Magic AI has been named the UK StartUp of the Year 2025 at the UK StartUp Awards.
The announcement was made live on stage at Ideas Fest, where the judges praised Magic AI’s remarkable journey from self-funded beginnings to becoming a category-defining leader in its field.
Founded by Varun Bhanot, Magic AI was born out of a moment of personal transition. With no external investment and only limited resources, Varun relied on conviction, resourcefulness, and relentless testing to bring the idea to life. Since then, Magic AI has attracted national recognition, secured major backers, built a world-class team, and developed a loyal and fast-growing customer base.
“Magic AI is a shining example of how resilience, creativity and sheer determination can build a business of real impact.”
– Dylan Jones-Evans OBE
Partnership with 74Media
As part of the winner’s package, Magic AI will be showcased to millions nationwide as part of a UK-wide digital billboard campaign powered by 75Media.
They will also join 75Media’s Ignite Programme, a 12-month membership designed to help fast-growth challenger brands scale through premium billboard inventory, expert-led workshops, and peer community.
75Media, with over 1,300 digital and classic billboard sites nationwide, is committed to amplifying the visibility of the UK’s most ambitious startups. Their partnership with the UK StartUp Awards is designed to showcase entrepreneurial talent on a national stage and ensure the country’s best new businesses get seen.
Winner announced through national billboard campaign in partnership with 75Media
Joseph Lawson, Commercial Director at 75Media said:
“At 75Media, we know start-ups are vital to driving innovation and growth across the UK. Through our Ignite programme, we’re proud to give ambitious young companies the visibility and support they need to scale. Partnering with the UK StartUp Awards lets us celebrate entrepreneurial talent, and we’re thrilled to showcase Magic AI’s success on a national stage.”
Varun Bhanot, Founder of Magic AI said:
Winning an award like the UK StartUp Awards is an incredible moment of validation for us as a business, especially as we’re still very much in the early stages. Recognition like this doesn’t come around often, and it provides real encouragement that we’re on the right path, particularly during those darker, more challenging weeks that every founder experiences.
It’s also a huge boost for the wider team. Even for those who weren’t at the awards, it shows that the work they’re doing genuinely matters, is making a difference, and is being noticed well beyond our own bubble. To be recognised by Ideas Forums, who run some of the most prestigious award programmes for entrepreneurs and startups, feels like a powerful stamp of approval.
Most importantly, it helps us take the next step as a business. Awards like this open doors, create visibility, and generate PR opportunities that are priceless for an early-stage company. It’s the kind of platform that can accelerate our journey, and for that, we’re incredibly grateful”.
A win for UK entrepreneurship
Professor Dylan Jones-Evans OBE, Founder of the UK StartUp Awards, said:
“Magic AI is a shining example of how resilience, creativity and sheer determination can build a business of real impact. In just a short space of time, the team has shown the vision and ambition needed to become a leader in their sector, and I am delighted to see them named UK StartUp of the Year. This recognition, amplified by the national 75Media campaign, will ensure their success story inspires entrepreneurs across the UK.”
The UK StartUp Awards, powered by the Ideas Community, recognises and celebrates businesses in their first three years of trading. With over 2,000 applications in 2025 across six nations and regions, the awards culminated in a national final at Ideas Fest, the UK’s festival of entrepreneurship and innovation.
Leave a comment