Birmingham is known for its rich history and cultural landmarks, but it’s also making a name for itself in the tech industry. The city is home to 2,000 tech start-ups and over 6,000 tech businesses, according to UKTN. The Midlands region contributes around eight per cent to the UK’s overall medtech turnover, with a thriving fintech, gaming, and digital marketing scene in Birmingham.
A Talent Pool to Tap Into
The city boasts five universities in the vicinity: Aston, Birmingham City, Newman, University of Birmingham, and University College Birmingham. This, coupled with a high student retention rate, provides a wide talent pool for businesses to draw from. Birmingham has been dubbed the youngest city in Europe, with 28 per cent of its population under the age of 20.
Support for Tech Businesses
Birmingham offers a supportive ecosystem for tech companies. The old Bird’s custard factory, opened in 1937, now houses independent businesses, including vibrant tech companies. Across Birmingham and the West Midlands, there are over 30 accelerators, incubators, and business support programmes for tech and digital businesses.
Exciting Tech Companies in Birmingham
Some of the most exciting tech companies in Birmingham include:
- Phoebus Software: A financial solutions platform for businesses based in Solihull, operational since 1989. It has investors such as Clydesdale Bank and is looking to drive professional growth.
- Geospatial Insight: A Series B company that uses AI-based solutions to drive decarbonisation and reduce risk. It has received $5.3 million in investment from various funds.
- Voxpopme: A video feedback capture and analytics platform with over 300 clients, including Pepsi and McDonald’s. It has raised $28 million across nine funding rounds.
- CyberQ: A cybersecurity firm that has secured £1 million from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund to support its growth and global operations.
- Love Finance: A finance company that provides loans to small businesses, listed among the top six fastest-growing finance companies in Europe by The Times.
These companies are just a few examples of the thriving tech scene in Birmingham. With its talented workforce, supportive ecosystem, and growing number of start-ups, the city is an attractive destination for tech businesses.
