According to fresh research from the bank, startup bosses in the UK take home an average salary of £58,800, some 57% above the national wage average. 

The data underlines the strong financial potential involved in founding a startup in the UK, with nearly two thirds (60%) of business owners paying themselves a dividend.  

HSBC’s research shows the average age of starting a business in the UK is 32. However, entrepreneurs are getting younger – with a quarter (25%) of founders now under the age of 24. Wider research reveals significant growth in the number of businesses launched by those under 24, particularly in the last five years.

What unites these founders is a powerful blend of ambition, purpose and innovation. In a bid to spread success more widely and support aspiring entrepreneurs, HSBC UK has revealed five key drivers fuelling growth amongst startup business owners: 

1. Early investment in AI and technology

32% of founders credit AI and digital tools with helping to drive efficiency, innovation and growth

2. Bold branding and clear market positioning

With 34% defining success as nationwide sales, building a distinctive brand from the outset and investing to reaching wide audiences remains key.

3. Disrupt the market 

82% of startup owners value market disruption as a clear sign of success. 

4. Even if you’re micro, think multinational

With over a quarter now selling overseas, early global ambition can be reality from a business’s inception.

5. Purpose-driven from day one

63% of startups say that being socially responsible or sustainability focused is the primary purpose of their business. 

In a bid to further support startups, from 1 July 2025 HSBC UK is introducing no monthly account fee. Small Business Banking Account customers will also continue to benefit from free UK digital banking and free access to Business Specialists and digital accounting tools to support financial management.

Tom Wood, Head of SME Business Banking at HSBC UK, said: “We’re seeing startup founders not only outperform the national average in terms of earnings, but also build businesses with purpose, innovation and resilience at their core.

“This kind of success, though quick, does not happen overnight. We know all too well many early-stage businesses struggle to access the support they need to get off the ground and we aim to change that.

“By providing the tools and support entrepreneurs need to succeed, we’re helping more businesses take that leap to earn more and build something meaningful.”  

HSBC UK is committed to fuelling growth and boosting financial resilience amongst SMEs. Last month, the bank launched its Small Business Growth Programme for both customers and non-customers. Working in partnership with Microsoft, UpSkill Universe, and WIRED, HSBC UK seeks to support small businesses in their first year and beyond by sharing free tools and training on technology, marketing and financial support.

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