The UK’s longest-running index of the most promising new startups, the Startups 100 Index powered by Sage, has released its 2026 lineup. This year it includes three Brighton startups: My Skin Feels, Sampl Technologies Ltd and Bikebook.
The Startups 100 Index, run by Startups.co.uk, showcases the top 100 young UK businesses which exhibit technological innovation, impressive financials, market disruption, and a strong customer base or following.
The Index has been running for the last eighteen years and spans all industries with the final list championing a huge range of inventive and original ideas.
In previous years the Startups 100 index has predicted the success of household names such as Monzo and Deliveroo.
85. My Skin Feels
My Skin Feels’ natural skincare line is made from rescued food by-products like tomato ketchup, olive oil, breakfast oats, and orange juice.
Founder: Danielle Close
Founded: 2023
My Skin Feels is challenging waste in the beauty industry by formulating products with the planet in mind. The natural skincare brand uses “rescued food” by-products to create 99% natural, vegan, and organic products for sensitive and eczema-prone skin. Since launch, the brand has doubled its sales every month and is now stocked at Whole Foods and Credo Beauty, all the while aiming to rescue 500,000 tonnes of food waste and lead the conscious beauty movement.
Founder of My Skin Feels, Danielle Close, comments:
“We’re chuffed to be featured as one of the UK’s top start-ups. We’re a small business with a huge mission and we’re so excited to be listed among so many well deserving businesses.”
96. Sampl Technologies Ltd
Sampl helps brands run sampling campaigns that reach genuine shoppers and are fully trackable, measuring full-funnel impact in real-time.
Founders: Matt Huntly and Luca Spinella
Founded: 2020
Sampl Technologies Ltd product sampling to another level, with its digital platform that targets qualified consumers and tracks every interaction in real time, giving brands clear data on reviews, opt-ins, and sales. The startup has already worked with more than 250 clients global beauty chains. Sampl aims to become the world’s leading digital sampling platform, with plans to expand into Europe and the US.
CEO and Founder of Sampl, Matt Huntly, comments:
“We’re thrilled to be included in this list of the UK’s top 100 start-ups. In the last year, Sampl has continued to help big-name brands drive growth and achieve measurable impact through richer and more meaningful customer experiences. 2026 looks to be our biggest year yet, as we continue to grow and reinvent the role of sampling in the digital era.”
99. Bikebook
Bikebook takes the hassle out of bike repairs by connecting cyclists and workshops through a smarter, smoother booking system.
Founders: Jake Fieldsend, Ryan Elson and Sam Elson
Founded: 2020
Bikebook has built a purpose-designed workflow platform that replaces the outdated phone calls and paper diaries used by many bike workshops. Born from the founders’ own frustrations as cyclists, Workshop by Bikebook helps mechanics manage bookings, customer records, and invoicing in one place. With backing from industry bodies including the Association of Cycle Traders and rapid expansion into North America and Australia, Bikebook is now scaling its software to support bike shops worldwide.
Co-founder of Bikebook, Jake Fieldsend, comments:
“Seeing Bikebook featured on The Startups 100 Index is incredibly rewarding. What started as an idea to simplify and strengthen the bike industry is now being recognised on a national stage. This reflects the dedication of our team and the trust of the businesses that use Bikebook every day. We’re excited to keep building tools that help the cycling industry grow, connect, and thrive.”
Editor of Startups.co.uk, Zohra Huda, comments:
“Once again, the Startups 100 Index is proof that the UK’s entrepreneurial heartbeat isn’t confined to the capital—it’s booming across the regions. From the Shetlands to Southampton, Brighton to Bangor, UK founders are showing immense ingenuity, proving that brilliant ideas and business success depend on spirit and strategy, not just your postcode. Our Index is a wake-up call that Brighton is the new engine of innovation.”
About the Index:
The Startups 100, run by Startups.co.uk, showcases the top 100 new UK businesses based on five key areas of analysis: finance, external validation, size of opportunity, innovativeness of idea and strength of concept.
As well as celebrating the best small businesses in the UK, the list is also an opportunity to grow a community of like-minded entrepreneurs and business owners who support and advocate for each other.
