LinkedIn released some data recently which it calls its annual ‘Jobs on the Rise’ list. AI engineer and head of AI took first and second place respectively.

Alongside the rise in tech roles, the list also showed a steep increase in the number of founders on LinkedIn – particularly in the regions.

This list tracks the fastest-growing roles over the past three years. Founder or entrepreneur was near the top across several regions. Namely second in Leeds and Liverpool, third in Birmingham and Edinburgh, fifth in Bristol and sixth in Manchester and Glasgow. By comparison, founder ranks at ninth in London.

Much of the growth in entrepreneurship outside London is linked to regional technology strengths.

AI-enabled SaaS startups are emerging from Leeds and Manchester, climate technology businesses from Scotland, and advanced manufacturing and robotics companies from the Midlands.

Remote-first infrastructure such as cloud platforms and distributed development teams has reduced dependence on a London base.

At the same time, global technology companies are hiring across the UK, creating regional talent pools from which new founders spin out.

However, there are several conditions that regional founders need to unlock potential.

  • Access to funding 

Funding remains essential for scaling businesses. London-based firms still attract roughly eight times more investment than companies elsewhere, but regions are becoming more attractive to investors.

In 2024, leading foreign direct investment destinations included Scotland, the North West and the West Midlands.

Northern regions are also seeing rising combined FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) particularly in manufacturing and technology, supported by lower entry costs and strong rental demand.

At BGF, 74 per cent of deployed capital has gone to businesses outside London and the South East, helping address a long-standing investment gap. Continued focus on regional funding will be critical to sustaining growth.

Specialist funds are also expanding access – including university spin-out funds, climate technology investors and regional deep-tech seed funds – allowing founders across the UK to raise capital without relocating.

  • Regional hubs of excellence

Founders benefit from strong local ecosystems. Across the UK, regional hubs combine talent, capital and practical support to help companies grow. These ecosystems rely on connections between startups, mentors, universities and investors.

For example, the North West Cyber Corridor, spanning Lancashire to Manchester, has strengthened the region’s international cyber security reputation and encouraged technically focused founders to launch companies locally.

Universities also play a central role. Cities including Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds and Birmingham produce a steady pipeline of skilled graduates while supporting patent spin-outs, founder-in-residence programmes and early-stage ventures.

  • Communities and networks

Founders increasingly learn from one another through technical Slack and Discord groups, open-source networks and public product development.

Virtual accelerators and remote demo days now give companies outside major hubs direct access to global investors.

Peer networks, accelerators and incubators provide structured guidance, while accessible AI tools help early-stage teams prototype products, conduct customer research, draft legal documentation and model finances. All of these play a part in reducing practical barriers to entry.

Companies that secure investment often join wider portfolio networks where they share experience.

Deep-tech founders in particular benefit from operator-led mentoring from former engineers and product leaders, whose advice is grounded in technical execution.

Targeted networks are especially valuable for women founders, helping overcome geographic and access barriers by widening connections to expertise and investors.

BGF hosts regional events bringing together female founders, leaders and advisers, extending beyond the portfolio to strengthen cross- regional relationships.

The evolving founder profile

The founder role is evolving. Regional founders are increasingly technical, with more coming from engineering and product backgrounds than a decade ago.

Many launch companies as solo operators or small teams, supported by automation and AI tools that replace tasks once handled by full departments.

Despite economic pressures, founders continue to pursue growth and adjust quickly to changing conditions.

With the right support, entrepreneurs across the UK can turn uncertainty into expansion, strengthening both their companies and the wider economy.