Manchester has long had a reputation as a thriving hub for tech startups. While sometimes overshadowed by London in the media, the city has slowly but surely developed a dynamic and, most importantly, unique tech ecosystem that rivals the capital in terms of innovation and potential. This fits, as the city was once the centre of the UK's industrial revolution. It only makes sense that it would be the centre of the new wave of technological revolution.

Thanks to factors like abundant startup accelerators and high levels of equity investment, Manchester in the UK is now synonymous with areas like software-as-a-service (SaaS), internet platforms, fintechs, and mobile apps.

But who are the ones to watch in the field? The tastemakers and disrupters that will shape the future of the MCR tech scene? While by no means an exhaustive list – we’ve put together a small teaser of some of the names that have been catching our attention recently.

Already making waves, these are the brands we think are going to be doing BIG things in future:

Voicescape

Voicescape, a pioneer in communications technology for social housing and local authorities with John Doyle as the CEO, uses automation, behavioural science, and data to create tailored solutions that boost efficiency and service quality.

Having secured £9 million from BGF in 2023, Voicescape has experienced tremendous growth, with a 174% increase in annual recurring revenue over the past two years. As a key player in the Manchester tech scene, Voicescape partners with over 50 social housing providers and local authorities across the UK. Their solutions help these organisations effectively interact with their communities for tasks like rent collection, customer feedback, and gas and safety inspections.

Voicescape's impressive growth trajectory and commitment to innovative solutions make them a company to watch. We are excited to see how they continue to shape the future of communications in the social housing and local government sectors.

Micregen

Micregen, a Bolton-based biotechnology company with Barry Sharples at the helm, was established in 2015 after two decades of rigorous scientific research and strategic planning. With a proven team of experts in business development, biotechnology, and stem cell research, Micregen is dedicated to revolutionising patient care through innovative stem cell therapies.

The company's primary focus is on developing novel stem cell secretome therapeutics, collectively known as Secretomix®. These products aim to transform the management of multiple age-related critical and chronic conditions. By leveraging the power of stem cells, Micregen seeks to accelerate recovery times and improve overall treatment outcomes for patients.

To support their growth and development, Micregen has successfully secured a total of £8.10 million in equity funding through four investment rounds. These funds have been crucial in advancing their research and bringing their promising therapies closer to market.

Micregen's work has garnered significant recognition within the industry. The company has been honoured with the UK Pharma Awards' Innovation of the Year award, a testament to their pioneering approach. Additionally, Micregen's Co-Founder, Professor Paolo De Coppi, has been included in TIME Magazine's prestigious list of the 100 Most Influential People in Health.

Housr

Put simply, this brand is all about streamlining student housing. Founded by university friends Harry Panter and Ben Clayton, Housr aims to revolutionise the often confusing and time-consuming process of finding student accommodation. Inspired by their own personal experiences, the co-founders created a "Tinder" for student housing, leveraging AI to simplify the rental process for all involved.

The app allows tenants to swipe through potential properties, book viewings, and easily communicate with potential flatmates. For landlords and letting agents, Housr offers a centralised platform to manage their properties and tenants efficiently.

Having already raised £1.2 million through investments from Bachmanity Capital and various angel investors, Housr has been able to develop its proprietary technology and launch an updated app version. With recent funding secured, the company is now seeking additional investment to expand its reach and further disrupt the property listings and management market.

As Housr continues to grow, it is poised to become a leading player in the student housing industry and one we’re all watching closely.

SteamaCo 

SteamaCo is making waves in the global energy sector with its IoT smart metering platform. This Manchester-based fintech company is all centred around changing the way energy is distributed and consumed, particularly in Southeast Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.

SteamaCo's cutting-edge technology is addressing critical challenges in the energy industry. By providing utilities with advanced tools to detect and prevent energy theft, resolve issues promptly, and meet regulatory targets, they are ensuring a more efficient and equitable distribution of energy. In off-grid regions, SteamaCo's smart meters and remote management solutions are enabling access to clean, reliable, and affordable energy.

Beyond its technical innovations, SteamaCo is committed to making a positive impact on the world. The company's dedication to co-creating with industry pioneers has resulted in significant advancements in energy management. This commitment has been recognized through prestigious awards such as the 100 SmartTech Innovators 2020 high-growth list, the Finance for the Future Innovative Project 2020 award, and its inclusion on the North England Fast Growth 50 and 2023 Tech Climbers lists.

Recently, SteamaCo's global impact was further acknowledged with the Impact Award at the Insider Media International Trade Awards. This recognition underscores the company's significant contributions to sustainable energy solutions and its role in driving positive change.

Airtime: Revolutionising Rewards in Manchester

Manchester's vibrant tech scene continues to produce innovative companies, and Airtime is no exception. This mobile-focused rewards platform is shaking up the industry with its unique approach to cashback and points.

Founded by Adam Ward (CEO) and Josh Graham (CMO), both recipients of the Trailblazer in FinTech Award, Airtime offers a seamless rewards experience for consumers, brands, and mobile networks. The platform connects these three groups, allowing brands to reach mobile-first consumers with targeted incentives and personalized offers.

With over 3.5 million members and partnerships with major brands like Boots, Greggs, Frasers Group, Selfridges, Tesco, and Aldi, Airtime is quickly becoming the UK's leading rewards program. Its rapid growth and strong presence in the Manchester tech scene make it a company to watch in the coming years.

Holiferm

Founded in 2018 by Ben Dolman, Holiferm’s patented fermentation technique uses yeast or bacteria to convert vegetable oils and sugars into environmentally friendly biosurfactants that can be deployed in a variety of household cleaning and personal care products such as shampoo and handwash.

The company, which is a spin out from the University of Manchester, closed its Series B funding round in December last year, securing £18.5 million from Rhapsody Venture Partners and Clean Growth Fund to scale up to 15kta production capacity. 

On top of this, Holiferm has also been awarded several grants and accolades over the years, including:

• £1.7 million from Innovate UK to develop a sustainable biobased cleaning product for the commercial market.
• £500,000 from the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund to develop a new biosurfactant for use in personal care products.
• The 2021 Clean Growth UK Award for Innovation in Sustainability.
• The 2022 Green Entrepreneur of the Year Award from the British Chamber of Commerce. Holiferm's success is a testament to the strength of the Manchester tech ecosystem. The company is one of many early-stage tech companies that are making a significant impact on the city's economy.

Formed from humble beginnings, the company’s continued innovations place it firmly at the forefront of the city's thriving tech ecosystem. With a commitment to environmental sustainability and their potential to revolutionise the cleaning industry, it’s going to be interesting to see how the brand continues to evolve.

Algbra

Algbra is a financial services company that's making waves in the industry with its commitment to ethical banking. Their mission is to empower individuals worldwide by providing accessible and sustainable financial solutions. Through innovative technology and a community-focused approach, Algbra aims to combat financial exclusion and create a more equitable society.

Founded in 2020 by Fizel Nejabat & Zeiad Idris, Algbra has rapidly gained traction and secured significant funding. The company has raised a total of £13.8 million through three funding rounds, including a substantial £5 million investment in August 2022. This funding, led by SFC Capital, valued Algbra at £62 million post-money.

Recent Developments and Partnerships

Algbra has continued to make headlines with its recent partnerships and strategic moves. In April 2024, SC Ventures acquired a stake in the company to enhance its Shoal service. Shoal, SC Ventures' sustainable finance platform, will partner with Algbra to leverage its technology capabilities and distribute products to UK retail customers. This partnership marks a significant milestone for Algbra and solidifies its position as a leading player in the fintech industry.

Proveca

Proveca is a global pharmaceutical company dedicated to improving the lives of children by developing and licensing medicines that address their specific unmet medical needs. Through close collaboration with clinicians, parents, carers, and children, Proveca is at the forefront of providing licensed medications tailored to the unique requirements of young patients.

Recent Accolades and Partnerships:

Proveca's commitment to pediatric healthcare has been recognised with numerous accolades. The company recently achieved runner-up status in the Reuters Valuable Medical Education/Awareness Initiative Award as part of the Reuters Events: Pharma EU. This prestigious recognition highlights Proveca's dedication to raising awareness and providing valuable resources for pediatric healthcare.

In addition to this award, Proveca and Cessatech have announced a worldwide commercial partnership (excluding the US) for CT001. This agreement capitalises on Proveca's expertise in specialised pediatric medicines and their extensive experience with PUMA (Paediatric Use Marketing Authorisation) in Europe. With four PUMA approvals under their belt, Proveca is well-positioned to bring innovative treatments to children worldwide.

While the specific terms of the agreement between Proveca and Cessatech remain undisclosed, it includes an upfront payment and double-digit royalties based on net sales in the licensed territory. This strategic partnership signifies a significant step forward for Proveca as they continue to expand their global reach and impact.

A Bright Future for Pediatric Healthcare

Proveca's dedication to improving the lives of children is evident in their recent achievements and partnerships. As they continue to develop and license innovative medicines, Proveca is poised to make a lasting impact on the field of pediatric healthcare.

To Conclude

Manchester's burgeoning tech scene is a testament to the city's innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. The companies highlighted in this blog represent just a fraction of the exciting start-ups shaping the future of the region.

From biotechnology to dating apps and sustainability solutions, these companies are pushing the boundaries of what's possible. As Manchester continues to attract talent and investment, it's clear that its place as a leading tech hub is only set to grow stronger. We’re looking forward to seeing how they continue to develop in the coming years!