The votes are in, and our winners are chosen. Read on to find out all about our 2026 winners.
What is AXA Startup Angel?
When you’re first starting out, the best advice you can get comes from those who have been in your shoes. That’s why we created AXA Startup Angel. This competition gives budding entrepreneurs the chance to turn their business dreams into a reality.
For the last six years AXA Startup Angel has given the most promising up and coming businesses from across the UK a variety of incredible prizes and first-class mentoring.
Ready to see who walked away with the prizes this year?
Introducing the 2026 AXA Startup Angel winners
Our two top-prize winners won £25,000 of startup funding to help launch or grow their business, as well as mentoring advice from our expert Angels, and business insurance for a year thanks to AXA. So, let’s meet our winning businesses.
Megan Oliver
Founder, Soaked
“This win will give us the confidence to take more risks.” Megan, Soaked
SOAKED is an innovative umbrella brand, making umbrellas that are strong, durable and produced from recycled, planet-friendly materials.
David Boadu
Founder, Vistella Cycling
“I’m actually blown away, as this is such a big accomplishment. This is going to boost Vistella hugely." David, Vistella
Vistella is a cycling safety brand whose aim is to make visibility effortless for everyday riders.
Who were our 2026 runners up?
Now that we know who took home the top prizes, let’s take a look at our 2026 runners up.
Our three runners up have each won an estimated £18,000 worth of media, mentoring and exposure.
They'll receive a bespoke The Standard advertisement profile feature as a digital article on.co.uk, inclusion in The Standard winner’s announcement advertisement feature in print and online, and mentoring with a member of The Standard team.
Christy Llewelly
Founder, Loste
"Being an AXA Startup Angel 2026 competition runner-up, I'm hoping that we can get the brand out there more" Christy, Loste
Loste is an advanced false nail company, enabling consumers to achieve flawless, salon-grade nails at home.
James Ohene-Djan
Co-Founder, MiCode Ltd
"Being an AXA Startup Angel 2026 runner-up feels exciting. I'm so proud and it feels like there's a future for the business." James, MiCode
Mi Code Ltd is a digital health platform enabling easy but secure access to patients' medical data and key contacts in the case of an emergency.
Gracie Broom
Founder, Reporti Pro Ltd
"Getting the help to put Reporti in front of people is going to be a game-changer" Gracie, Reporti
Reporti is a real-time crowd safety app that enables attendees to discreetly report safety incidents.
Who was the winner of The Standard People’s Choice poll?
Our sixth and final winner was chosen by the public in a poll hosted by our partner, The Standard. Our people’s choice winner will receive the same prizes as our runners up, so let’s meet them.
Eniola Taiwo
Founder, Skill Bloom
“I am so, so pleased that I'm going to be mentored, and have access to amazing people and communities. It's going to be the greatest lesson ever," Eniola, Skill Bloom”
Skill Bloom is an app enabling neurodivergent children to practice real-life social situations through interactive scenarios.
See what last year's winners are up to
We caught up with our two 2025 top prize winners to find out what they had been up to since winning last year, and to hear more about their plans for the future. Let’s see what they had to say.
Entries for this year’s competition may be closed, but things don’t stop there
If you’re interested in finding out more about the future of AXA Startup Angel or you’re considering entering your business in next year’s competition, you can use the sign up form below to register your interest.
All you have to do is give us a few quick details and we’ll be in touch next year to let you know when entries open.