BusinessCloud’s Founder 250 is an annual list of the UK’s best founder-led and founder-influenced businesses.

In 2026 we joined forces with leading audit, tax and consulting advisory firm RSM UK, fast-growing law firm CG, property specialist OBI and investor Mercia Ventures for the inaugural list.

These businesses are truly moving the dial and the influence may come from a founder as CEO, chairman or in another board role. You can see the 2026 list by clicking below.

Founder250 2026 banner

While not essential, judges also favoured businesses with a clear purpose – including B Corp status, ESG strategies, or a commitment to charity or social impact initiatives.

You can nominate a founder-led or founder-influenced business for 2027 by filling in the online form below.

To qualify, companies must have a significant UK presence – be cash generative – and have been founded no later than 2024.

    Company information

    Q1. Company name:

    Q2. Head office address:

    Q3. Date of incorporation/launch:

    Q4. Name(s) of founder(s):

    Q5. What role(s) do the founder(s) currently hold within the business?

    Q6. What is the size of the company (turnover and/or number of employees)?

    Q7. Is the company growing?
    Please provide supporting evidence (e.g. revenue growth, headcount growth, market expansion, etc.)

    Q8. Has the company raised any external investment? If yes, please provide details.

    Q9. Beyond financial performance, can the business demonstrate a clear purpose?
    For example: ESG initiatives, B Corp status, social impact, charitable work, etc.

    Company information

    Q10. Your contact details:

    Core eligibility criteria

    To be considered for the list, companies must:

    • Be founder-led or founder-influenced (e.g. founder as chair, significant shareholder, or in a strategic role)
    • Be a UK-registered company (UK HQ or significant UK operations)
    • Be revenue-generating (not pre-revenue)
    • Demonstrate clear evidence of growth (e.g. revenue, team size, funding, market expansion)
    • Have been founded or incorporated no later than 2024

    While not essential, judges will also look favourably on businesses that demonstrate a clear purpose, such as:

    • B Corp certification
    • ESG strategy
    • Social impact or charitable initiatives
    • Closing date for submissions: 30 April 2026

    Marketing preferences

    By providing your email address, you agree that we may contact you with information about our products and services that may be of interest.

    If you would prefer not to receive these communications, please select 'no' below: