High-growth industries

Since the pandemic, our health (both physical and mental), as well as our planet, have soared to the top of everyone’s agendas - with the level of importance in these areas coming through in venture capital’s direction of travel and therefore the success of early-stage startups.

Denoting industries still ripe for growth, the winners operate across the healthtech, fintech, and sustainability sectors - verticals in which VCs are still very keen to invest. 

Take, for example, Ada Ventures: whose latest fund focuses on three main areas; economic empowerment, healthcare, and climate change. Another early-stage VC, Kindred, is also ploughing capital into the healthtech space. The list goes on. These signals indicate the continued upwards trajectory for impact businesses in high-growth industries - like fintech and healthtech - despite the current economic turmoil.

It’s no wonder, then, that this year’s Top Blooming Brands either help to solve people’s health, reduce further damage to the planet, or economically empower those who need it most.

With one entry from the newer category of “grief-tech” - this is an unsurprising area for disruption, particularly given the increased attention on mental health. (The “grief-tech” industry categorises companies that support the bereaved, whether through paperwork, counselling, community, service provider recommendations, or advice. Deathtech is for people preparing for end-of-life matters, such as will-writing, composting, or funeral arrangements).

Blooming brands

Independently shortlisted and judged by industry experts, 2023’s Top Blooming Brands are selected based on the freshness, creativity, authenticity, and distinctiveness of their brand; the messaging and positioning in their marketing, and; the level of positive impact they have on the world (be it ecological, social, or otherwise).

Bloom is proud to announce the Top 5 Blooming Brands for 2023:

• Marshmallow - Affordable vehicle insurance for people who typically get a bum deal from the industry: students, expats, unemployed people. (Insurtech) 
• Untangle - AI companion-app that helps people navigate the financial, legal, practical and emotional challenges after a death. (Grieftech) 
• Cleo - Helping people improve their relationship with money and financial health. (Fintech) 
• Hertility - Online screening and at-home test kits to empower women about their hormones and fertility. (Healthtech) 
• Baboodle - Baby equipment rental platform focused on sustainability. (Rental platform) 

Runners-up include Hurr, Behold AI, Plum, Elvie, HumanForest, Beam, Kiteline Health, Finance Unlocked, Mindstep and GetHarley.

The judging panel includes Steven Mzar, Ben Parish, Co-Founders & Creative Directors at AyAyAy Studio; Priyanka Chankar, Founder of Horenso; Jessica Hall, Marketing Director, Bloom; Ivan Meakins, Senior Content Developer at Write Business Results, and; Henry Barton, Head of Brand and Community at Uncapped.

Stephanie Melodia, Founder & CEO of Bloom, says: “It has never been more important to celebrate UK tech startups. The macro-economic environment is bleak, but not without hope. These fantastic businesses demonstrate what can be achieved through true entrepreneurship, creative branding, effective marketing, and positive impact.”