Success
AJ Racing: Driving Female Success is the UK’s first all-female karting team, breaking barriers in a male-dominated sport. They offer kart storage, prep, and coaching, helping women drivers gain the support and skills needed to progress in motorsport or enjoy the thrill of racing.
StartUp For Good Award — Onekind Creative
Onekind Creative uses thoughtful graphic and brand design to help purpose-led organisations and charities amplify their impact. By crafting meaningful visual stories and strategies, they support changemakers in connecting with communities and driving positive social change.
Young Entrepreneur of the Year — OBE Label
OBE Label is a sustainable fashion brand crafting eco-friendly, made-to-order clothing and accessories using deadstock, second-hand, and recycled fabrics.
Green StartUp of the Year & Judges Choice — Sostratus Energy
Sostratus Energy develops cutting-edge energy recovery systems that convert the movement of vehicles and vessels into clean, renewable power. Their innovative technology, including the road-based ViaGen system and marine energy recovery solutions, helps reduce emissions and fuel use while supporting community projects through sustainable impact initiatives.
Medtech & Healthtech StartUp of the Year & Judges Choice — Yauga
Yauga offers an immersive wellbeing experience combining meditations, augmented reality yoga, and a smart wearable ring to help users monitor stress, anxiety, and depression—all anonymously and without prior experience.
The Midlands turned up and delivered. To every founder who walked away with an award, this was your moment, and you owned it.
Of course, none of this would happen without the brilliant people behind the scenes. A huge thank you to Dylan Jones-Evans OBE, whose passion and vision continue to power this celebration of UK entrepreneurship. To our fantastic host, Calvin Eden, your energy, warmth, and humour kept the room buzzing all night. And to our incredible sponsors and partners, Airwallex, Join Talent, and V-Rum, thank you for backing the founders building the future.
With five regions now celebrated, the 2025 UK StartUp Awards tour is in full swing. Next stops:
18 June – South West (Bristol)
19 June – Wales (Cardiff)
24 June – South East (Reading)
25 June – East of England (Cambridge)
26 June – London
To everyone who showed up and showed out in Birmingham, thank you for making it one to remember. Let’s keep this tour rolling!
Now onto the next stage, the National Finals Stage, at Ideas Fest this September.