Following the phenomenal success of the 2008 list, Startups is now compiling the second Startups 100 – the definitive list of the UK’s best and brightest new companies. The 2008 list can be viewed at www.startups.co.uk/100
The Startups team is now compiling the new list and is welcoming suggestions from all sectors. Entry criteria as follows: the business must be innovative and original in some way, or perhaps be taking on an established market with a new or pioneering approach.
Companies must be UK based and be privately owned. There is also a three year cut off point so qualifying businesses must not have launched before January 2007.
To be considered for the new Startups 100 the company founders will need to answer all of the questions below and submit their entry by 10am on Monday 7th December. The new list will be published in the New Year when the new-look Startups.co.uk goes live.
Send completed entries to sarar@crimsonbusiness.co.uk along with a picture (or two) of the company founders.
Company name:
Date founded:
Date the product/service launched (if different from above):
Region based in:
Names & age of founder(s):
Turnover for last financial year:
(this can be left out of editorial if you wish, but is helpful for judging purposes)
Projected turnover for 2010:
(this can be left out of editorial if you wish, but is helpful for judging purposes)
Net Profit:
(this can be left out of editorial if you wish, but is helpful for judging purposes)
How many employees (if any) do you have?
Sum up what your business does in under 25 words:
How did you come up with the idea?
Give a brief explanation of your revenue model:
Who are your clients/customers? How many do you have?
What’s been the most challenging thing about starting your business so far?
What was your breakthrough moment?
Do you think the recession has affected your growth? If so, has it had a positive or negative affect?
Brief description of the founder(s)’s background(s):
What makes your business different from the competition?
Funds raised to start business:
What was your primary source of start-up funding? (select one)
a) Savings
b) Friends and family
c) Business angels
d) Bank loan
e) Grants
f) Asset based finance
g) Private equity
h) Corporate venturing
i) Credit cards
j) Complete organic growth
What percentage of the company do you still own?
(this can be left out of editorial if you wish, but is helpful for judging purposes)
What does the next 12 months hold for the business?
Why did you start your business?
a) to make money
b) to realise an idea
c) to be your own boss
d) to achieve a better work / life balance
e) other
Who is your entrepreneurial hero (you could also mention a mentor or someone you know who has helped or inspired you to run your business)?
What’s your definition of success?