Latest Tech Climbers data shows booming sector across Liverpool region

The Liverpool City Region’s tech sector is booming, according to new data, released by Tech Climbers, an annual list showcasing the rising stars of the region’s tech sector.

Now in its fourth year, 19 businesses made the Liverpool City Region Tech Climbers list this year, with 11 making the ones to watch list.

The research found all entrants are looking to hire new talent, projecting more than 300 new jobs in the area’s tech sector, a 14% increase on last year’s data.

A total of 79% of entrants to this year’s list have already raised funding, totalling £52.5m – a 110.6% increase on the previous year.

Analysis shows 80% of tech companies in the region are actively seeking funding, a seven per cent increase. Of this, 89% of the sector is looking for combined Seed and Series A Funding, while 58% is looking for Seed funding only.

The city’s start-ups are also thriving, with Tech Climbers data showing a 125% increase in revenue compared with last year, and 93% of start-ups on the hunt for funding.

The impressive maturity of Liverpool City Region’s tech sector comes as research from Dealroom – the Holland-based global provider of data and intelligence on start-ups and tech ecosystems – said the city is becoming increasingly attractive to venture capital investors, with a 657% increase in VC investment since 2019 – comparatively, Manchester saw a -44% drop and London only a four per cent increase over the same time.

Anna Heyes, CEO at Active Profile and founder of Tech Climbers, said: “What a year it’s been for Liverpool City Region’s tech sector. We’ve seen fantastic new initiatives like Baltic Ventures welcome their first cohort, we came together at the inaugural Liverpool Slush’d and now, we’ve celebrated the cream of the crop at this year’s Tech Climbers list reveal.

“Our data shows an impressive level of maturity for Liverpool City Region’s tech businesses, with a continued drive to raise investment, create new jobs and establish sophisticated products.”

The data also found more companies are working on their diversity and inclusion policies (89%, +14% from 2023). Innovation and creating product-led solutions is also top of the agenda, with 79% of firms owning/using IP rights, and more than half having copyright.

The list is judged by the project partners, and looks at investment, impact, and innovation.