The Race for Tech Unicorns: London’s Call to Action
June 20, 2025, 4:36 pm
Location: United Kingdom, England, Welwyn Garden City
Employees: 10001+
Founded date: 1919
Total raised: $61.21K
London stands at a crossroads. The tech landscape is shifting, and the city must adapt or risk being left behind. The call for the next tech unicorn is loud and clear. The urgency is palpable. If the UK wants to foster a new wave of innovation, it needs to attract talent and nurture entrepreneurs.
Tom Leathes, CEO of Motorway, has sounded the alarm. He believes London is lagging behind the US and Europe in the race to create the next global tech success story. The city is a treasure trove of talent, yet it feels like a garden overrun with weeds. The potential is there, but the right conditions must be cultivated.
Leathes emphasizes the need for a welcoming environment. He envisions a London where entrepreneurs from around the globe flock to build their dreams. The next Nikolay Storonsky, the CEO of Revolut, could be out there, waiting for the right moment to plant roots in London. But the current climate is not conducive. Rules around tax treatment and residency are barriers. These hurdles discourage the very innovators the city needs.
The government has a role to play. It can create a fertile ground for startups. Support for entrepreneurs is crucial. The UK economy needs a boost, and tech can provide that. But it requires a shift in mindset. The ambition to build global success stories must be nurtured.
One area ripe for improvement is the stock option scheme. The EMI scheme is a good start, allowing small companies to offer share options to their teams. However, it falters as companies grow. Once a startup reaches a certain size, the options dwindle. This limitation stifles growth and talent retention. Simple changes could revitalize this scheme, encouraging startups to flourish.
The message is clear: London must adapt. It must create an ecosystem that attracts and retains talent. The city has the potential to be a tech powerhouse, but it needs to act swiftly. The next tech revolution could be just around the corner, but only if the right conditions are met.
Meanwhile, the world of consumer goods is also evolving. The protein craze is sweeping across the UK. Grenade, a company that specializes in high-protein snack bars, has become a symbol of this shift. Founded by Alan Barratt, Grenade has transformed the perception of protein bars. Once viewed as unpalatable, they are now a staple in many diets.
Barratt’s journey is a testament to perseverance. He dropped out of school at 15 but didn’t let that define him. Instead, he immersed himself in the health and fitness industry. His experience in gyms laid the groundwork for Grenade. The company started as a supplements business but pivoted to protein bars, and the rest is history.
In just 15 years, Grenade has grown into a £600 million company. The secret? A focus on taste and quality. Barratt aimed to create bars that were indistinguishable from chocolate. This approach resonated with consumers. Today, Grenade sells around 1 billion protein bars annually. The partnership with Mondelez, the owner of Cadbury, has further propelled its success.
The protein trend is not just a fad. It reflects a broader shift in consumer attitudes toward health. Younger generations are increasingly aware of their dietary choices. Social media plays a significant role in this transformation. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram are flooded with influencers promoting high-protein foods. This visibility drives demand and shapes retail offerings.
However, Barratt warns against viewing protein as a mere trend. It’s about fostering a healthier lifestyle. He advocates for balance, encouraging consumers to make better choices without the pressure of strict diets. The goal is sustainable change, not temporary fixes.
As the UK navigates these two landscapes—tech and consumer goods—it faces challenges and opportunities. The tech sector needs nurturing to cultivate the next unicorn. The consumer market is evolving, driven by health-conscious choices. Both require a proactive approach.
The government must recognize the importance of innovation. Policies that support entrepreneurs can lead to a thriving tech ecosystem. At the same time, companies like Grenade exemplify how to adapt to changing consumer preferences. They show that success comes from understanding the market and responding to its needs.
In conclusion, London stands at a pivotal moment. The call for the next tech unicorn is urgent. The city must create an environment that attracts talent and fosters innovation. Simultaneously, the consumer market is evolving, driven by a desire for healthier options. Both sectors are interconnected. The future of London’s economy depends on how well it navigates these challenges. The next chapter is unwritten, but the potential is immense. The time to act is now.
Tom Leathes, CEO of Motorway, has sounded the alarm. He believes London is lagging behind the US and Europe in the race to create the next global tech success story. The city is a treasure trove of talent, yet it feels like a garden overrun with weeds. The potential is there, but the right conditions must be cultivated.
Leathes emphasizes the need for a welcoming environment. He envisions a London where entrepreneurs from around the globe flock to build their dreams. The next Nikolay Storonsky, the CEO of Revolut, could be out there, waiting for the right moment to plant roots in London. But the current climate is not conducive. Rules around tax treatment and residency are barriers. These hurdles discourage the very innovators the city needs.
The government has a role to play. It can create a fertile ground for startups. Support for entrepreneurs is crucial. The UK economy needs a boost, and tech can provide that. But it requires a shift in mindset. The ambition to build global success stories must be nurtured.
One area ripe for improvement is the stock option scheme. The EMI scheme is a good start, allowing small companies to offer share options to their teams. However, it falters as companies grow. Once a startup reaches a certain size, the options dwindle. This limitation stifles growth and talent retention. Simple changes could revitalize this scheme, encouraging startups to flourish.
The message is clear: London must adapt. It must create an ecosystem that attracts and retains talent. The city has the potential to be a tech powerhouse, but it needs to act swiftly. The next tech revolution could be just around the corner, but only if the right conditions are met.
Meanwhile, the world of consumer goods is also evolving. The protein craze is sweeping across the UK. Grenade, a company that specializes in high-protein snack bars, has become a symbol of this shift. Founded by Alan Barratt, Grenade has transformed the perception of protein bars. Once viewed as unpalatable, they are now a staple in many diets.
Barratt’s journey is a testament to perseverance. He dropped out of school at 15 but didn’t let that define him. Instead, he immersed himself in the health and fitness industry. His experience in gyms laid the groundwork for Grenade. The company started as a supplements business but pivoted to protein bars, and the rest is history.
In just 15 years, Grenade has grown into a £600 million company. The secret? A focus on taste and quality. Barratt aimed to create bars that were indistinguishable from chocolate. This approach resonated with consumers. Today, Grenade sells around 1 billion protein bars annually. The partnership with Mondelez, the owner of Cadbury, has further propelled its success.
The protein trend is not just a fad. It reflects a broader shift in consumer attitudes toward health. Younger generations are increasingly aware of their dietary choices. Social media plays a significant role in this transformation. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram are flooded with influencers promoting high-protein foods. This visibility drives demand and shapes retail offerings.
However, Barratt warns against viewing protein as a mere trend. It’s about fostering a healthier lifestyle. He advocates for balance, encouraging consumers to make better choices without the pressure of strict diets. The goal is sustainable change, not temporary fixes.
As the UK navigates these two landscapes—tech and consumer goods—it faces challenges and opportunities. The tech sector needs nurturing to cultivate the next unicorn. The consumer market is evolving, driven by health-conscious choices. Both require a proactive approach.
The government must recognize the importance of innovation. Policies that support entrepreneurs can lead to a thriving tech ecosystem. At the same time, companies like Grenade exemplify how to adapt to changing consumer preferences. They show that success comes from understanding the market and responding to its needs.
In conclusion, London stands at a pivotal moment. The call for the next tech unicorn is urgent. The city must create an environment that attracts talent and fosters innovation. Simultaneously, the consumer market is evolving, driven by a desire for healthier options. Both sectors are interconnected. The future of London’s economy depends on how well it navigates these challenges. The next chapter is unwritten, but the potential is immense. The time to act is now.