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The Welsh finalists for a new º£½ÇÊÓƵ-wide awards initiative championing the best in start-ups and entrepreneurial activity can been revealed.

The has been launched to recognise the booming startup scene across the º£½ÇÊÓƵ which has accelerated since the pandemic began. In 2020, when most of the world was shutting down, more than 400,000 start-ups were set up in Britain, with similar increases seen in other European countries.

They build on the established Welsh StartUp Awards.

This marked boost in nascent entrepreneurship is mirrored by a huge 2,500 applications which have been received in response to the Startup Awards National Series’ first ever call for entries.

The Wales start-ups that made the shortlist are a true snapshot of the future economy, with a collective turnover of over £18m and employing 587 people between them.

One finalist said: “It is our belief that any business should be proud to class themselves as a Welsh business. The Welsh economy is being built on the grounds of up-and-coming local entrepreneurs and it is a fantastic feeling to know we are a part of this.”

The cohort of finalists will be considered for the regional prizes by a panel of seasoned judges with experience founding or supporting entrepreneurial ventures. This includes Wales-based Richard Theo, CEO and co-founder of Wealthify, Rachael Flanagan, founder of Mrs Buckét, and Geryn Evans of Project Blue, a previous Wales StartUp Awards winner.

Supported nationally by BT, EY, Dell & Intel, the programme will celebrate the achievements of the amazing individuals across the º£½ÇÊÓƵ who have turned an idea into an opportunity and taken the risk to launch a new product or service.