A list compiled by recruitment firm Tempo revealing the top 20 Manchester startups to work for next year has been revealed.
Released today, the platform said the 'super startups' list was compiled based on company mission, employee reviews, careers pages, information for potential new hires and "general buzz".
To be considered for the list, firms must have launched since 2013, have fewer than 400 employees and be founded in the city.
Ben Chatfield, CEO of Tempo, which specialises in recruitment for young people, said: "Now more than ever, jobseekers are looking at the bigger picture when it comes to the companies they want to work for.
"It's not just about topline growth and elaborate perks, it's about the mission, opportunities for learning and, crucially, how employees have been treated during the pandemic."
He said the firm wanted to create the list to show "some of the great startups the city has to offer", adding: "With the super startups, we are delighted to recognise game-changing businesses that are also fantastic places to work."
The 20 startups in reverse order are:
20. Culture Shift
Founded: 2018
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Number of employees: 16
Culture Shift helps businesses and universities assist staff, students and teachers report workplace harassment.
Tempo said: "Their unique platform enables employers to easily identify and prevent harassment and bullying so work can be smooth sailing.
"The team is a passionate bunch of big thinkers, and we’d be surprised if employees are given anything less than the very best treatment."
19. TickX
Founded: 2015
Number of employees: 26
Manchester search engine TickX aims to help customers find tickets for events.
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Tempo said: "From the latest theatre shows to that small festival you’ve been waiting for, TickX puts it all in one place so all you have to do is hit that 'buy now' button. And with founders that have a passion for the arts, employees are part of a creative and dedicated team of experts."
18. Dr Fertility
Founded: 2017
Number of employees: 11
Speaking about the digital health provider Dr Fertility, Tempo said: "People struggling with fertility issues might feel alone in the world, but they’re not – far from.
"Dr Fertility not only gives people a sense of community, but also the tools to succeed. The fertility market is growing fast and so is the company, while being caring, courageous and grateful along the way."
17. Yumi Nutrition
Founded: 2017
Number of employees: 10
Yumi provides chewable vitamins and supplements, and Tempo said: "Here is a company that has successfully made vitamins trendy, while being served in delicious gummy form. Is there anything they can’t do?
"The team benefits from a generous holiday allowance, early finish Fridays and free breakfast, and we’d be surprised if there isn’t a Yumi or two as part of the package as well."
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16. Nivo
Founded: 2017
Number of employees: 18
Tech firm Nivo "is driven by a mission to make it as easy as possible for consumers to get the best products and services".
Tempo added: "Working with lenders, brokers, banks and credit unions, Nivo makes sure that finance is smart, fast and secure.
"The business is growing and employees are able to truly take ownership and make a real difference."
15. Fractory
Founded: 2018
Number of employees: 26
Fractory provides laser cutting quotes online before sending off to production.
Tempo said: "When the team isn’t tackling projects, they go out axe throwing or go karting – it’s one hell of a ride."
14. Housemates
Founded: 2018
Number of employees: 11
Student accommodation marketplace Housemates' new digital platform aims to put students first and make everything transparent so finding a new home "is as easy as booking a holiday".
Tempo said: "Bad student accommodation can really turn uni life into a living nightmare. The Housemates team has been there, done that, and decided that there had to be a better way."
13. Taptrip
Founded: 2018
Number of employees: 23
Taptrip aims to modernise business travel by making it personalised, more affordable and easy to manage.
"Business travel has finally entered the 21st century. Employees enjoy flexible working and generous holiday allowances which even include paid ‘paid’ holidays – yup, you read that right; the company pays £500 towards employees’ holidays."
12. Tootoot Ltd
Founded: 2013
Number of employees: 16
A pupil voice and safeguarding app, Tootoot gives a voice to children and young pupils so they can report any incidents or mental health concerns.
Tempo said: "Making it easier for students to speak up, the easy-to-use app provides all the insights teachers need to respond. Built with a big heart, here is a true hero that can take the worries away before they linger."
11. Zaptic
Founded: 2015
Number of employees: 17
Providing new, digital ways of working, business intelligence company Zaptic "almost seems like it was built for a global pandemic", Tempo said.
"At Zaptic, it’s all about raising the standards, and that includes the standards of working as well. The team is a diverse bunch, and employees benefit from generous salary packages, flexible working hours, learning and development budget, and gym membership to stay fit and healthy outside of work."
10. Wakelet
Founded: 2014
Number of employees: 50
Wakelet is a platform that allows users to save, organise and share content from across the web.
Tempo said: "At the heart of this great idea is a team with a strong set of values.
"From dreaming big to playing as a team, it’s a company anyone can believe in."
9. Netacea
Founded: 2018
Number of employees: 53
AI firm Netecea protects websites, mobile apps and APIs from malicious attacks.
Tempo said: "Since Netacea came to town you’ve never been safer. Working at the company means being in it together and being given the autonomy to succeed.
"From social events, flexible working hours and great career progression, here is a team with a force to be reckoned with."
8. Upside Energy
Founded: 2014
Number of employees: 33
A smart energy management systems firm, Upside Energy "knows that fossil fuels should be a thing of the past".
Tempo said: "The platform makes it easy to tap into renewable technologies, and the team sees only upsides to committing to this cause.
"In addition to building a better tomorrow, employees get a long list of benefits and flexibility to keep them safe, healthy and happy."
7. Goodbox
Founded: 2016
Number of employees: 40
This firm provides custom-built contactless fundraising technology for chairities.
Tempo said: "Helping those who need it most is a defining quality of any superhero. And Goodbox encompasses just that, using technology to connect charities with the donations they need. Helping humanity is at the heart of the company and employees truly are part of something quite special. The team rates each other highly and loves the challenging and fast-paced environment."
6. Push Doctor
Founded: 2013
Number of employees: 72
Push Doctor is "revolutionising healthcare as we know it", Tempo said.
The firm provides online consultations with NHS-trained GPs, and Tempo added: "Revolutionising an industry is not a simple job at all, and the team is a super creative, driven and ambitious bunch that are working hard to support the company’s further success.
"Employees rate the culture, the perks and of course, the opportunity to make a real difference to people’s lives."
5. OpenMoney
Founded: 2016
Number of employees: 58
Financial advice firm OpenMoney helps customers take control of their money and start planning for the future.
Tempo said: "OpenMoney believes that financial advice should be accessible to everyone, and this is a team that truly cares. The company keeps it casual and offers a range of benefits to make work work for you."
4. Street Group
Founded: 2015
Number of employees: 33
Real estate firm Street Group has "a mission to move real estate into the digital age". A team that "dreams big and moves fast", employees’ hard work is rewarded with a long list of benefits, including £1,000 towards a holiday after they’ve been there a year.
3. Airtime Rewards
Founded: 2014
Number of employees: 17
According to Tempo, Airtime Rewards sees the emotive power of 'money off your phone bill' and uses a mobile currency so shoppers save when they buy.
"The team works on a shared ambition of revolutionsing rewards and each member of the team is encouraged to fully be themselves while they do so. With individualism as the cornerstone of their culture, Airtime Rewards is definitely one to watch."
2. Peak
Founded: 2014
Number of employees: 150
Peak is on a mission to give businesses the power to drive value from their data with AI, meaning no one gets left behind in this growing world of tech, Tempo said.
"Working for Peak is something that gets you up in the morning. The company encourages a shared sense of ownership whilst also being somewhere fun where people can establish a meaningful career that they love."
1. Padoq
Founded: 2017
Number of employees: 21
Padoq creates "great apps" so companies can put themselves on the map. With their innovative technology, Tempo said they can make an app in no time, at a fraction of the cost.
It added: "The Padoq team believes that work is more than just a job, and offers a lot of flexibility, social events and never-ending snacks. Jump on in."