The announcement took place live at Ideas Fest, where judges applauded Magic AI’s impressive rise from bootstrapped beginnings to a category-leading innovator. Founded by Varun Bhanot, the company started without external investment, relying on determination, creative problem-solving and rigorous testing to prove its concept. Since then, Magic AI has earned national recognition, attracted major backers, built an experienced team and cultivated a loyal, fast-growing customer base.
Partnership powering national visibility
As part of the winner’s package, Magic AI will feature on digital billboards across the UK as part of a campaign powered by 75Media. The startup will also join 75Media’s Ignite programme, a 12-month initiative offering premium billboard access, expert-led growth workshops and a peer network for high-potential challenger brands.
75Media, which operates more than 1,300 billboard sites nationwide, says the partnership with the UK Startup Awards is designed to elevate Britain’s brightest new businesses and inspire future founders.
Joseph Lawson, commercial director at 75Media, commented:
“Startups drive innovation and economic growth in the UK. Through our Ignite programme, we’re proud to give ambitious young companies the visibility and support they need to scale. Magic AI’s achievement is a testament to what’s possible, and we’re excited to showcase their success story on a national stage.”
A milestone moment for Magic AI
Founder Varun Bhanot described the award as a powerful endorsement:
“This recognition is an incredible moment of validation for us, particularly while we’re still in the early stages of our journey. Awards like this provide encouragement during the challenging weeks every founder faces, and they give the whole team confidence that their work is making an impact. Being recognised by Ideas Forums, who run some of the most respected programmes for entrepreneurs, feels like a real stamp of approval. Importantly, it opens doors and creates visibility that can accelerate our growth, and for that we’re hugely grateful.”
Celebrating UK entrepreneurial spirit
Professor Dylan Jones-Evans OBE, founder of the UK Startup Awards, praised Magic AI’s determination:
“Magic AI exemplifies the resilience, creativity and ambition that define the UK’s most exciting startups. Their rapid progress shows what can be achieved with vision and drive. Naming them UK startup of the year, supported by the national 75Media campaign, will inspire entrepreneurs across the country.”
The UK Startup Awards, run by the Ideas Community, celebrates businesses in their first three years of trading. With more than 2,000 entries across six nations and regions in 2025, the competition culminated at Ideas Fest—one of the UK’s leading events for entrepreneurship and innovation.
