The top 10 entrepreneurs of 2024

In 2024, a handful of entrepreneurs are standing out for their ability to innovate and lead in various sectors, including in the fintech, bank and fashion industries. In this blog, we highlight ten individuals whose work is significantly influencing the direction of the business world.

Nikolay Storonsky and Vlad Yatsenko, Co-Founders of Revolut

Nikolay Storonsky is the co-founder and CEO, Vlad Yatsenko is the co-founder and CTO  of Revolut, a digital banking platform that’s transformed financial services globally. Storonsky’s background in physics and economics laid the groundwork for his career in finance. Yatsenko’s technical leadership has helped platform expanded its services to include cryptocurrency and stock trading, as well as business accounts. Frustrated with traditional banking, they co-founded Revolut in 2015, offering a range of services from currency exchange to cryptocurrency trading. Under their leadership, Revolut has grown rapidly, attracting millions of users and earning a multi-billion-dollar valuation.

Visit their website today: Revolut.com

Anne Boden, Founder of Starling Bank

Anne Boden, the founder and CEO of Starling Bank, is another pioneer of digital banking. Raised in Wales, Boden’s extensive experience in banking and technology led her to establish Starling Bank in 2014. Starling offers personal and business banking through a mobile app, known for its user-friendly features like real-time notifications and budgeting tools. Under Boden’s guidance, Starling has seen significant growth, achieving profitability and earning numerous awards. Her influence in the fintech sector is undeniable, as she continues to lead Starling’s expansion and innovation.

Visit their website today: starlingbank.com

Tom Blomfield, Founder of Monzo

Tom Blomfield, co-founder and former CEO of Monzo, has made a lasting impact on the UK’s digital banking scene. Blomfield’s passion for technology drove him to co-found GoCardless before launching Monzo in 2015. Monzo quickly gained popularity for its transparent, user-centric approach, offering features like instant spending notifications and fee-free foreign transactions. Although Blomfield stepped down as CEO in 2020, his contributions to fintech continue through various advisory roles. His work with Monzo has set new standards in digital banking, particularly for a younger, tech-savvy audience.

Visit their website today: monzo.com

Hiroki Takeuchi, Founder of GoCardless

Hiroki Takeuchi is the co-founder and CEO of GoCardless, a company that simplifies direct debit payments for businesses. Born in Japan and raised in the UK, Takeuchi’s background in mathematics and engineering led him to launch GoCardless in 2011.The platform streamlines recurring payments, making it easier for businesses to manage their cash flow. Under Takeuchi’s leadership, GoCardless has grown significantly, serving over 75,000 businesses in more than 30 countries. His vision has positioned GoCardless as a key player in the global fintech industry.

Visit their website today: gocardless.com

Andrea Reynolds, Founder of Swoop Funding 

Andrea Reynolds is the founder and CEO of Swoop Funding, a platform that helps small and medium-sized businesses access funding and financial advice. Originally from Ireland, Reynolds’ career in corporate finance inspired her to launch Swoop in 2018. The platform simplifies the process of finding loans, grants and equity investment, helping businesses secure the financial support they need. Under Reynolds’ leadership, Swoop has facilitated over £500 million in funding, making a significant impact on the SME sector. Her commitment to empowering businesses has made Swoop a trusted resource for financial solutions.

Visit their website today: swoopfunding.com

Mark Mullen, CEO and Co-founder of Atom

Mark Mullen is the CEO of Atom Bank, the UK’s first app-based bank, founded in 2014 and launched their banking app online in 2016. Mullen’s journey into the banking world began in Ireland. He spent 25 years at HSBC, gaining extensive experience before stepping into the role of CEO at First Direct for three years. In 2014, Mullen departed from First Direct to co-found Atom Bank alongside Anthony Thomson. Atom Bank offers a range of services, including mortgages, savings, and secured business lending for SMEs. Under Mullen’s leadership, the bank continues to push boundaries, focusing on enhancing the customer experience through seamless app functionality and top-notch service.

Visit their website today: atombank.co.uk

Ben Francis, Founder of Gymshark

Ben Francis is the founder of Gymshark, a fitness apparel brand that has grown into a global phenomenon. Francis launched Gymshark in 2012, starting from his garage. The brand quickly gained a following through social media, offering stylish, high-quality activewear that resonated with fitness enthusiasts. Under Francis’ leadership, Gymshark has expanded internationally, reaching customers in over 180 countries. His approach to business, focusing on community and authenticity, has made Gymshark a leader in the fitness industry.

Visit their website today: gymshark.com

Alex Chesterman, Founder of Zoopla

Alex Chesterman is a visionary entrepreneur who has significantly shaped the UK’s digital landscape. He co-founded LoveFilm in 2003, which became Europe’s leading DVD rental and streaming service before its acquisition by Amazon. In 2007, Chesterman launched Zoopla, a property website that revolutionised the real estate market with its comprehensive data and user-friendly tools. His latest venture, Cazoo, launched in 2018, is transforming the used car market by offering a seamless online buying experience. Chesterman’s ventures highlight his ability to leverage technology to enhance consumer experiences across various industries.

Visit their website today: zoopla.co.uk

Barney Hussey-Yeo, Founder and CEO of Cleo

Barney Hussey-Yeo is the Founder and CEO of Cleo, an innovative AI assistant designed to provide personal financial advice and help users manage their money more effectively. While working as a data scientist in London, Hussey-Yeo recognised a significant gap in the banking sector: the lack of engaging, personalised support for financial management. Driven by this insight, he created Cleo to offer a more interactive and proactive approach to personal finance. Cleo's AI-driven platform delivers tailored advice and assistance, making financial management both accessible and intuitive for users. Hussey-Yeo’s vision is to transform how individuals interact with their finances, ensuring they receive practical support and guidance in a user-friendly format.

Visit their website today: meetcleo.com

These ten entrepreneurs demonstrate that progress often comes from those who are willing to challenge the norm. Their ability to innovate is quietly reshaping industries we use and depend on everyday and setting new benchmarks. Their journeys are a reminder of what can be accomplished with vision and perseverance.