UK StartUp Awards 2026 Recognises Fintech Wales Members Across Regions

UK StartUp Awards 2026 Recognises Fintech Wales Members Across Regions

Several Fintech Wales members have been recognised in the UK StartUp Awards 2026 regional shortlist, highlighting the strength of Wales’ and the wider UK’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The UK StartUp Awards celebrate the achievements of early-stage businesses and founders who are driving innovation, creating jobs, and contributing to economic growth. Designed to recognise ambition, resilience and creativity, the awards shine a spotlight on businesses that are not only launching but thriving.

Among those shortlisted this year are four Fintech Wales members, recognised across both Welsh and London regions:

• Serene – shortlisted in London for Technology StartUp of the Year. Serene provides an AI-powered platform that helps organisations proactively identify and support customers in vulnerable circumstances, using behavioural science and real-time data insights to improve outcomes and ensure regulatory alignment.
• Alerte Universal – shortlisted in Wales for Global StartUp of the Year. Alerte Universal Limited is the company behind the Alerte app, a safety technology solution that enables users to share their location in real time with emergency responders and trusted contacts. Designed for use in critical situations, the platform provides instant alerts, location accuracy, and direct connection to response services.
• Valart – shortlisted in Wales for Innovative StartUp of the Year. Valart offers collection management, organisation and valuation software designed to help collectors manage and protect their assets more effectively.
• Littlechild & Haley – shortlisted in Wales for Professional Services StartUp of the Year. Founded by experienced Chartered Internal Auditors, the firm specialises exclusively in internal audit and risk assurance, supporting organisations to strengthen governance and manage risk.

The shortlisted companies represent a range of sectors and specialisms, reflecting the breadth of innovation across the Fintech Wales network and the wider UK start-up landscape.

The UK StartUp Awards aim to support entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey, providing a platform for visibility, connection and growth. As part of the wider Ideas Community, the awards go beyond recognition—helping founders access networks, partnerships and opportunities to scale.

The awards process begins with applications across 22 categories, followed by regional shortlisting and finals, before culminating in the national final at Ideas Fest in September 2026.

Commenting on the recognition, Donna Littlechild, Co-Founder at Littlechild & Haley, said:

“Being shortlisted for the UK StartUp Awards is a real honour. We built Littlechild & Haley around a simple idea: if you’re trusted with assurance, you should be able to bring clarity, confidence and real organisational value without conflicts, and without noise.”

Paul Haley added:

“We put people and relationships at the heart of the work, and we’re proud to be recognised for building a modern, senior-led firm that helps organisations manage risks to success.”

The success of these shortlisted companies reflects the continued growth and impact of the fintech and start-up community across Wales and the UK. Congratulations to all shortlisted members on this achievement.