The travel and transport sector is central to the UK economy, fostering connectivity and driving economic expansion. In 2023, London continued to dominate the UK landscape with several companies securing substantial investment to drive innovation and development in this space. This article highlights the top 10 travel and transport companies in London based on the highest amount of fundraising and evaluates how the region compares to others in the UK, using key fundraising benchmarks.
Top Travel and Transport Companies in London
This data reflects fundraising raised in 2023 by UK companies officially registered and active on Companies House within the travel and transport industry.
- Space Hero
Total amount raised: £16.2m
Location: London
Space Hero is pioneering space tourism, bringing innovation to the travel sector by offering once-in-a-lifetime experiences in space. Their 2023 fundraising will help them take the first steps toward making commercial space travel more accessible. - Brompton Bicycle
Total amount raised: £19.0m
Location: London
Brompton Bicycle, known for its foldable bikes, raised significant funds in 2023 to expand production capacity and cater to the growing demand for sustainable, urban transport solutions. - Solus Power
Total amount raised: £22.0m
Location: London
Solus Power develops innovative charging solutions for electric vehicles (EVs). Their fundraising aims to enhance EV infrastructure and promote widespread adoption of electric transport across the UK. - Flock
Total amount raised: £31.5m
Location: London
Flock, an insurance technology company, focuses on providing data-driven insurance for connected and autonomous vehicles. Their recent fundraising supports their international expansion and continued development of risk management technologies. - Secret Escapes
Total amount raised: £32.0m
Location: London
Secret Escapes is a leading travel deals platform, helping users find luxury holidays at discounted prices. Their 2023 fundraising will be used to scale operations and enhance their travel offering across more global markets. - char.gy
Total amount raised: £35.0m
Location: London
char.gy offers innovative on-street electric vehicle charging solutions. Their 2023 fundraising aims to accelerate the expansion of charging infrastructure across the UK, supporting the transition to sustainable transport. - carwow
Total amount raised: £40.1m
Location: London
carwow is a car-buying platform that simplifies the process of purchasing and selling vehicles. Their fundraising in 2023 supports the company’s growth and expansion into new markets, as well as the development of innovative car financing solutions. - Transport UK Group
Total amount raised: £50.0m
Location: London
Transport UK Group focuses on modernising the UK’s transportation infrastructure, with a specific focus on smart public transport systems. The company’s 2023 fundraising will help deploy these systems across the UK. - Kindred Concepts
Total amount raised: £130m
Location: London
Kindred Concepts operates in the high-tech automotive and connected vehicle market, focusing on developing autonomous transport solutions. Their 2023 fundraising supports the expansion of their AI-driven fleet management technology. - Zenobē
Total amount raised: £792m
Location: London
Zenobē is a leader in energy storage and electric fleet solutions. In 2023, they raised over £791 million, positioning themselves as a major player in the sustainable transport space. Their fundraising supports the electrification of transport infrastructure and energy management systems for fleets across the UK.
How is London Performing?
Using regional fundraising benchmarks from 2023, we can critically evaluate how well London is performing in the travel and transport sector compared to other regions in the UK.
Total Fundraising Amount
In 2023, London secured a staggering £1.07 billion in the travel and transport sector, making it the dominant force in the UK. This figure dwarfs that of other regions, such as the East of England, which raised £93.9 million, and Yorkshire and The Humber’s £3.7 million. London’s vast network of investors and leading companies places it at the forefront of the industry.
Average Fundraising per Company
London boasts an impressive average fundraising per company of £9.3 million, which is well above other regions. This highlights the city’s ability to attract high-value investments, particularly in sustainable transport technologies and innovative travel solutions.
Top Fundraising Company
Zenobē raised over £791 million in 2023, making it not just London’s top performer but also one of the leading companies in the entire UK transport space. This company’s investment in electrifying fleets and energy management solutions is crucial to the UK’s sustainability goals.
How does London compare to other regions in the UK?
London continues to outperform every other region in the UK by a significant margin. Its vast network of investors, innovative companies, and infrastructure make it a global hub for transport and travel technology. The sheer scale of fundraising and the presence of major players like Zenobē and Kindred Concepts ensure London remains at the cutting edge of transport innovation. However, the challenge for London will be ensuring that smaller companies and startups can also access investment opportunities in this highly competitive space.
The Future of Travel and Transport Companies in the UK
London will remain a central player in shaping the future of travel and transport in the UK. The region’s focus on sustainability, autonomous vehicles, and electric vehicle infrastructure positions it well to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving industry. As investors continue to pour resources into green transport and smart technology, London’s role in driving innovation and progress will be critical for the UK’s transition to sustainable, efficient transportation systems.