Hosted by leading start-up news site TechRound, this year’s TechRound100 competition saw more than 3,000 applications reviewed by a panel of expert judges which included investor Roei Samuel (Connectd), start-up figures (Apprentice winner Mark Wright and TedX speaker Perrine Farque), other start-up peers and former winners (Sammy Rubin of YuLife, Jonathan Lister Parsons of PensionBee, Michel Andre of Banking Circle) and Dana Leigh (TechRound editor).
TechRound recognised the company’s technological advancements in the age restricted markets space. 1account is one of the leading age verification partners in the vaping industry, working with a number of the UK’s biggest vaping brands and UKVIA members.
Ben Keirle, founder and CEO, said: “Our business has quickly established itself as a disruptor, not just because we provide our age verification services free of charge, but also because we check people’s IDs with more datapoints that anyone else, including electoral roll data and mobile phone records to ensure someone is who they claim to be.
“To receive official recognition from a body that commends technological innovation and places us amongst the top third of likeminded businesses is a major coup for us, and one that sends out a strong signal to the market and our competitors that 1account is a force to be reckoned with.”
A TechRound spokesperson added: “The TechRound 100 is the flagship event of the year, highlighting the hard work and success of UK start-ups, businesses and entrepreneurs. We want to pay homage to these start-ups – they aren’t just revenue-focused, they’re making a real difference to society and our quality of life.
“With more than 3,000 applications this year, we hope our top 100 list acts as testament to the UK start-up scene and provides inspiration for the next generation of start-ups and entrepreneurs.”
TechRound is one of the fast-growing news sites for start-ups and tech in the UK. Previous winners of the TechRound100 include the likes of Zoom, Revolut, Pleo, Too Good To Go, Coconut, Vinehealth and allplants. The competition has often highlighted future unicorns well before their time with the likes of TikTok, Cinch, Cazoo and Gousto featuring in the list more than three years ago.
This year’s top spot went to digital insurance company Urban Jungle, followed by finance app Cleo (position 2) and talent and payroll platform Deel (position 3). Other finalists ranged from industries including sustainability, farmtech, foodtech, edtech, wellness, blockchain and more.