The UK’s third largest city is now a sanctuary for like-minded entrepreneurs who have left London behind – and experiencing great results. West Yorkshire is home to over 9000 digital and tech businesses, including 286 scale-ups, the highest number outside of London and employing around 50,000 people. The area is also recognised by the UK government as a world leader in data and AI.
Institutions such as the UK Infrastructure Banks, the Financial Conduct Authority, Bank of England and Channel 4 now call Leeds their home, cementing the city as a centre for success.
According to Gareth Scargill, director of Nexus, the University of Leeds’ tech industry hub, over a fifth of UK digital health technology jobs are based in Leeds, which has contributed to a 32 per cent growth in the local economy over the past decade.
Gareth added that Leeds is in a good position to increase innovation in the sector:
“The future of the innovation and start-up ecosystem in Leeds is incredibly promising. Strategic investments, supportive policies, and a growing entrepreneurial ecosystem position the North, especially Leeds, as a significant player in the future of the UK’s economy.
“These developments have laid the groundwork for a balanced and innovative economic future for the entire UK, with the North as a key contributor. We are on the cusp of significant growth, and the opportunities for startups and entrepreneurs in Leeds have never been more exciting.”
We’ve highlighted some of the leading companies from Leeds’ tech startup industry, as well as some insight from some of the key figures that have helped build the community.
Task Box
Task Box is a SaaS productivity software company with simplicity at its core and mission to provide an optimum working process. With over 4,500 teams now using the platform (including Gap, Halfords and Sainsbury’s), Task Box has gone from strength to strength since it was founded in 2018.
Since the pandemic and the rise in home working, Task Box has allowed its customers to work from anywhere and co-ordinate with their teams in a way you can set up in just five minutes.
Nexus
Nexus is part of the University of Leeds and has established itself as the main community of innovators and entrepreneurs in the city. Nexus aims to support startups from industries including fintech, healthtech and smart cities.
Nexus has helped entrepreneurs from the ground up to develop new products and start new businesses. By combining business, academia and tech, Nexus has created a vibrant hub of innovation that has helped big ideas grow.
Start-ups across the city have accredited their success to Nexus, and it’s clear that the tech community considers it a vital resource.
Vet-AI
Vet-AI is one of Nexus’ biggest success stories. Backed by investment from Hill’s Pet Nutrition and Correlation One Holdings, this Leeds-based tech firm developed the veterinary app, Joii Pet Care, which allows pet owners to access healthcare for their furry friends using remote consultations.
Vet-AI launched in 2019 by veteran vets Robert and Sarah Dawson, alongside tech entrepreneur Paul Hallet. This turned out to be perfect timing, with lockdown soon meaning that pet owners required some form of remote vet service, and Joii was ready.
The app allows owners to book a consultation for just £20, with over 100,000 of them now registered. At a time where vet costs (along with everything else) have increased, this is a way for pet owners to get accessible care. Since then, the company has gone on to support charities like Thin Blue Paw and Dogs for Autism by offering free consultations for the animals involved.
ClimbUK
Another vital part of the city’s start-up and business community, ClimbUK is an annual festival of innovation which welcomes industry leaders, investors and business owners across two days at Leeds Dock.
Climb24 saw over talks with over 200 speakers alongside interactive workshops, roundtables, and masterclasses led by investors, entrepreneurs and thought leaders. It’s a great chance for businesses from across the country to showcase what they have to offer and network with others and make important connections.
With over 1500 delegates representing the next generation of technology businesses, it’s a huge part of the calendar for start-ups based in Leeds and across the UK.
Gordon Bateman, founder of Investor Ladder and Climb24, said:
“We created Climb to accelerate investment into regional ecosystems by facilitating better connections between national and international investors and founders.
“That doesn’t just mean networking and making introductions. As we’ve seen from this year’s event, it’s also about creating a space to discuss some of the bigger challenges and opportunities in our sector.”
XR Games
Part of the ever-exciting UK video game industry, XR Games is an award-winning independent studio that specialises in VR gaming. With over 100 employees, XR Games has worked with major game publishers such PlayStation, Microsoft and Meta, as well as a continuing partnership with Sony Pictures.
2022 saw the studio receive further backing from Act Media Ventures, Praetura Ventures and Maven, allowing them to move into a bigger office in the city. The VR and AR games industry is forecast to grow to over $84 billion by 2028 as technology develops.
XR Games works with cutting-edge tech to create experiences that blend creativity, storytelling and technology. Led by veterans from studios like Rockstar Games (which also has a presence in Leeds), EA and Codemasters, XR Games is a testament to how appealing Leeds is as a tech environment, one that can attract talent from around the country.
Cognexo
Cognexo (formally Cognito Learning) is an AI-powered, SaaS employee development and training platform that hopes to revolutionise workplace learning by delivering personalised packages and feedback that works within a business’s daily workflow.
Its flagship product, Cognexo Connect, helps to improve employee retention with personalised surveys that cover pre-boarding, onboarding, engagement, wellbeing and more. Users of Cognexo reported an 18 per cent increase in employee productivity and 40 per cent lower employee turnover rates.
We spoke to Dan Buckley, CEO of Cognexo about why Leeds has become a hub for tech:
What is the appeal of Cognexo being based in Leeds and what makes it a good hub for tech?
“As a hub of innovation, it is home to the rapidly growing digital, medical and fintech sectors. In particular, its growing tech sector includes a vibrant ecosystem of startups, established tech companies and innovation hubs.
“This environment fosters collaboration, networking and business opportunities, making it an ideal location for tech businesses.”
How do you expect to see Leeds expanding in the future for tech companies?
“The expansion of innovation districts and tech hubs will play a crucial role. Areas like the Leeds Innovation District, which encompasses the universities and teaching hospitals, will continue to grow, providing more space and resources for tech companies to thrive. “
More on tech hubs
12 of the most exciting tech companies in Bristol – Bristol and Bath’s tech sector is one of the fastest growing in the UK and a hotspot for cleantechs. Here are some of the most exciting startups to keep an eye on.
12 of the most exciting tech companies in Reading and Thames Valley – Reading’s tech hub is the head of Britain’s answer to Silicon Valley, the main centre of the Silicon Corridor or M4 Corridor.
