The number of UK university spinouts has increased by 7.9% since 2020, according to new data from the Barclays Regional Investment Map. The total rose from 1,907 in 2020 to 2,039 in 2025, reflecting continued growth in academic ventures across the country.
The report shows that London and the South East remain leading regions for spinout activity, with a combined total of 686 active university spinouts—373 in London and 313 in the South East. The South West recorded the largest percentage increase over five years at 20.6%, while Scotland maintained its position as a significant contributor with 248 active spinouts.
Equity investment also saw notable gains in the second quarter of 2025. The UK average equity investment grew by 28.1%. The East Midlands and South West experienced increases of more than threefold, while London-based companies attracted £2.01 billion, representing a rise of 12.8% compared to the previous quarter.
In terms of new business creation, there was a marginal increase of 0.1% in the number of UK corporations between Q1 and Q2 this year, bringing the total from approximately 5.45 million to about 5.46 million registered businesses. This follows a seasonal surge earlier in the year but reflects only a slight change due to various factors influencing active company population figures.
Grant funding also accelerated nationally between April and June this year, rising from £108 million in Q1 to £161 million in Q2. Growth was particularly strong in regions such as the West Midlands and Yorkshire and The Humber.
Wales led regional growth for new business incorporations during Q2 with a jump of 5.1%. Other regions showing increases included the West Midlands (0.8%), London (0.8%), and Scotland (0.6%). London accounted for more than a quarter of all active and dormant UK companies.
Barclays is launching its University Founders proposition this month through its Innovation Banking division to support student ventures at over forty locations across the UK via free learning platforms, mentoring opportunities, networking events, and investor connections. More information about this initiative can be found at https://labs.uk.barclays/what-we-offer/inclusion-at-eagle-labs/university-founders/.
Abdul Qureshi, Managing Director for Business Banking at Barclays said: “The UK business landscape continues to demonstrate resilience, with the number of active companies reaching 5.46 million and university spinout activity thriving, particularly in London, the South East, and Scotland. Through robust public and private investment, and specialist support for innovation, we’re seeing ground-breaking ideas rapidly moving from the lab to the marketplace, especially in fields such as AI, photonics, and energy.
“You can feel the momentum building around university spinouts lately, especially in places like London, the South East, and Scotland. These new ventures are turning academic ideas into real-world innovations at pace, moving groundbreaking research from the lab straight into the marketplace. It’s an inspiring time for anyone involved in higher education or entrepreneurship, with collaboration and fresh thinking opening up new opportunities across the UK.”
Data used for these findings is drawn from sources including Companies House and Beauhurst’s database on private company activity.