Unveiling the Hustle Awards 2026 shortlist
Every year, the Hustle Awards sets out to find the founders pushing boundaries, the leaders reshaping industries, and the individuals and organisations ensuring early-stage businesses succeed. The 2026 shortlist spans startups and scaleups, deeptech and bold ideas, seasoned innovators and first-time founders.
The Hustle Awards recognises the best innovation, passion, creativity, and dedication in the business landscape. We mark the outstanding achievements of businesses, individuals, and new ideas, and ensure they get the credit and celebration they deserve.
Anna Wood, Editor, Startups Magazine, commented: “Having received hundreds of entries for the Hustle Awards 2026, the judges really had their work cut out for them shortlisting all of the fantastic entries. The shortlist this year is really strong, with exciting companies making true impact in their sectors. I can’t wait to see who will be crowned the winners!”
Alongside the announcement of the shortlist, we are also opening the voting for this year’s Reader’s Choice Award. Click here to cast your vote.
These are the names you need to know this year. Here is the 2026 Hustle Awards shortlist.
Early-Stage Innovation Award
Nada
Founder of the Year
Amy Louisee – Ciima
Andrew Cary – SNAAP Transportation
David Parr – Prsnt
Dr Tara Lalvani – Beautifect
Julia Linehan – The Digital Voice
Katie Johnson – KASA
Lissele Pratt – Capitalixe
Lucie Macleod – Hair Syrup
Mithlesh Singh – PivotSimply
Serhii Zakharov – PayDo
Game-Changing Investor
Arnoldas Jonaitis
Inspirational Woman of the Industry
Alkim Mete from Microsoft
Brooke Day from PensionBee
Dhosjan Greenaway-Dalini from Bia Innovate
Dr Lisa Turner from CETfreedom
Jennifer L. Bryan from ABChange Consultancy
Jo Living from Aces High
Kate Heath from Gaia Learning
Louise Webster from WeareBeyond Global
Naomi Owusu from Tickaroo
Selene Sari from Vox Aeris
Most Innovative Tech
Most Successful Scaleup
Outstanding Startup Support
Social Impact Hero(es)
The Workplace Mental Health Method™
Sustainability Award
My AIB – Address Identification Beacon
Top Performing Team
Workspace of the Year
The winners will be revealed at our awards ceremony on 9 July 2026 at Shoreditch Exchange in London – and tickets are on sale now.
What better way to celebrate an awards evening all about celebrating the very best in startups and business than with a keynote speaker straight out of one of the biggest business shows in the UK. Fresh from competing, and landing in the top five of Season 20’s The Apprentice, Lawrence Rosenberg will take the stage at the Hustle Awards 2026, delivering an unforgettable keynote speech to all in attendance.
Last year’s event sold out, and we’re expecting even greater demand this year. Whether you’re a founder, investor, or simply someone who loves celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit, this is the night not to miss.
Tickets are available now at thehustleawards.co.uk. We’ll see you there.
Good luck to all who entered!
