UK-based startups raised £16.2 billion in 2024, marking the lowest funding level since 2020, according to Dealroom data. This decline has led many British tech companies to consider relocating their headquarters to the United States to access larger pools of venture capital funding. The funding gap is particularly stark when compared to Silicon Valley, where startups raised over £65 billion in the same period. The U.S. accounted for 57% of global venture capital funding in 2024, surpassing 50% for the first time in over a decade. UK founders have expressed frustration over the lack of capital, with some already moving operations or setting up as Delaware corporations to attract U.S. investors. Notable examples include ElevenLabs and Cleo, whose founders have cited the worsening funding environment in the UK. Despite the overall decline, certain sectors, such as health startups, have shown resilience, with UK venture capital investment exceeding £4 billion in Q1 2025. Additionally, fintech companies like Plum, which raised £15 million, and BKN301 Group, which secured €21.5 million in Series B funding, have achieved significant milestones for expansion.
💥 @bkn301 raises £18.6M Series B! https://t.co/aW3dfE9BQR It was backed by @CDP, Azimut, SIMEST + more. @_EmEn #fintech #baas #startups #funding #innovation #growth #news #uktech #London #financialtechnology #investment https://t.co/XRExfkEutI
BKN301Group raises €21.5M Series B for global BaaS market expansion https://t.co/xhr5SvhEXx https://t.co/06wIcuqmpP
Health startups spur UK VC investment to top $4BN in Q1 https://t.co/OAUKBOizuv https://t.co/1nFWu3apS9