The UK’s mobility scene is moving faster than ever. A new wave of startups is building electric aircraft, next-generation batteries, and smarter ways to navigate cities.
Across the country, innovative startups are designing the technologies that could define how the world moves next. Whether it’s crossing a city in an eVTOL air taxi, charging an EV in minutes, or navigating the last mile on a sustainable shared bike, UK founders are behind some of the most compelling breakthroughs in transportation.
From sleek electric aircraft and next-gen batteries to smart logistics and autonomous driving, these 10 British startups are reshaping the journey from A to B and signalling that the UK remains a major force in the future of mobility.
Oxa: A comprehensive driver
Founded: 2014
Founders: Paul Newman, Ingmar Posner
HQ: Oxford, UK
Founded in 2014 by Paul Newman and Ingmar Posner, based on their work at Oxford University’s Mobile Robotics Group, they are behind the first autonomous vehicles in the UK.
Rather than developing new vehicles, Oxa has worked on the software. Designed to be universal and autonomous, the software is, in effect, like a driver: it can work in any vehicle, and isn’t reliant on external GPS or direction.
Funded by Parkwalk Advisors, they have clocked up a series of firsts since they were founded. They drove the first autonomous vehicle tested on UK roads and are the only company to have a successful safety case assessment with the British Standards Institution.
Nyobolt: Ending charging anxiety
Founded: 2019
Founders: Professor Dame Clare Grey, Dr. Sai Shivareddy
HQ: Cambridge, UK
Building on their academic research, Professor Dame Clare Grey and Dr. Sai Shivareddy’s Nyobolt has developed a breakthrough battery that can manage 25,000 cycles and be charged in just five minutes.
Their rapid charging helps reduce the planning and anxiety that can accompany longer EV trips.
It followed 100x revenue growth in 2024 with $30 million in new funding in April 2025. With a total of $100 million from investors, including Parkwalk Advisors, Nyobolt is scaling production and expanding into power for robotics and data centres. Nyobolt’s batteries offer promise as the foundation of the next generation of sustainable energy.
Evolito: Powering electric flight
Founded: 2021
Founders: Spin-out from YASA (founded by Dr Tim Woolmer)
HQ: Bicester, UK
A spin-out from electric motor specialist YASA, Evolito is focused on a critical challenge for electric aviation: lightweight power.
The company develops ultra-high-performance electric motors and powertrains specifically for aircraft, including eVTOLs (electric vertical take-off and landing). Their compact, lightweight designs are essential for achieving the power-to-weight ratios required for electric flight.
Backed by Parkwalk Advisors, Evolito is supplying this core technology to leading airframe manufacturers, positioning itself as a key enabler in the nascent but rapidly developing air mobility sector.
Wayve: The AI learner
Founded: 2017
Founders: Amar Shah, Alex Kendall
HQ: London, UK
Founded by CEO Alex Kendall, Wayve is pioneering a different approach to self-driving technology called embodied AI. Instead of relying on pre-programmed rules, their AI learns to drive from scratch through experience, adapting to new situations more like a human.
This potential to master complex urban environments attracted a landmark $1.05 billion investment from SoftBank and Microsoft in 2024.
Wayve is now developing and testing its AI-powered systems, with the goal of enabling next-generation assisted driving and autonomous vehicle technologies that can be deployed across existing fleets internationally.
Skyports: Building the ground network
Founded: 2018
Founders: Duncan Walker, Simon Morrish
HQ: London, UK
Electric aircraft will only succeed with infrastructure in place for take-off and landing, charging, and servicing. Skyports is developing exactly that.
They have developed Vertiports, specialised hubs for eVTOL aircraft and drones. Their full-scale vertiport at Bicester Motion has demonstrated the viability of the concept and helped them land a $110 million Series C investment round.
With backers from the traditional aerospace industry, like Paris-based airport operator Groupe ADP, Skyports are well-placed to provide the launchpads for aerial delivery and mobility.
Certo Aerospace: Pioneering heavy-lift logistics
Founded: 2008
Founders: Shay O’Brien
HQ: London, UK
Many have focused on aerial EVs for Last-mile delivery and passenger transport. Certo Aerospace is looking to transport heavier cargo.
Their uncrewed helicopters can manage payloads up to 750kg, making it a practical option for logistics. With lower emissions and costs, it can also have applications in situations where logistics operations can be costly or dangerous, like emergency relief or to remote locations.
They recently raised £3 million to support further development and the flight trials required before starting commercial operations.
Carmoola: taking on car finance
Founded: 2021
Founders: Aidan Rushby, Amy Rushby, Roman Sumnikov, Igor Gordiichuk
HQ: London, UK
Car finance has a poor reputation. Associated with high-pressure sales in dealerships, many used car buyers feel they didn’t get the best deal.
Carmoola solves the problem with a quick and simple app-based platform. Offering direct-to-consumer loan and refinance options, with transparent and easy to understand terms, they make car ownership possible for more people, including younger drivers and those without extensive credit histories.
The approach has clearly been welcomed by car owners, who have used the app to enable millions of pounds worth of purchases. Having secured a £300 million debt facility earlier this year, they are well-placed to support even more people to own their own cars.
Forest: Sustainable bike hire
Founded: 2020
Founders: Agustin Guilisasti, Caroline Seton, Michael Stewart
HQ: London, UK
Bike hire may have increased the popularity of cycling, but there have been significant failures in a competitive market.
Forest has developed a model that has sustainability built in. With a free daily allowance, and new bike models for the whole family, its pricing model is designed to encourage the cycling habit for short trips.
Forest’s dark green bikes are already a familiar sight in many cities, and their continued growth in Europe means many more will benefit from their environmentally friendly convenience.
Carwow: De-risking the second-hand car market
Founded: 2011
Founders: James Hind, Alexandra Margolis, David Santoro
HQ: London, UK
The second-hand car dealer has been a stereotype of untrustworthy and high-pressure sales. However, for many, they were the gatekeepers to car ownership.
Carwow is helping to transform second-hand car ownership with its platform. Beginning life as a car comparison website, it has evolved into a full-service buying platform. Sellers can get a guaranteed price for their vehicle, while buyers can have confidence in a curated and vetted selection of cars.
A $41 million funding round is helping Carwow expand into Europe, demonstrating their model is not just scalable, but incredibly attractive to consumers keen to avoid the used car salesman.
Qargo: Streamlining port logistics
Founded: 2020
Founders: Adriaan Coppens, Joeri De Turck, Sander De Wilde
HQ: London, UK
The global movement of goods is plagued by manual, paper-based processes at ports, creating delays and inefficiencies that ripple along supply chains.
London-based Qargo provides a digital platform that automates the complex documentation and communication flow between freight forwarders, truckers, and terminals. Already supporting the movement of thousands of containers every day, last year it closed an £11 million Series A round.
By digitising workflows, Qargo is cutting administrative time, reducing errors, and increasing visibility for its clients. Despite growing demand and regulatory pressure, it is making the movement of containers as easy as the digital flow of information.
This article is part of our editorial partnership with Parkwalk Advisors, leading UK investors focused on university spinouts and deep tech innovation.
