As one of Europe’s leading centres for cyber innovation, the UK has witnessed a sharp rise in high-growth cyber businesses each developing pioneering technologies to counter increasingly complex digital threats.

In today’s digital-first world, cyber-attacks are no longer an abstract. With sensitive data, customer trust, and business continuity on the line, cyber security has become a strategic priority for organisations of every size and sector.

From scalable, cloud-native platforms and AI-driven threat detection tools to robust identity verification systems and compliance solutions, UK-based cyber businesses are at the forefront of shaping a resilient digital future.

In this article, we explore the Top 10 UK Cyber Security Companies, as identified in a recent article by Beauhurst. We will also examine what the future holds for this fast-moving sector, and how GS Verde Group can support businesses looking to embrace cyber technology as a foundation of their long-term success.

Cyber Security: One of the UK’s Fastest Growing Sectors

As our world becomes increasingly connected, cyber security has become an essential investment. With financial systems, health records, infrastructure and supply chains all operating online, organisations are under growing pressure to defend themselves from service disruption, data breaches and reputational harm.

The threat landscape is evolving rapidly, and so too must the solutions. From ransomware to phishing attacks, insider threats to software vulnerabilities, businesses must not only anticipate risk but actively mitigate it. Meanwhile, data protection regulations such as GDPR and evolving ISO standards add further complexity.

The UK’s cyber sector is rising to this challenge. With over 1,800 active cyber security companies and a 3.6x increase in investment since 2018, the market continues to attract global attention. This momentum is supported by strong academic institutions, innovative startups and strategic public-sector initiatives — including the work of the National Cyber Security Centre.

• Growth has been particularly strong in areas such as:
• Cloud-native platforms that secure hybrid work environments
• AI and machine learning for predictive threat detection
• Scalable compliance tools for SMEs and regulated industries
• Digital identity solutions to verify users and prevent fraud

With cyber risk now a board-level issue and the cost of data breaches continuing to rise, cyber security has become one of the UK’s most strategically important and fastest growing sectors — and one that’s showing no signs of slowing down.

The UK's Leading Cyber Security Companies

Here, we explore the top UK leading cyber security companies within their specific fields:

Cloud Security and Digital Infrastructure

• Mimecast: London-based Mimecast, incorporated in 2003, provides cloud-based email security and end-user threat awareness tools. It has raised £50.7m through five equity rounds, which include its 2015 IPO on the NASDAQ.
• Softcat: The Buckinghamshire-based company, incorporated in 1987, is an IT infrastructure provider specialising in data centres and network security services. Its’ IPO appeared on the London Stock Exchange in 2015, which saw the company valued at £472m.
• Exponential-e: London-based company Exponential-e, incorporated in 2002 offers telecoms, cloud, and cyber security solutions. The company raised £100k in 2024 and has completed one acquisition.
• Ultima: Incorporated in 2019, Reading-based company Ultima provides cyber and hybrid cloud services, including XDR and business continuity. The company was acquired by Just After Midnight in 2021 and grew its GVA to £37.4m in 2024.

AI-Powered Threat Detection and Monitoring

• Darktrace: Incorporated in 2013 in South Cambridgeshire, Darktrace uses AI to detect and respond to cyber threats autonomously. The company raised £427m across seven rounds.
• S-RM: London-based company S-RM, incorporated in 2015, is a cyber risk consultancy specialising in crisis response and offensive threat simulations - valued at £75.8m.

Cyber Security Software and Training

• Babble: London-based Babble delivers cloud-based tech and cyber services, including awareness training and managed IT. Incorporated in 2001, it has made over 30 acquisitions with a current GVA is £28.7m.
• PortSwigger: Established in 2008 and based in Cheshire East, PortSwigger is the creator of Burp Suite and offers cyber training. In June 2024, the company secured £88.4m in funding. Its latest GVA is £28.3m.

Risk Management, Compliance and Human-Centred Security

• Focus Group: Incorporated in 2003 and based in Adur, Focus Group provides IT, telecoms and cyber services including dark web monitoring and endpoint security. It made 10 acquisitions and completed one fundraising round in 2024, contributing a £32.5m GVA in 2023.
• 6Point6: Manchester-based company 6Point6, incorporated in 2012, offers big data, penetration testing and cyber security services. After being acquired by Accenture in January 2024, the company added £30.8m in GVA to the economy in 2023.

The Future of Cyber Security in the UK

Looking ahead, the future of cyber security in the UK is both exciting and essential. As digital transformation accelerates across industries, cyber resilience will become deeply embedded into business operations, product design and corporate strategy. The sector is expected to continue growing at pace, fuelled by innovation, regulation and investor interest.

Artificial intelligence and automation will play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of cyber tools, enabling faster, more accurate detection of threats, and reducing the time it takes to respond to incidents.

Technologies such as real-time analytics, behavioural monitoring, and adaptive security systems will become increasingly mainstream, helping organisations stay ahead of cyber criminals.

We are also likely to see growing demand for:

• Privacy-enhancing technologies that protect data without limiting functionality
• Zero-trust architectures that assume no system or user is inherently secure
• Unified platforms that combine risk management, compliance and reporting

.Affordable, off-the-shelf cyber solutions tailored for SMEs and startups

As the regulatory environment tightens and public expectations around data protection continue to rise, companies that lead on cyber security will also lead on trust, reputation and long-term growth.

The UK is well-placed to remain a global leader in this space, with an ecosystem of startups, scale-ups and established players that are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in cyber innovation. For investors, acquirers and entrepreneurs, the cyber sector presents not just commercial opportunity, but a chance to shape the security and success of the digital economy.

Expert Advice from GS Verde Group

With technology and cyber security solutions increasingly changing the way industries operate, seeking expert guidance is crucial to help scale up your business and attract investments for future success.

At GS Verde Group, we support fast-growth businesses across the cyber and technology sectors with expert, end-to-end advisory services. Whether you are securing funding, preparing for acquisition, or planning a strategic exit, our ‘One Team’ approach combines legal, corporate finance, tax and communications expertise under one roof.

As highlighted in Beauhurst’s article of the top 10 UK Cyber Security Companies, businesses must stay ahead of trends and technological advancements to stay innovative. With GS Verde Group’s expertise, your business can navigate the ongoing developments of AI and thrive in the UK's healthtech sector.

To read more, visit Beauhurst