Lottie, a UK-based care home finder, has been named the top startup in the UK by the 2025 Startups 100 Index. The company was founded in 2021 by brothers Chris and Will Donnelly with the goal of transforming the care industry. Lottie offers an online marketplace where families can find and compare vetted care homes, retirement living options, and at-home care services.
The platform provides transparent fee structures, addressing a common issue in the industry where opaque payment practices often confuse customers. Since its launch, Lottie has expanded its services to include Found by Lottie, a CRM software for care providers; Seniorcare by Lottie, an employee benefits platform; and Care IQ, a data insights tool for the elderly care market. The startup’s growth has been remarkable, now supporting over one million people in finding care each month and partnering with 3,000 care providers across the UK.
Lottie transforming elderly care options
In 2024, Lottie conducted the largest Care Seeker Survey in the UK, surveying 1,000 individuals to better understand and address their needs. The company has raised £25 million in total funding, including a £16.3 million round in 2023, to support its global expansion plans into India, Australia, and the US.
Will Donnelly, co-founder of Lottie, expressed his pride in the accomplishment, stating, “I’m genuinely so proud of Lottie’s team and so thankful to Startups for allowing us the opportunity to fly Lottie’s pink flag for the social care industry on such an acclaimed and celebrated list.”
Despite its success, Lottie views itself as only at the beginning of its journey. The founders remain committed to disrupting the social care sector for the better, providing families with the tools they need to make informed decisions without the frustration of endless phone calls or visits. The 2025 Startups 100 Index, now in its 17th year, is the definitive list of the most promising new UK businesses.
The list is judged by a team of new business experts in collaboration with specialist industry consultants. Lottie’s recognition as the top startup in the UK highlights the company’s innovative approach to addressing the challenges in the elderly care sector.
