When one thinks of Venice, Italy, they might picture gondolas and romantic waterways, but what many don’t realize is that there is one city with more miles of canals than even the so-called Floating City: Birmingham, England.
With 35 miles of canals compared to Venice’s 26, Birmingham’s waterways were once the lifeblood of its industrial past, transporting raw materials and goods across the city. Today, however, Birmingham is making waves in a different way — through its thriving tech scene.
Home to 6,000 tech companies, including 2,000 startups, here are a few to watch.
Tech Companies in Birmingham
- Cencora
- Reapit
- Severn Trent
- Kwalee
- Mobile Fun
Top Tech Companies in Birmingham
Founded in 1871, Cencora employs more than 46,000 people to distribute pharmaceuticals, over-the-counter products and home healthcare equipment. Committed to improving healthcare access for both humans and animals, the company operates 12 offices worldwide, with locations across England.
Birmingham-based Reapit provides technology that helps real estate agencies of all sizes grow their businesses while managing every aspect of property management, sales and lettings. Its client portfolio includes companies such as Bridges, Charters, LSL and Winkworth, among others.
Founded in 1974, Severn Trent supplies safe, clean drinking water to millions across the Midlands and parts of Wales through its network of pipes and pumping stations. The company also manages wastewater treatment, ensuring it is safely and sustainably returned to the environment.
British game developer Kwalee creates smartphone games like Draw It and Jetpack Jump, as well as PC and console titles such as Space Chef and Wildmender. Co-founded in 2011 by David Darling, a pioneer of the U.K. gaming industry, the company has since expanded its portfolio to over 70 games.
Mobile Fun is an Birmingham-based online retailer specializing in mobile phone accessories, including phone cases and chargers, with the goal of becoming the “leading specialist e-commerce retailer in the industry.” Since its founding, it has grown steadily and now employs over 40 people.
