THE HEROPRENEURS AWARDS
Tech Business of the Year 2025
This award recognises a business whose main area of operation is technology, either focusing on the development and manufacturing of technology or providing technology as a service. Nominees will need to show how technology is the cornerstone of their business while highlighting the benefits that it brings to its end users. Success may take many forms, but it may include growth, profitability, flexibility, and overcoming challenges.
Meet our finalists
James Kuht, PAIR
James is the CEO of Pair, a software company helping organisations build AI native workforces. James co-founded Pair with his fellow-military veteran Mark Mitchell in 2023 whilst they were both still serving, the company has grown fast since then and employs 10 people. Prior to this, James spent time as the CTO of a Specialist Military Unit and on secondment to 10 Downing Street's Data Science team, having originally joined the RAF at 16 to become a Medical Officer. James lives in Wirral with his Wife and toddler, Théo.
Simon Kirkpatrick, Rulewise Ltd
Simon Kirkpatrick is a technology entrepreneur and former soldier in the British Army, having served for six years in secure data communications with the Royal Signals. After leaving the military, he built a career spanning four decades, founding and scaling businesses across software, education, and digital innovation. In 2024, aged 66, Simon launched RuleWise, a self-funded RegTech platform now active in 14 jurisdictions and recognised by the FinCrimeTech50, the Véyaon Awards, and the Isle of Man Government's 'Innovation Challenge'.
Simon remains committed to values-led entrepreneurship, contracting veterans through TechVets and championing innovation that promotes trust, clarity, and accountability. He is currently studying history, serves as President of the Royal Signals Association (Guernsey), and chairs the local cemetery committee, reflecting a lifelong commitment to both service and community.
His journey reflects what is possible when experience, resilience, and purpose align. It shows that impactful innovation is not limited by age, but inspired by it.
Gus Lersten, Labrys Tech
Gus Received a Masters Degree from Oxford University, then joined and served in the Royal Marines (and awarded a QCVS for service on operations in 2015) between 2013-2017. I then spent 3 years as an Adviser and Contractor to the FCDO and the Stabilisation Unit before founding Labrys Technologies.
Labrys is a defence technology company building the next generation of command-and-control software for global operations. Founded in 2020, the company has scaled rapidly from concept to Seed to a $20 million Series A funding round. Backed by a team of 15 military veterans and 20 Engineers, Labrys combines frontline experience with cutting-edge engineering to deliver solutions that are trusted, mission-relevant.
One to watch
Ben Reed, Redeployable
Redeployable helps career-switchers turn their military skills into meaningful civilian careers. With AI-driven, personalised career guidance, in-depth skills analysis, and assistance in building a personalised toolkit to land a role, we make career transitions straightforward and accessible.
Meet our judges
Ian Hogg
Chairman of ShopWorks and Solvedby.ai
Ian is a former Royal Navy Clearance Diver and has been running his own businesses since leaving in 1990. Ian has been a mentor with Heropreneurs since 2019, and is currently the Chairman and founder of a SaaS HR business and an AI solutions company.
James Murphy
Director of Veterans and Families, Forces Employment Charity
James joined RFEA in 2020, bringing with him the TechVets programme. Now, with the Forces Employment Charity, he leads eight tailored employment programmes for the Armed Forces community across the UK.
James joined the military from school, serving 19 years in the Armed Forces. His roles included two deployments to Afghanistan as well as pinnacle roles such as supporting UK Defence Engagement in East Asia, finishing his military career delivering strategic intelligence support to global joint military operations. Upon leaving the Armed Forces, he joined the Government Digital Service as the Head of Cyber Threat Intelligence, providing strategic cyber threat intelligence advice to key central Government decision-makers.
Lindsay Compton
Founder and CEO of Canny Comms
Lindsay established Canny Comms in 2019 is a specialist defence and security communications agency. She is driven by the belief that groundbreaking technology was not reaching the frontline due to inadequate communication.
Lindsay also sits on the board of Make UK Defence and has been recognised for her "agile and original thinking alongside a great passion and energy", notably receiving the Warwick Business School Bursary Award in 2020.
Karl Eze
CEO of Point Zenith
Point Zenith (PZ) is involved in scaling drone operations through automating regulations and training. Before starting PZ, Karl was COO of a defence drone startup as well as briefly an associate at Goldman Sachs, following participating in the Bank’s Veterans Internship Programme.
Serving for 12 years in the Royal Artillery, predominantly in 29 Commando Regiment RA, Karl is now a reservist of 7 years and the Commanding Officer (Designate) of the Honourable Artillery Company.