The UK’s software-as-a-service (SaaS) scene is really booming right now. It seems like every other company is building something cool in the cloud. This sector has seen some serious investment, making it a hot spot for both new ideas and established players. We’ve looked at what’s happening and picked out some of the top SaaS companies in the UK that are making waves in 2025. These companies are changing how we do business, from handling money to managing complex data.
Key Takeaways
- The UK SaaS market is growing fast, attracting lots of investment.
- SaaS companies offer cloud-based software, helping businesses with everything from payments to data.
- Many UK SaaS firms are focusing on specific areas like fintech and AI.
- Companies are using AI to make their software smarter and more helpful.
- Global expansion and preparing for sale or IPO are common goals for these companies.
1. FNZ
FNZ is a big player in the global wealth management scene, and it’s got a strong UK presence. They basically provide a whole system for managing investments, from the front end where advisors interact with clients, all the way through to the back office stuff like taxes and operations. It’s all wrapped up in a platform-as-a-service model, which means businesses can use their tech without having to build it all themselves.
Founded originally in New Zealand, FNZ has since made London its headquarters. They’ve been busy growing, too, snapping up other companies to expand their capabilities. For instance, they acquired a software company focused on fund management just last year. This growth strategy has helped them raise a significant amount of money, over £1.4 billion in equity across just a couple of funding rounds. That’s a pretty impressive figure.
Here’s a quick look at some of their key financial metrics:
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2005 |
| HQ Location | City of London |
| Total Funding | £1.43b |
| Acquisitions | 14 |
2. Checkout.com
Checkout.com is a big player in the fintech world, especially when it comes to payments. Founded back in 2012, this company has really grown into a global force. They provide a platform that helps businesses all over the place take payments, process them, and even send money out, handling over 150 different currencies. It’s pretty impressive how they’ve managed to simplify what can be a really complicated process for online businesses.
What sets them apart is their unified approach. Instead of dealing with a bunch of different systems, businesses can use Checkout.com’s single platform. This includes things like fraud detection, which is super important these days, and ways to connect directly with banks in different regions. They’ve also been busy acquiring other companies to add more tools to their belt, like software for verifying identities during online transactions. It’s a smart move to keep their services cutting-edge.
Since starting out, Checkout.com has raised a significant amount of money, over £1.36 billion, which shows how much investors believe in their vision. They’ve been recognized on numerous high-growth lists, which isn’t surprising given how many businesses rely on them to handle their money. If you’re running an online store or any business that needs to accept payments from customers worldwide, Checkout.com is definitely a company worth looking into for your payment processing needs. They’re making it easier for companies to operate internationally, much like how new ventures are making space travel more accessible advancements in their spaceflight technology.
3. Starling Bank
Starling Bank, founded by Anne Boden in 2014, has really shaken things up in the UK banking scene. It’s a digital-only bank, meaning no physical branches to worry about, just a slick mobile app for all your banking needs. They offer personal and business accounts, joint accounts, and even Euro accounts, making it pretty convenient for a lot of people.
What’s interesting is how they’ve grown. They’ve been recognized on a bunch of high-growth lists, which isn’t surprising given their approach. They even went through a couple of accelerator programs, like the Future Fifty and the Mayor’s International Business Programme, which probably helped them refine their strategy. So far, they’ve managed to raise a significant amount, around £715 million, across nine different funding rounds. It’s a good example of how a challenger bank can really make its mark. If you’re looking for a modern banking experience, Starling is definitely one to check out, especially if you’re interested in the fintech space and how it’s changing things. They’re a good example of the kind of innovation happening in the UK, similar to how some entrepreneurs are looking for support and funding, like in the Virgin Media Business #VOOM competition [7811].
Here’s a quick look at their funding:
| Funding Round | Amount Raised |
|---|---|
| Equity Rounds | £715m |
| Total Rounds | 9 |
4. Zepz
Zepz, previously known as WorldRemit, is a major player in the digital remittance and payments space. They’ve built a platform that serves millions of users across a huge number of countries, operating under their well-known brands, WorldRemit and Sendwave. It’s pretty impressive how they’ve managed to create such a wide reach.
The company is focused on expanding its digital wallet services in 2025, aiming for full profitability. However, like many companies in the tech sector, Zepz has also had to make some tough decisions. Earlier in 2025, they reduced their workforce, cutting around 200 IT roles, which was about 20% of their staff. They also closed down some regional offices. These moves were part of a plan to streamline operations after a big replatforming effort and to make things more efficient overall.
Here’s a quick look at their funding:
| Funding Round | Total Amount Raised |
|---|---|
| Nine Rounds | £711m |
Zepz is definitely a company to watch in the fintech world, especially with their focus on digital payments and expanding services. It shows how they’re adapting to the market while still growing their global presence. You can find out more about similar companies in the fintech sector.
5. Dojo
Dojo is a company that really focuses on making payments and business operations smoother for small and medium-sized businesses, especially in the UK and across Europe. They started up in 2016 and have grown quite a bit since then.
What they’re really known for are their card machines, like the Dojo Go, which come with 4G and Wi-Fi, and they even offer next-day payouts. That’s pretty handy for businesses that need their cash flow quickly. But they do more than just payments; they also have tools for things like managing bookings and customer queues, which is a big help for places in the hospitality sector.
It seems like they’ve been doing well, raising a good amount of money – around £471 million in total. They’ve also been recognized on a bunch of high-growth lists, which tells you they’re on the move. With over 140,000 SMEs using their services, they’ve definitely made a mark.
Key aspects of Dojo’s service:
- Card payment processing with modern hardware.
- Next-day payout options for businesses.
- Additional tools for bookings and customer management.
- Focus on SMEs in the UK and Europe.
6. Quantexa
Quantexa is an interesting player in the UK SaaS scene, focusing on what they call "Decision Intelligence." Basically, they help big companies and government groups make sense of massive amounts of data that are usually all over the place. Think of it like trying to connect the dots when all the dots are in different boxes, and some boxes are missing.
Founded back in 2016, Quantexa has raised a pretty significant amount of money, over £421 million. They acquired a company called AYLIEN in 2023, which works with language processing. This suggests they’re always looking to add more tools to their belt.
Their main product is the Decision Intelligence Platform. It pulls together data from inside and outside a company, then uses graph analytics to build a connected view of everything. This helps organizations get a better handle on things like fraud detection and risk assessment. It’s a complex problem, but they seem to be building a solid solution for it. If you’re curious about how businesses manage complex data, checking out platforms like TeamWave might give you some perspective on integrated business applications.
7. Thought Machine
Thought Machine is a UK-based fintech company that really changed the game for how banks operate. They build cloud-native core banking systems, which is a pretty big deal. Think of it like giving banks a completely new, modern engine for all their products, from checking accounts to mortgages.
Founded back in 2014, Thought Machine has grown quite a bit. Their main product, Vault Core, uses a smart-contract approach. This means banks can actually program and control their banking products in a much more flexible way than with older systems. It’s all about giving them programmable control.
Here’s a quick look at their funding and recognition:
- Total Funding Raised: £393 million
- Funding Rounds: Seven
- Notable Recognition: Featured on nine high-growth lists, including the FT1000 in 2024.
This kind of backing and recognition shows how much the industry believes in their approach to modernizing banking infrastructure. They’re definitely a company to watch in the UK fintech scene, and you can find more about companies like this on sites like TechBullion.
8. Improbable
Improbable is a UK-based tech company that really focuses on building big virtual worlds and simulation platforms. You might have heard of their work with SpatialOS, or their metaverse projects like MSquared and Somnia. Basically, they help create these connected, immersive online spaces that are used for gaming, defense, and even by big companies.
What’s interesting is their current direction. They’re putting a lot of effort into starting new businesses in areas like AI, blockchain, and the metaverse. The goal is to get several of these new ventures off the ground each year. It’s a pretty ambitious strategy, aiming to be at the forefront of these emerging technologies. They’ve managed to raise a significant amount of funding over the years, which shows a lot of confidence in their vision. It’s clear they’re trying to shape the future of digital interaction and complex problem-solving through simulation. Padmasree Warrior, CTO of Cisco, has spoken about how important innovation in areas like mobile technology and security is for business goals, and Improbable seems to be hitting on many of those forward-looking trends key technology trends.
Here’s a quick look at their funding and founding:
- Founded: 2012
- Location: Tower Hamlets, London
- Total Funding: £664m
- Funding Rounds: 7
- Grants: £1.87m (4 grants)
9. OneTrust
OneTrust is a big name in the privacy and governance space, and for good reason. They’ve built a platform that helps companies manage all sorts of compliance needs, from data privacy to security and even ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance). It’s not just about ticking boxes; it’s about building trust with customers and stakeholders by showing you’re serious about handling data responsibly.
What really sets OneTrust apart is how comprehensive their suite is. They cover a lot of ground, which can be a bit overwhelming at first, but it means you can often manage multiple compliance areas within a single system. Think about managing consent for marketing emails, tracking data processing activities, or even conducting privacy impact assessments – OneTrust has tools for all of that and more. They’re constantly updating their platform to keep up with changing regulations around the world, which is pretty important in this field. It’s a good idea to look into how different business structures might affect your compliance needs early on, like understanding the implications of forming a company [ff08].
Their platform is designed to help businesses:
- Streamline data privacy management processes.
- Automate compliance tasks to reduce manual effort.
- Gain visibility into their data landscape and associated risks.
- Build and maintain trust with consumers regarding data handling.
It’s a complex area, and OneTrust aims to simplify it, making it easier for companies to operate ethically and legally in an increasingly data-driven world.
10. Lighthouse
Lighthouse is a cloud-based platform that helps hotels figure out their pricing and manage their revenue. It pulls together a lot of market data, like what competitors are charging, what people think demand will be, and what’s happening with online travel agencies. All this info shows up in one place, making it easier for hotel teams to keep an eye on the market and make smart choices about how they price their rooms and where they list them.
Founded in 2017 and based in Southwark, Lighthouse has grown quite a bit. They’ve raised a substantial £379 million over seven funding rounds. Most recently, in June 2024, they picked up HQ Revenue, a German company that also works in hotel revenue management. This shows they’re actively expanding their reach and capabilities in the hospitality tech space.
Key aspects of Lighthouse’s platform include:
- Consolidated market data for competitor pricing.
- Demand forecasting tools.
- Insights into online travel agency (OTA) trends.
- A single dashboard for easy monitoring.
This kind of data consolidation is pretty important for hotels trying to stay competitive in a fast-moving market.
Wrapping Up the UK SaaS Scene
So, that’s a look at some of the top SaaS companies making waves in the UK right now. It’s pretty clear that this sector isn’t slowing down. We’re seeing a lot of innovation, especially with things like AI popping up everywhere and companies focusing on specific industries. Whether it’s fintech or something else, these businesses are growing fast and changing how things are done. It’s exciting to see what they’ll do next and how they’ll keep pushing forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is SaaS?
SaaS stands for Software-as-a-Service. Think of it like renting software instead of buying it. Companies create online tools that people or other businesses can use over the internet, usually by paying a subscription. The company that makes the software takes care of keeping it updated and running smoothly.
Why is the UK’s SaaS market growing so fast?
The UK’s SaaS market is booming because lots of businesses want to use online tools that help them work smarter, manage data better, and allow people to work from anywhere. These online tools are flexible and can be used by both big companies and individuals, making them popular with people who invest in businesses.
What are some common types of SaaS companies?
SaaS companies do many different things! Some help businesses manage payments, like Checkout.com. Others offer banking services through an app, such as Starling Bank. You also have companies that help with sending money overseas, like Zepz, or those that create virtual worlds for games and businesses, like Improbable.
What does ‘Fintech’ mean in relation to SaaS?
Fintech is short for financial technology. When a SaaS company is in fintech, it means they use software to provide financial services. This could be anything from online payments and banking apps to tools that help manage money or detect fraud.
What is the difference between B2B and B2C SaaS?
B2B stands for Business-to-Business, meaning the SaaS product is made for other companies to use for their work. B2C stands for Business-to-Consumer, where the SaaS product is designed for individual people to use in their daily lives, like for personal finance or entertainment.
What are some important trends in the UK SaaS industry for 2025?
A big trend is using artificial intelligence (AI) in SaaS tools to make them smarter. Also, companies that help with money matters (fintech) are growing a lot. We’re also seeing more specialized SaaS tools made for specific jobs, like managing hotel prices or making sure companies follow rules. Many companies are also buying other smaller companies to grow faster.
