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Startup Companies in Cardiff: 40 Active Firms (2026)
Startups in Cardiff develop early-stage products or services with scalable business models across the city's metropolitan economy.
Buying centres vary by end-market, but founder-led sales in this cohort tend to land with operations, finance, revenue or product owners rather than central procurement. Buyers are usually small businesses, mid-market teams or specialist public-sector units that can test a narrow proposition before widening adoption. Engagements often begin as paid pilots, retained service work, subscription tools or platform fees, with outsourced delivery and automation used to keep the operating base light. The common thread is not a shared vertical; it is the attempt to turn a small Cardiff-area team into a repeatable national or international sales motion.
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Cardiff has 40 actively trading startup-tagged companies, a compact cohort by UK standards. Reported employment reaches 292 people, so the local footprint looks closer to founder-led product teams and lean service-to-software firms than to mature technology employers. The pattern also fits the lifecycle framing: many appear to be testing repeatable sales, outsourced delivery or automation before adding larger permanent teams.
Startup status does not create a separate permissions regime in the UK. Incorporated firms still carry ordinary Companies House obligations, including confirmation statements, and some filers may need identity verification before filing. Sector rules sit on top of that baseline rather than being displaced by it: financial services, energy supply, aviation, healthcare and legal activities still require the relevant permissions for the activity being carried out. That matters for Cardiff founders because a lifecycle label says little about conduct risk, client-money handling, clinical claims or professional-services restrictions.
Cardiff’s startup pipeline appears weighted towards early-commercial teams, so the harder question is not formation but graduation into repeatable revenue. Firms selling to regulated buyers may face slower procurement, evidence and compliance cycles, while lighter software and service-led models can test demand with less upfront infrastructure. Scarcity of later-stage scale suggests more firms may remain founder-led, be absorbed into agencies or consultancies, or narrow into specialist workflow products. The cohort should therefore be read as a signal of experimentation as much as of near-term employer scale.
40
Active firms
2026
11
Recent incorporations
Incorporated since 2022
0
Over £5M turnover
Cardiff cohort
Key facts
27% of the cohort was incorporated since 2022 (11 firms), so a sizeable share is in its first few filing cycles.
Startup is a lifecycle and size tag rather than a separately regulated UK industry.
Companies House administration still applies, including confirmation statements and possible identity verification before filing.
Startups moving into financial services, energy supply, aviation, healthcare or legal activities need the permissions attached to those activities.
DBT estimated 5.5 million UK private-sector businesses at the start of 2024, including 5.45 million small businesses with 0 to 49 employees.
ONS reported 2.725 million UK businesses registered for VAT and/or PAYE as of March 2024, down 0.1% from March 2023.
Top Cardiff Startup companies
Trajectory
4y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsProvides an online influencer marketing platform connecting brands and agencies with vetted Instagram and TikTok micro‑influencers. Enables creator discovery, campaign management, product gifting…
Serves small and growing consumer brands, e-commerce and Shopify merchants, apps and digital services, and marketing agencies seeking Instagram and TikTok influencer campaigns and user-generated…
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · 0% CAGR over 3y
Location
Trajectory
2y · 2024–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 2 filingsDevelops an online financial management platform for small businesses and sole traders that aggregates bank accounts, tracks transactions and cash flow, provides business and director credit reports…
Serves UK sole traders and small business owners, including directors concerned with credit and funding, plus financial institutions and lenders that support small business customers.
Financial Health
WeakWeak · Hiring · 200% CAGR over 1y
Location
Jenesys HQ Ltd
Trajectory
2y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 2 filingsDevelops AI-powered bookkeeping software for accounting practices. Platform extracts invoice data, assigns general ledger and tax codes, performs bank reconciliations, checks compliance, and…
Sells to UK accounting practices and accountancy firms, as well as SME businesses and startups, targeting business owners, CEOs, finance directors and accountants.
Financial Health
DistressedDistressed · 0% CAGR over 1y
Location
NISIEN.AI LIMITED
Trajectory
3y · 2024–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsDevelops AI software for online safeguarding. Provides a platform that monitors social networks to detect abuse, threats, misinformation and harmful interactions, generate reports on offenders and…
Serves B2B brands and organisations managing social channels and online communities, especially teams responsible for moderation, brand safety, audience protection, inclusion and digital wellbeing at…
Financial Health
StableStable · -73% CAGR over 2y
Location
ANTIVERSE LTD
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsDevelops machine-learning models to design and optimise therapeutic antibodies against difficult drug targets, supporting antibody discovery and development for pharmaceutical and biotechnology…
Serves biotechnology and pharmaceutical organisations pursuing antibody therapeutics, including drug discovery, R&D and partnering teams working on challenging targets and unmet medical needs.
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Growing, Hiring · 26% CAGR over 4y
Location
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsDevelops digital consent-to-treatment software for healthcare providers. The platform enables clinicians to share procedure information with patients, obtain and record electronic consent remotely or…
Sells to healthcare organisations, including NHS trusts and private hospital groups, targeting clinical, digital transformation and project teams that need digital consent workflows for clinicians…
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · Hiring · 32% CAGR over 4y
Location
Trajectory
1y · 2025–NowDevelops software platform for SMEs and investors that tracks financial performance, valuations and cap tables, automates administrative tasks, manages investor communications, and supports…
Serves SMEs and growth-company founders, their boards, and early investors seeking shared governance, valuation visibility and structured equity liquidity decision-making.
Financial Health
Insufficient historyInsufficient history
Location
Trajectory
2y · 2024–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 2 filingsDevelops and operates AI-based ESG and sustainability intelligence platforms that collect, verify and analyse environmental, social and compliance data. Provides tools for carbon emissions tracking,…
Serves governments, sovereign funds and large enterprises, including sustainability, risk, supply-chain and reporting teams subject to ESG disclosure, audit, compliance and carbon-market requirements.
Financial Health
StableStable
Location
CLEARPIXEL VR LTD
Trajectory
5y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsDesigns and develops virtual and augmented reality (XR) applications for training, education and product demonstration. Builds VR training platforms and bespoke simulations for laboratories,…
Serves universities, research institutions, and enterprise organisations, especially life science educators, laboratory training teams, regulated environments, and medical or technical equipment…
Financial Health
WeakWeak · -68% CAGR over 4y
Location
Llusern Scientific Ltd
Trajectory
4y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsDevelops and supplies point‑of‑care molecular diagnostic systems for urinary tract infections, including the Lodestar DX analyser that detects common UTI pathogens in urine samples in about 35…
Sells to healthcare providers and veterinary practices needing point-of-care UTI diagnostics, including doctors and clinicians seeking rapid test results for treatment decisions.
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Hiring · 26% CAGR over 3y
Location
PHARMDEL LTD
Trajectory
3y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsDevelops pharmacy delivery management software, including apps for pharmacies, drivers and patients. Platform integrates with PMR systems to schedule prescriptions, optimise delivery routes, track…
Serves independent and multi-site pharmacies that manage prescription deliveries, collections and care/nursing home drops, including teams using PMR systems and delivery drivers.
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Growing, Hiring · 58% CAGR over 2y
Location
Jiva.Ai Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides a no‑code software platform for building, testing and deploying multimodal artificial intelligence models. Enables users to analyse data from images, video, text, audio and structured…
Serves businesses and organisations across sectors that want existing teams to build and manage AI from imaging, video, text, audio or structured data without specialist coding skills.
Financial Health
StableStable · 0% CAGR over 4y
Location
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides a digital marketing automation platform for automotive dealers that converts vehicle inventory data into online advertising feeds. Manages and optimises ads across Google, Bing, Facebook and…
Serves automotive retailers and dealer groups selling used cars, new cars, commercial vehicles, motorcycles and leased vehicles, especially teams running Google, Bing, Facebook and Instagram vehicle…
Financial Health
DistressedDistressed · -6% CAGR over 4y
Location
Studentfinance Group Ltd
Trajectory
4y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsOperates an online platform that provides career guidance data, financing options for training, and matching services connecting individuals with education programmes and employers for upskilling…
Serves individuals seeking career upskilling, education providers offering training programs, and employers hiring talent in in-demand sectors.
Financial Health
StableStable · -8% CAGR over 3y
Location
Bloemteknik Limited
Trajectory
2y · 2024–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 2 filingsDevelops and supplies custom LED lighting systems and control platforms for horticulture, including greenhouses and vertical farms. Technology adjusts light intensity and spectrum using data and…
Sells to commercial horticulture businesses, including greenhouse and vertical farm operators growing cannabis, cucumbers, flowers, leafy greens, strawberries and tomatoes.
Financial Health
WeakWeak · 0% CAGR over 1y
Location
Ceryx Medical Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsDevelops bioelectronic medical devices that use biomimetic analogue electronics to interpret physiological signals and generate therapeutic responses. Technology includes implantable systems that…
Targets healthcare providers, clinicians and healthcare systems involved in heart failure care, with potential relevance to teams treating hypertension, spinal cord injuries and endocrine disorders…
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Hiring · 33% CAGR over 3y
Location
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowDevelops wearable devices and software for monitoring workers’ exposure to hand‑arm vibration and loud noise. The system records exposure data, provides real-time alerts, and uploads information to…
Serves employers and health & safety teams in construction, manufacturing, rail and logistics whose workers face vibration, noise, vehicle or machinery hazards, including organisations managing HSE…
Financial Health
Insufficient historyInsufficient history · 19% CAGR over 3y
Location
Virtus Tech Ltd
Trajectory
4y · 2019–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsDevelops software for creating immersive virtual reality learning and training content. Provides a no‑code platform with multimedia editors, scenario builders, and analytics to design interactive…
Serves businesses, healthcare training teams and education providers that need immersive learning for employees, students and trainees, including organisations using learning management systems.
Financial Health
DistressedDistressed · -37% CAGR over 1y
Location
PINEAPPLE NATION LTD
Trajectory
1y · 2024–NowOperates a membership-based savings and discounts platform that provides users access to deals from retail, hospitality, travel, motoring and entertainment brands, including offers on restaurants,…
Serves UK consumers, including students, seeking everyday savings across retail, hospitality, motoring, travel, health and entertainment brands through a membership-based discounts platform.
Financial Health
Insufficient historyInsufficient history
Location
TIDAL STAFFING SOLUTIONS LTD
Trajectory
1y · 2024–NowOperates an online staffing platform that connects businesses with freelance brand ambassadors, visual merchandisers, event hosts and similar roles through live job listings, allowing professionals…
Serves brands and businesses needing on-demand event, retail and promotional staffing, plus freelance professionals such as brand ambassadors, visual merchandisers, event hosts, beauty consultants…
Financial Health
Insufficient historyInsufficient history
Location
Trajectory
2y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 2 filingsProvides an employee engagement and benefits platform via a mobile app, offering digital payslips, pension dashboards, internal communications, training access, health support services, and employee…
Serves employers and their workforces, including new starters, team members, working carers and employees accessing workplace pay, benefits, wellbeing and discount services.
Financial Health
StrongStrong
Location
Goggleminds Ltd
Trajectory
5y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsDevelops and provides a virtual reality and desktop training platform for healthcare professionals and students. The software delivers interactive clinical simulation scenarios, such as sepsis and…
Sells to healthcare education and care delivery organisations, especially academic institutions, universities, hospitals and healthcare providers. Targets educators, clinical teams, students and…
Financial Health
WeakWeak · Hiring · 9% CAGR over 4y
Location
Provides a mobile employee engagement and payroll app that gives workers access to digital payslips, pension information, company communications, training resources, health support services, and…
Financial Health
Insufficient historyInsufficient history
Location
SERO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides retrofit and energy services for social housing, installing technologies such as solar panels and batteries and managing smart energy use. Aggregates homes to purchase electricity and…
Serves social housing landlords and their residents, plus institutional investors and funders seeking climate and social impact from retrofit programmes in the UK housing sector.
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Hiring · 19% CAGR over 4y
Location
Ballistic Moon Development Ltd
Trajectory
5y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsDevelops video games for console and PC platforms. Operates a game development studio creating titles for PlayStation 5 and personal computers, and publishes information about its game projects,…
Targets video game consumers on PlayStation 5 and PC, alongside prospective employees interested in game studio careers.
Financial Health
StableStable · 0% CAGR over 3y
Location
Trajectory
5y · 2020–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides cloud-based issuer processing and payment processing technology via APIs, supporting prepaid and virtual card programmes, earned wage access platforms, funds disbursement, paycards, and…
Serves B2B payment innovators, fintechs, earned-wage-access providers, employers and partners running prepaid card, paycard, funds disbursement and employee financial wellness programs globally.
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Hiring · 26% CAGR over 4y
Location
Trajectory
4y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsProvides a mobile banking app offering personal accounts and a Mastercard debit card. Features include open banking top‑ups, spending notifications, carbon impact tracking through a GreenScore…
Serves environmentally conscious consumers seeking personal banking alternatives, debit-card spending and app-based tools to understand, reduce and offset the climate impact of their lifestyle…
Financial Health
DistressedDistressed · 87% CAGR over 2y
Location
Ambela Limited
Trajectory
1y · 2025–NowOperates an online retail store selling women’s clothing, specialising in denim jeans including stretch, straight‑leg and sculpt styles, alongside casual basics such as hoodies, T‑shirts and shorts…
Sells directly to women consumers seeking inclusive-size denim and casual basics, including shoppers across sizes 6–26 and multiple leg lengths.
Financial Health
Insufficient historyInsufficient history
Location
Afferent Medical Solutions Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2020–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsDevelops bioelectronic medical devices that use neuromodulation to treat circulatory system diseases. Conducts research and development of non‑invasive, device‑based therapies for conditions such as…
Targets hypertensive patients and people with circulatory system diseases or other therapeutic needs poorly served by existing medication, with relevance to cardiovascular clinicians and healthcare…
Financial Health
DistressedDistressed
Location
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsProvides digital platform connecting licensed construction and manpower companies to lend and borrow workers. Enables labour search, purchase orders, contract signing via UAE Pass, and escrow-based…
Serves licensed construction and manpower companies in the UAE that need to borrow skilled site labour for projects or lend idle workers to other verified firms.
Financial Health
StableStable
Location
SIMPLY DO IDEAS LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsDevelops and provides an AI‑enabled software platform for managing collaborative innovation programmes. The system enables organisations to create challenges, gather ideas from employees or partners,…
Sells to B2B and public sector organisations in complex, security-sensitive environments, especially government, education, policing, defence, housing and healthcare. Targets enterprise teams seeking…
Financial Health
WeakWeak · -4% CAGR over 4y
Location
STARTSAFE LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsDevelops a digital health and safety compliance platform that enables businesses to conduct safety audits, manage assets, run inspections using mobile devices, collect photographic evidence, schedule…
Serves businesses across industries that need to manage health and safety compliance, asset checks and audit processes, particularly operations, facilities and health and safety teams.
Financial Health
StableStable · -71% CAGR over 4y
Location
SERVICETRACKER LTD
Trajectory
5y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsDevelops software for pest control businesses to manage operations, including job requests, quoting, scheduling, service reporting, contracts and invoicing. The platform records compliance and…
Serves pest control businesses worldwide, from sole operators to growing teams and enterprise providers, including admin, sales and operations teams.
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · Hiring · 4% CAGR over 4y
Location
Pick Pack Direct Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsDevelops and provides warehouse management and order management software for e‑commerce and fulfilment operations, including sales channel integrations, order processing workflows, shipping label…
Sells to businesses of all sizes, particularly ecommerce retailers, marketplace sellers, fulfilment teams and warehouse operations using channels such as Amazon, Temu and Shopify, across the UK and…
Financial Health
StrongStrong
Location
THE SMART CONTAINER COMPANY LTD
Trajectory
5y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsDevelops Internet of Things sensors and software for tracking returnable containers used to transport liquids and gases. Provides a platform that monitors location, volume, temperature and motion to…
Serves B2B operators of returnable liquid and gas container fleets, including supply chain, operations, quality and sustainability teams in industries needing end-to-end product movement visibility.
Financial Health
DistressedDistressed · -14% CAGR over 4y
Location
Belledge Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsDevelops AI-based enterprise intelligence software that analyses organisational communications using natural language processing, graph modelling and network analysis to generate operational…
Sells to complex enterprises and institutions that need insight from internal communications, targeting leadership, risk, security, operations and organisational intelligence teams.
Financial Health
StableStable · Hiring · 8% CAGR over 4y
Location
Trajectory
2y · 2024–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 2 filingsDevelops and provides an AI-powered virtual shopping assistant for e‑commerce websites. The chatbot answers customer queries, guides product discovery and navigation, and tracks conversions through…
Serves B2B ecommerce retailers and online brands with product catalogues, especially those using affiliate networks, Shopify or tag management, with buyers including digital, ecommerce and affiliate…
Financial Health
WeakWeak · -8% CAGR over 1y
Location
Trajectory
2y · 2025–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 2 filingsDevelops clinical traceability software for hospitals that uses barcode scanning to record and track surgical implants, devices and consumables at the point of care, providing alerts for expired or…
Sells to NHS trusts and hospital operating theatre teams, particularly orthopaedic and surgical departments, clinical governance leads, procurement teams and administrators responsible for implant…
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Hiring · 60% CAGR over 1y
Location
Agile Kinetic Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsDevelops AI‑based software for movement analysis using computer vision and sensors on consumer devices. Provides the MoveLab suite to digitise and assess human motion for healthcare, sports…
Serves healthcare, sports and industrial organisations, including companies developing digital health, precision care, performance or remote assessment capabilities.
Financial Health
StableStable · Hiring · 13% CAGR over 4y
Location
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsDevelops cloud-based pharmacy management software for community pharmacies. The platform provides paperless dispensing workflows, saved clinical checks, barcode verification, stock management tools,…
Serves independent community pharmacies and larger pharmacy groups, targeting pharmacists, dispensary teams and pharmacy operators.
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Growing, Hiring · 46% CAGR over 4y
Location
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides a digital guest communication platform for hotels, enabling staff to manage guest requests and messages from SMS, WhatsApp, email, and social media in a single inbox, automate updates, send…
Sells to hotels and accommodation providers, including hoteliers and hospitality teams managing guest communications, bookings, surveys and on-site services; also works with hospitality technology…
Financial Health
WeakWeak
Location
Trajectory
3y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsDevelops and supplies cell lines and patented food ingredients used in cultivated meat, alternative protein and nutraceutical production, aimed at improving taste, texture and reducing production…
Serves B2B producers and developers in the alternative protein, cultivated meat and nutraceutical sectors, particularly companies addressing taste, texture and production cost at commercial scale.
Financial Health
DistressedDistressed · -23% CAGR over 2y
Location
AERUGO LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsDevelops wheelchair seating systems including app‑controlled cushions and backrests using dynamic air‑cell technology to adjust posture and pressure. Products include responsive seating for adults…
Serves wheelchair users, children and young people needing postural support, plus their families, carers and therapists/clinicians involved in seating and mobility decisions.
Financial Health
StableStable · -68% CAGR over 4y
Location
B2Space Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2020–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides high‑altitude flight services including near‑space testing, high altitude pseudo‑satellite (HAPS) platforms, and balloon‑launched rockoon systems used to test technologies and support the…
Serves aerospace companies, satellite operators, research organisations and universities seeking high-altitude testing, HAPS missions or small/micro-satellite access to low Earth orbit, primarily in…
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Growing, Hiring · 3% CAGR over 5y
Location
THE GOOD PENGUIN LTD
Trajectory
5y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides embedded software engineering consultancy, specialising in Embedded Linux development. Services include hardware enablement, bootloader and OS porting, board support package development,…
Serves B2B product development and engineering teams building embedded Linux and ARM-based devices, including organisations seeking specialist consultancy or team augmentation for embedded software…
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Hiring · 39% CAGR over 4y
Location
Trajectory
4y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsDevelops, delivers and operates grid-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS). Procures and manages fast-response storage projects that store electricity and provide grid-balancing services,…
Serves UK power-sector stakeholders, infrastructure investors and mixed-use development partners involved in grid-scale battery storage, private-wire, micro-grid and EV charging projects.
Financial Health
WeakWeak
Location
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How Cardiff Startup companies work and how to sell to them
What they do
Cardiff startups in this segment usually monetise a narrow operational, commercial or technical problem before widening the offer. Revenue tends to come from subscriptions, licence-style access, usage fees, retained services, platform commissions or paid implementation work, depending on whether the product is software, managed service or marketplace infrastructure. Early engagements are often priced to fit a departmental budget and prove a specific outcome, rather than carry a whole-enterprise business case. Margins depend less on scale claims than on how much delivery can be standardised, automated or repeated without adding permanent headcount.
Who they sell to
Typical buyers are small businesses, mid-market teams, specialist public-sector units, healthcare organisations and enterprise departments willing to trial a contained workflow. The relevant sponsor is usually close to the problem: a finance director for cost control, an operations lead for workflow, a CTO or product owner for technical tooling, or a commercial director for revenue systems. Most deals start through founder networks, direct outbound, referrals or accelerator-style introductions before formal procurement appears. Sales cycles tend to be shorter where budget sits with a single function, and longer where security review, public-sector procurement or regulated use cases are involved.
What they buy
Most Cardiff startup firms tend to spend cautiously on tools that remove founder admin or make early revenue less manual. Common needs include accounting, payroll, tax support, contract review, insurance, company secretarial help, cloud hosting, cyber security, customer support, analytics, CRM, email deliverability and billing. Product teams may also buy design, user research, testing, observability and data engineering support, while service-led firms often look for workflow automation and project delivery systems. Recruitment spend is usually selective, with fractional finance, commercial, legal and technical support fitting teams that are not yet ready for larger permanent functions.
Why and how to sell to them
Buying intent usually appears when a startup moves from founder-managed delivery to repeatable customer acquisition. Useful triggers include a new senior hire, a funding announcement, a larger customer win, preparation for public-sector or regulated procurement, overseas sales, or a change from bespoke projects to subscription or platform revenue. Sellers get better traction when they tie outreach to a near-term constraint: shorter onboarding, cleaner financial controls, evidence for security review, lower support load or faster proposal turnaround. Cardiff teams are likely to respond to practical commercial proof, clear pricing and implementation that does not assume spare internal capacity.
How this list is built
Data sources
This list is built from UK Companies House filings, XBRL accounts data, and semantic analysis of each company's public website. Revenue and headcount figures come from the most recent filed accounts; where the company has not filed, values are estimated using a model trained on filed history and peer benchmarks and are labelled as estimates.
Classification
Rather than relying solely on SIC codes, Firmbase classifies each company semantically: the company's website is crawled, an AI model reads what the company actually sells, and the company is placed into the relevant industry and subsectors. SIC codes are used as one signal but not the only one. This means a company that registered under a generic SIC code but pivoted into (for example) fintech is correctly identified as fintech, not as its original SIC category.
Freshness
The underlying company data is refreshed from Companies House continuously; filings appear in the list within days of submission. The curated list ordering is regenerated when the underlying data moves meaningfully (company count changes by more than 5%, a new company enters the top-ranked segment, or the filed-revenue numbers for the top firms change). You can see the last-updated timestamp near the top of the page.
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