Startup Europe — The Sifted Podcast Meet the 100 fastest-growing startups in the UK and Ireland
Mar 19, 2026
Éanna Kelly, Sifted reporter who interviews founders and tracks hiring trends. Jonathan Sinclair, data analyst on Sifted’s Intelligence team who digs into funding and leaderboard metrics. They discuss London’s 2026 funding surge and what ‘London maxing’ means. They cover the leaderboard’s methodology, digital-health standouts, Revolut alumni and the rise of AI-native startups.
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London Pulling Ahead In European Tech
- London is dominating European tech with sharply rising deal counts and mega rounds boosting momentum.
- Jonathan Sinclair notes London now has ~3.5x Paris deals and ~6x Berlin deals, with many €100m+ rounds already this year.
Government Moves Boost Confidence But Founders Stay Sceptical
- Government action on AI and sovereign tech signalled commitment and helped founder confidence, though founders remain cautious.
- Éanna Kelly and Jonathan Sinclair cite the AI Fund and recent UK announcements as factors attracting investor interest and talent.
Leaderboard Reveals London Concentration
- London accounts for 75 of the 100 fastest-growing UK & Ireland startups, showing concentrated revenue growth in the capital.
- Jonathan Sinclair says the leaderboard ranks by 3-year revenue CAGA and names Healthf with 1,003% CAGA to £40m revenue.