Hurun UK Unicorns & U40s Summit
2025
In strategic partnership with
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With thanks to
The Hurun UK Unicorns & U40s Summit 2025
Rupert Hoogewerf:
“The UK punches way above its weight when it comes to the startup ecosystem. Although everyone focuses on the US and China, which between them have 70% of the world’s known unicorns, there are over 60 unicorns in the UK, similar in number to that in India. By comparison, there are only just over 110 unicorns across the whole of the EU. The UK boasts perhaps one of the deepest talent pools in the world in the ‘Golden Triangle’ of London, Oxford and Cambridge. While people often talk down the UK startup ecosystem, it is in fact doing much much better than most people give it credit for.”
Welcome address
John Zai |
Centi Group, founder & chairman
"Hurun has been British people believing in China for over 30 years."
We had the pleasure of hearing from John Zai, founder and chairman of Centi Group, an organisation that's made it their mission to strengthen the tech bridge between China and Europe. Having worked closely with Russ Shaw at Global Tech Advocates, John has been deeply engaged in both the Chinese and British business ecosystems. In his speech, he highlighted the UK’s remarkable research capabilities and the importance of harnessing that potential.
Award Categories
Under40s Awards: Founders under 40 who have created businesses worth $100M or more.
Future Unicorn Awards: Founders whose businesses are poised to reach unicorn status within three years (Hurun Gazelles) and within five years (Hurun Cheetahs).
Unicorn Awards: Founders whose companies are valued at $1B or more.
Ceremony
On Thursday 12 June, we were delighted, in celebration of London Tech Week, to host a Hurun founders roundtable and dinner.
The event took place in an elegant private courtyard in Mayfair, exuding timeless sophistication and providing a perfect backdrop for 60 of our founders to connect and share their journeys. Coinciding with London Tech Week, the evening offered a fitting finale – an opportunity for our guests to gather once more to celebrate and draw inspiration from this remarkable generation of business leaders.
We had a thrilling panel discussion on the topic ‘UK vs US vs China in AI. Can We Compete (and Should We Even Try?)’, where the conversation repeatedly circled back to the topic of longevity – an increasingly relevant theme in light of the rapid rise of AI and its transformative potential for human health, productivity, and lifespan. We were joined by Amar Shah, co-founder of Wayve and Charm Therapeutics, Zhu Xiaowei, China desk head at AWS Europe, Robert Watts, founder of Threshold Editorial, Darcy Laceby, co-founder of Absolute Collagen and Didi van der Reijt, founder & CEO of Celljevity.
from left to right: Daniel Stewart (ViridiCO2), Ada Shan (Hurun), Rupert Rixon (Perspective Pictures), Rupert Hoogewerf (Hurun), Darcy Laceby (Absolute Collagen)
The evening showcased the remarkable talent and potential of the UK's emerging entrepreneurial scene, laying the groundwork for even more impressive accomplishments in the future.
Leaving their mark in the Hurun
history books
Amar Shah
WAYVE, co-founder & CEO
Charm Therapeutics, co-founding advisor
Jensen Huang
Nvidia, co-founder & CEO
"The UK is third in the world when it comes to AI, after the US and China, so it has a very strong position. However, in order to capitalize it needs to invest majorly in infrastructure."
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London Tech Week, opening ceremony
June 6th 2025
Guest Speakers
"I was really impressed with London Tech Week. I think the UK performs a lot better than it gets credit for when it comes to scale ups and unicorns"
"Innovation in the UK is second to none. It’s about turning that innovation into businesses"
Microsoft for Startups North Asia, former CEO
Amcham, Board of Governors
John Locke Institute, Director General
"This is my 22nd event this week, which just goes to show the incredible momentum behind the UK’s tech and startup ecosystem."
"Just as cars replaced horses, AI is set to grow and take its place among history’s revolutionary innovations"
Wu Dekan
London Tech Week, founder
Global Tech Advocates, founder
Hello World Technology,
founder & CEO
60
FOUNDERS
80
GUESTS
4
Keynote
Speakers
5
PANEL SPEAKERS
‘UK vs US vs China in AI. Can We Compete (and Should We Even Try?)’
Amar Shah
"We are good at innovating in the UK, what we need to work on is capturing that value and keeping it here. 350Bn pounds are currently sitting in UK bank accounts. We are losing real monetary value because we are not investing in private markets."
WAYVE, co-founder & CEO
Charm Therapeutics, co-founding advisor
Event Partnerships
Centi Group is an organisation that's made it their mission to strengthen the tech bridge between China and Europe. Whether it’s working with investors, governments, or fast-growing startups, Centi Group helps companies raise funds and expand into new markets. Thanks to their core services, they’ve built one of the largest cross-continental ecosystems, connecting people, ideas, and innovation across borders.
Cult Wines is a global leader in fine wine investment, offering a sophisticated platform that blends data-driven insights with deep market expertise. Founded in 2007 by Tom Gearing, who was just 23 at the time, Cult Wines has grown into one of the world’s largest fine wine portfolio managers, with over £250 million in assets under management and a client base spanning more than 80 countries. Cult Wines earned their spot on the Hurun UK U40s list in 2024, reflecting Cult Wines’ impressive growth and global reach. The company provides unparalleled market access and insights to clients around the world. Their mission is to make investing in fine wine more transparent, accessible, and data-driven—whether for long-term wealth creation or sheer enjoyment.
At the heart of Cult Wines is a belief that wine is more than a luxury -- it’s a tangible asset that tells a story, holds cultural value, and, like any great investment, gets better with time.
Lucky Draw
Our lucky draw featured prizes such as premium wine from our sponsor, Cult Wines, a custom-made Hurun scarf, and a selection of smaller gifts for the lucky winners.
