Tech Climbers has once again revealed the best performing product-led tech businesses that are making a tangible impact in the Liverpool City Region. The list was announced to a room of founders, investors, and ecosystem supporters from across the City Region, marking a significant milestone for the region's growing tech ecosystem.

This year, the tech community gathered at Scale in Liverpool city centre as host Oyinkansola Adebayo unveiled the 17 companies that made the official Tech Climbers list, alongside 10 up-and-coming businesses that were listed as 'Ones to Watch'. Businesses were either nominated or self-entered to be assessed by an expert panel of judges, which evaluated the strongest examples of impact, innovation, and investment across the Liverpool City Region.

Key Facts from the 2024 Tech Climbers List

Alongside the businesses that made the list, this year's Liverpool City Region also told the story of Liverpool's growing maturity as a mission-driven tech ecosystem. Key statistics include:

• Just under two-thirds (57%) of the listed businesses are leveraging 'tech for good' across key sub-sectors including health, education, accessibility, and sustainability.
• 83% were actively seeking investment, and 66% had already received some level of investment, demonstrating a clear ambition for growth.
• 85% of all entrants are using AI to address real-world challenges across health, sustainability, accessibility and more, highlighting the strength of Liverpool's growing MedTech and Life Sciences sector.
• The data forecasts the creation of around 236 jobs as a direct result of the listed companies' growth plans.
• This year saw an influx of new entrants, with 66% entering Tech Climbers for the first time, showcasing the initiative's growing reputation as a platform for talent.
• Two of the Climbers – Sum Vivas, creator of digital employees, and workplace wellbeing firm The Wellbeing Doctors – have moved from last year's Ones to Watch list to this year's Main List, highlighting a period of rapid growth.

Awards and Recognitions

Alongside the main list, three companies were recognised in individual categories. This year's Impressive Innovator award went to Guilford Street Laboratories, a university spinout combining biomarker science with AI-powered analytics. This company exemplifies how academic research can be translated into commercial solutions that address critical healthcare challenges.

The Relentless Raiser category, awarded to those demonstrating remarkable business ideas on track to secure investment, went to Evove, a deeptech company accelerating the transition to a new energy economy through precision membrane technology. Evove's work in water filtration and energy efficiency is not only innovative but also critical for sustainable development.

Finally, the Innovating with Impact award went to MyCardium AI, a returning Tech Climber utilising AI to measure heart function. Since its launch four years ago, MyCardium AI has grown to 30 staff and achieved a multi-million-pound turnover, demonstrating that purpose-led innovation can also drive strong commercial success.

Supporting the Ecosystem

The event was not only a celebration of Liverpool's tech community but also an opportunity to reflect on how the City Region has matured as a place to raise investment, increase the number of jobs, and nurture the fast-growing sectors contributing to economic growth. The panel discussed how pioneering companies are bringing investment into the region, with this year's data reflecting a healthy pipeline of scalable tech businesses.

Each business that made the list gains national recognition and joins a network of advisors and investors, as well as access to an exclusive prize package including investment readiness workshops by Brabners and strategy sessions to test growth plans with RSM UK. This support is crucial for helping companies navigate the challenges of scaling, from securing funding to building leadership teams.

Background on Tech Climbers

Tech Climbers is a UK-wide initiative aimed at profiling fast-growing tech businesses in scaling tech ecosystems. The programme is powered by Tangerine Communications and supported by headline partners such as Brabners, Marks & Clerk, Rathbones, and RSM. Ecosystem partners include Tech North Advocates, UK Tech Week, NatWest, Sciontec, Growth Platform, PXN Ventures, and LYVA Labs. National partners are HubSpot, TechUK, The Data City, and Innovate Her.

The initiative has grown significantly since its launch, with each year attracting more entries and generating greater interest from investors and policymakers. By focusing on purpose-led innovation, Tech Climbers aligns with broader trends in the tech industry, where investors are increasingly looking for companies that generate both financial returns and positive social or environmental impact.

The 2024 list demonstrates that Liverpool City Region is not just a hub for traditional industries but is also a thriving centre for AI, MedTech, and clean technology. The high proportion of businesses using AI (85%) is particularly notable, as it positions the region as a leader in applying advanced technologies to real-world problems. This aligns with the UK government's focus on making the country a global AI superpower.

The event concluded with a special mention of all partners that make Tech Climbers possible, highlighting the collaborative nature of the ecosystem. With a mission to profile fast-growing tech businesses in scaling tech ecosystems across the UK, Tech Climbers offers plenty of opportunities to support tech scaleups. The team encourages anyone interested in extending support in a region near them to get in touch.

Source: UKTN News