Where Are the Best London-Based Startups Located?
If you’re researching London startups, we’ll give you a roadmap with seven hotspots to consider so that you can find your ideal match for work and play.
If you want to work for one of the best London startups, figuring out where to settle down can be challenging.
After all, London is the largest city in England and the UK. The City of London and its 30+ boroughs span over 600 square miles. And close to 9 million people call this area home.
Originally settled by Romans in the Middle Ages, London is a blend of historic charm and ultra-modern sensibilities, which is why so many startups plant their roots along its cobblestone streets.
So in this guide, we’ll highlight seven hot spots you’ll want to add to your list during your startup job search. We’ll spotlight one awesome startup in each locale and give you a rundown of what you can expect nearby.
Here’s Where the Best London-Based Startups Are Located
Use these seven areas as your starting point for finding London startups that speak to your passions and need your expertise:
The City of London
The City of London, which is not the same as Greater London, or the place most people think about when they hear “London,” is located just northeast of the capital.
Known as the Square Mile or “the City” to locals, this buzzing area stretches across the serene River Thames. It contains the historic center and the primary central business district (CBD).
With a blend of modern skyscrapers and cast-iron architecture built by Roman settlers, most residents live in beautiful buildings and feel proud to call this place home.
That may be why Wayhome, a startup revolutionizing the homeownership process for people who haven’t been able to buy a home yet, chose this particular spot.
Join their team, and you can walk to work amid the hustle and bustle or ride the London Underground (“tube”) when the weather’s cold and rainy. Famous icons like the London Bridge, Tower of London, and St. Paul’s Cathedral will be right in your backyard (and make killer backgrounds for all your Instagram pics).
Chiswick
Follow the River Thames as it snakes west, and you’ll find Chiswick, an area rich in 18th-century architecture and modern-day startups alike.
Zappar, an award-winning augmented reality (AR) platform and creative studio, planted its real roots in Chiswick, and for good reason.
When you’re working in such a tech-heavy atmosphere 9 to 5, the Chiswick area gives you time to connect with nature in the real world. Take long strolls in the Royal Botanic Gardens or nearby Gunnersbury Park and soak up all the gorgeous green scenery as you unwind and leave the day’s stresses behind.
If you’re hoping to make friends as an expat, Chiswick is also chock-full of restaurants and pubs. Order a pint and hang out to take in all the new sights, sounds, and delicious smells of the neighborhood.
White City
White City, which is located northeast of Chiswick, north of the River Thames, and northwest of the popular Shepherd’s Bush area, is also a popular hotspot for London-based startups.
It borders the sophisticated and posh Notting Hill area and offers tons of outdoor dining options, walking trails, and well-kept parks, which is great if you decide to adopt a British pup.
Dog people are always wanted at Butternut Box, a startup specializing in healthy, natural, tasty dog food to keep pets living longer and more vibrant lives. Join their team, and you may be able to take your best fur buddy along to happy hour after work.
Mayfair
If you’re searching for even more greenery in your surroundings, Mayfair may be a better fit. It juts up to the luscious Hyde Park and Green Park, which both boast stunning gardens and picturesque views anyone will get lost in.
Living and working in Mayfair also means you’re just a short car, bus, or tube ride away from visiting some of London’s famous cultural monuments. The National Gallery, The British Museum, and Buckingham Palace are less than 20 minutes away.
As far as work goes, check out Propeterra, a global real estate advisory committed to using data and research to yield smarter investments.
Kensington
Kensington is situated north of the River Thames and west of Hyde Park. It’s also home to Kensington Palace and the famous Kensington Gardens.
Here, you’ll find a mix of outdoor activities, from the Kyoto Garden and Holland Park, to indoor spots of interest like the Science Museum, Natural History Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum, for when the weather isn’t the best.
Building on this rich history and love of learning, you’ll find Mediolana, a startup that sells educational products and services. They’re always looking for team members who share their passion for academic success and productivity.
Camden Town
Traveling northeast from Kensington, you’ll hit Camden Town, which offers a completely different feel than the rest of the areas on this list.
Here, you can enjoy live music, hang out at one of its many thriving cafes, visit the nearby London Zoo, or shop at the iconic Camden Market. There’s even a lovely canal weaving through the area for your daily or nightly strolls.
So if you’re someone who prefers to live and work in a lively city with plenty to do, Camden Town may be your slice of heaven.
Camden Town also has a reputation for those who appreciate counterculture. Pockit, a startup built as an alternative to traditional banking, embodies this spirit like most disruptors helping the underserved.
Dalston
Circling back towards the City of London, you’ll find Dalston, which is located just north of there as the crow flies.
Dalston is home to vintage fashion shops, hip cocktail bars, and the Ridley Road Market. Thanks to its unique Turkish-infused culture, it’s also one of the best places to chow down on delicious Turkish fare you won’t find anywhere else in the area.
So is it any surprise that Everpress, a global fashion marketplace, calls Dalston its home? And it’s not the only cool London startup to do so, as you’ll see when you focus on relocating to this neighborhood specifically.
Bonus: Here are Some More London Startups to Check Out
We’ve shared seven great startups in seven fantastic locations. But that doesn’t mean your list ends here.
You can scout out plenty of other exceptional London startups to work for when you visit this page. And don’t make that a one-and-done visit — we update our job openings often, so you’ll want to get in the habit of checking our newest listings regularly. Bookmark it now, so you never have to search for it later.
If you’re not ready to move to London just yet, you can still work remotely for some of the top London-based startups. Just check and bookmark this page instead.
No matter which boat you’re in, you’ll have access to brilliant startups seeking team members with skills in programming, sales, marketing, project management, and more. The more you check in, the higher your chances of finding your next role before someone else does.
Final Thoughts on the Best London-Based Startup Locations
If the thought of relocating to the greater London area seemed overwhelming at first, hopefully, this guide gave you a few ideas to narrow down your startup job search.
As you can see, London startups span the map and gamut of living situations. So whether you want to live in a 24/7 metropolis or find a cozy flat near a park, you’ll have your pick of choices to call home.
Your next move: search for jobs in the area. Then, scope out rent prices and look for points of interest (such as pubs, gardens, or cultural epicenters). It won’t take long to settle on one that fits you and your career perfectly.
