Transportation is undergoing a seismic shift in the UK, led by British startups that are pushing boundaries in mobility. These companies are not only setting trends in how we move but are also creating opportunities for entrepreneurs and innovators in the space. Coming from a background as a serial founder and advocate for women in STEM, I am always fascinated by the intersection of technology, sustainability, and scalability. It’s not just about moving people or cargo; it’s about rethinking the systems underpinning global mobility. Let's dive into how these ten standout startups are shaping this space and what we, as founders, can learn from their journeys.
1. Qargo – Simplifying Freight Logistics
Qargo has digitized logistics, transforming complex freight operations into streamlined workflows. By automating communication and documentation, it reduces human error and boosts efficiency in freight management. With a recent £11M Series A funding round, it already supports thousands of shipments daily, proving it has found a scalable and needed niche. Check out their trailblazing solutions on Qargo.
Lesson for entrepreneurs: Solving operational inefficiencies with tech can attract both clients and investors. Focus on a single pain point and tackle it thoroughly.
2. Wayve – AI That Learns to Drive
Unlike traditional autonomous driving systems that rely on mapping, Wayve focuses on experiential AI that learns organically. The result? A system as intuitive as human learning. With landmark funding from Microsoft and SoftBank, Wayve aligns the future of AI with mobility in a game-changing fashion. Dive into their unique approach at Wayve.
Mistake to avoid: Over customization for a region. Wayve's global AI scalability demonstrates the importance of building an adaptable product.
3. Evolito – Electrifying Aircraft
Evolito is leading the charge in urban air mobility by designing high-performance electric motors for aircraft. The demand for sustainable aviation solutions is climbing, and Evolito has stepped in to fill this gap with lightweight yet powerful motor technology. Learn more about their electric motors on Evolito.
Insight: Niche markets like eVTOL require early stakeholder alignment to ensure you’re solving problems that industry leaders prioritize.
4. Nyobolt – 5-Minute Charging Batteries
Nyobolt’s ultra-fast rechargeable batteries are revolutionizing energy storage, with wide-ranging applications from EVs to industrial robotics. With their ability to charge to 80% in just 5 minutes and withstand over 25,000 cycles, they’re redefining what’s possible not just in mobility but in energy innovation as a whole. Tracks Nyobolt’s scalable tech on Nyobolt.
Takeaway: Energy storage isn't glamorous, but as Nyobolt shows, finding bottlenecks in high-demand sectors like EVs can set you apart.
5. Skyports – Building Vertiports for eVTOLs
Urban air taxis are a long-future dream, but Skyports is making them possible by creating the infrastructure for eVTOL operations. With their full-scale vertiports, the company ensures that drones and air taxis have a dedicated space to operate efficiently. Their progress is worth following on Skyports.
Lesson: Infrastructure startups take time to materialize but become indispensable once operational. Identify your customer’s needs a decade ahead.
6. Oxa – Autonomous Driving Rethought
Oxa has developed steering software that focuses on adaptability, equally comfortable on busy city streets and remote rural roads. Oxa’s unique approach doesn’t rely on external GPS, freeing it from some of the limitations of current autonomous systems. See what makes Oxa a game-changer on their website Oxa.
Pitfall to avoid: Over-dependence on external infrastructure, which can become a point of failure. Solutions must work across scenarios.
7. Forest – Low-Impact Bike Rentals
Forest promotes cycling as a sustainable urban transport solution. Its shared bike model comes with green branding and inclusive pricing, like a free daily allowance option to make it accessible for wider communities. Watch their eco-friendly commitment in action at Forest.
Lesson learned: Even traditional solutions like bikes can unlock untapped markets with creative pricing. Less flash, more substance wins.
8. Carwow – Demystifying Car Financing
Carwow simplifies the complexity of buying new and used vehicles. With clear pricing guarantees and curated offers, it’s addressing gaps in trust within the car-buying experience. They recently expanded with an additional $41M funding round. Learn about their journey at Carwow.
What we can learn: Trust plays a massive role where large financial stakes are involved. Build credibility with transparency.
9. Carmoola – Financing Made Accessible
Car finance isn’t known for its clarity. Carmoola has removed confusing jargon with their app, offering direct loans in a way the next-generation customer understands. By making finance simple, inclusive, and transparent, they’ve already fielded millions for car purchases. See how they’re breaking boundaries at Carmoola.
Tip: Empower consumers with education. Carmoola wins because they don’t speak in finance terms; they speak in human terms.
10. Certo Aerospace – Heavy Cargo Drones
Certo Aerospace is paving the way for heavy-lift autonomous drones, vital for industries like logistics and disaster relief. Their ability to carry up to 750kg opens new possibilities for hard-to-reach deliveries. See what Certo has in store for logistics at their online hub.
Inspiration for female founders: Overlooked logistics segments can present game-changing opportunities. Find the gap and leap into it.
A Startup Guide for Female Entrepreneurs
For entrepreneurial women, especially those venturing into industries dominated by technical complexity, the learnings from these ten startups are critical:
- Start where you have expertise. Many of these founders built businesses in fields connected to their research or past experiences.
- Raise funding with clarity. Investors don’t just look at ideas; they back teams that can execute. Have your narrative tightly aligned.
- Know the numbers. Sectors like mobility thrive on operational efficiencies and data-backed insights to gain traction.
- Leverage tech creatively. From AI-driven personalization to eVTOL-specific hardware, these startups utilized technology with precision, not as a general add-on.
What Entrepreneurs Need to Watch
- Sustainability over trend-chasing: Focus on lasting problems, not fleeting attention.
- AI’s evolving role in mobility: As AI grows, its ability to fix inefficiencies remains unmatched.
- Funding resilience during economic shifts: Mobility projects often require front-loaded capital. Build with enough financial runway.
Closing Thoughts
As a female entrepreneur deeply invested in the future of innovation, watching British startups reimagine mobility reminds me why difficult paths are sometimes the most rewarding. These startups don’t just inspire; they teach us lessons in strategy, execution, and adaptability. Whether you're a founder breaking into deep technology or someone striving for green mobility solutions, their progress reflects the grit and growth that comes with carving out new territory.
Let’s build something impactful!
FAQ
1. What is Qargo and how does it simplify freight logistics?
Qargo digitizes logistics by automating communication and documentation, reducing human error and boosting efficiency in freight management. It recently secured £11M in Series A funding. Explore Qargo's innovations
2. How does Wayve approach autonomous driving differently?
Wayve uses experiential AI that learns organically through experience, setting it apart from traditional systems reliant on mapping. Backed by Microsoft and SoftBank, it offers scalable global solutions. Learn more about Wayve
3. What role does Evolito play in sustainable aviation?
Evolito is revolutionizing urban air mobility by creating high-performance, lightweight electric motors for aircraft, addressing the growing demand for sustainable aviation. Discover Evolito's advancements
4. What makes Nyobolt’s batteries stand out?
Nyobolt offers ultra-fast rechargeable batteries that charge to 80% in just 5 minutes and last over 25,000 cycles, transforming energy storage for EVs and more. Check out Nyobolt technology
5. How is Skyports preparing for urban air taxis?
Skyports is developing vertiports and infrastructure to enable efficient operations of eVTOLs and drone logistics, making urban air travel a reality. Dive into Skyports' vision
6. What innovation does Oxa bring to autonomous driving software?
Oxa has created adaptable steering software that operates flawlessly across urban and rural settings without relying on external GPS. Explore Oxa’s transformative technology
7. How does Forest support sustainable urban transport?
Forest promotes eco-friendly transportation through shared bike models with inclusive pricing, including a free daily allowance option. Learn more about Forest’s vision
8. What does Carwow offer for car buyers?
Carwow simplifies car purchasing by providing pricing guarantees and curated offers for both new and used vehicles, building trust and transparency. Discover Carwow’s services
9. How does Carmoola make car financing easier?
Carmoola modernizes car financing with a straightforward app that provides direct loans while eliminating confusing jargon. See how Carmoola innovates financing
10. What is Certo Aerospace doing with cargo drones?
Certo Aerospace is transforming logistics with autonomous heavy-lift drones capable of carrying up to 750kg, crucial for remote deliveries and disaster relief. Explore Certo Aerospace's solutions
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta Bonenkamp's expertise in CAD sector, IP protection and blockchain
Violetta Bonenkamp is recognized as a multidisciplinary expert with significant achievements in the CAD sector, intellectual property (IP) protection, and blockchain technology.
CAD Sector:
- Violetta is the CEO and co-founder of CADChain, a deep tech startup focused on developing IP management software specifically for CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data. CADChain addresses the lack of industry standards for CAD data protection and sharing, using innovative technology to secure and manage design data.
- She has led the company since its inception in 2018, overseeing R&D, PR, and business development, and driving the creation of products for platforms such as Autodesk Inventor, Blender, and SolidWorks.
- Her leadership has been instrumental in scaling CADChain from a small team to a significant player in the deeptech space, with a diverse, international team.
IP Protection:
- Violetta has built deep expertise in intellectual property, combining academic training with practical startup experience. She has taken specialized courses in IP from institutions like WIPO and the EU IPO.
- She is known for sharing actionable strategies for startup IP protection, leveraging both legal and technological approaches, and has published guides and content on this topic for the entrepreneurial community.
- Her work at CADChain directly addresses the need for robust IP protection in the engineering and design industries, integrating cybersecurity and compliance measures to safeguard digital assets.
Blockchain:
- Violetta’s entry into the blockchain sector began with the founding of CADChain, which uses blockchain as a core technology for securing and managing CAD data.
- She holds several certifications in blockchain and has participated in major hackathons and policy forums, such as the OECD Global Blockchain Policy Forum.
- Her expertise extends to applying blockchain for IP management, ensuring data integrity, traceability, and secure sharing in the CAD industry.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond, launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks and is building MELA AI to help local restaurants in Malta get more visibility online.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.
About the Publication
Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch.
Mission and Purpose
Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.
Key Features
The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:
- Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
- Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
- AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
- SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
- Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
- Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials
Impact and Growth
Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:
- 5,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
- 100+ startup tools built
- 5,000+ pieces of articles and news written
- 1,000 unique business ideas for women created
Partnerships
Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.
Recognition
Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.
