We don’t know if it’s the coffee, the mild climate, or top-tier financial networks, but the UK has always attracted international founders. Historically, the British business ecosystem has blended innovation, access to capital, and a favorable regulatory environment. We all love London for its unparalleled, expat-powered talent pool, from tech geniuses to creative visionaries. The city's strategic location can’t be beat either, providing access to European and international markets and facilitating networking and growth opportunities.
Though UK immigration rules are complex and frequently subject to change, both the UK Global Talent Visa and the UK Innovator visa remain the flagship relocation pathways for talented global founders. Immigration is one of the first roadblocks that can deter international entrepreneurs from launching in a new country. Luckily, hundreds of talented established and soon-to-be founders relocate to the UK every year to start their own company. Over time, some of these companies become iconic.
Today we’re looking at 6 UK companies that were actually started by first-generation expats. They’ve not only found success but also reshaped entire industries. Let’s get inspired.
Stelios Haji-Ioannou, a Greek Cypriot entrepreneur, founded EasyJet in 1995. Based at Luton Airport, EasyJet revolutionized the aviation industry with its low-cost model, making air travel affordable for millions across Europe and beyond. Today, EasyJet remains a leading budget airline, known for its extensive network and competitive pricing.
Co-founded in 1999 by Chris Barton, an American entrepreneur, alongside Philip Inghelbrecht, Dhiraj Mukherjee, and Avery Wang, Shazam pioneered music identification technology. Based in the UK, Shazam allows users to identify songs by analyzing short audio clips, transforming how people discover and interact with music globally. Apple acquired Shazam in 2018, underscoring its impact and success in the tech industry.
Will Shu, an American entrepreneur, launched Deliveroo in 2013, transforming food delivery services in the UK. Deliveroo's platform connects customers with local restaurants through an intuitive app, offering efficient and reliable delivery options. The company's innovative approach has expanded its presence internationally, catering to millions of customers worldwide.
Founded in 2015 by Nikolay Storonsky, a Russian entrepreneur, and Vlad Yatsenko, a Ukrainian entrepreneur, Revolut has redefined banking with its digital-first approach. Headquartered in London, Revolut offers a range of financial services, including currency exchange, cryptocurrency trading, and global money transfers. The company's user-friendly app and competitive rates have attracted a diverse customer base across Europe and beyond.
Taavet Hinrikus and Kristo Käärmann, both from Estonia, co-founded TransferWise in 2011. Wise revolutionized the financial industry by offering low-cost international money transfers through its online platform. By eliminating hidden fees and providing transparent exchange rates, Wise has become a trusted name in cross-border transactions, empowering millions of users to manage their money efficiently.
6. Babylon Health - Founded by Ali Parsa, an Iranian-born entrepreneur, Babylon Health uses AI technology to provide virtual healthcare services, including remote consultations and health assessments, accessible via its mobile app.
39% of the UK’s fastest growing companies were founded by international entrepreneurs.
Come join us in the UK as a global founder.
