Britain’s young rich may be slightly less wealthy this year, but their ambitions have never looked bigger.
The 40 entrepreneurs featured in The Sunday Times 40 Under 40 Rich List now hold a combined fortune of £26.3 billion, a 26 per cent dip from last year, largely because one of 2025’s billionaires has aged out of the ranking. Yet the list captures a striking shift in how modern wealth is being built. London’s surging AI boom dominates the landscape, with 13 entrepreneurs making their fortunes through a new wave of artificial intelligence ventures.
The rankings also dismantle old ideas about privilege and pedigree. Elite schools and inherited wealth mattered little for this generation: 35 of the 40 names are entirely self-made. Together, their businesses employ more than 15,800 people.
British Asian entrepreneurs continue to make a strong showing on this year’s list, with several familiar names retaining their positions among the country’s wealthiest young business figures.
10. Herman Narula
£578m ↓
Shortly before conflict erupted in the Middle East, Delhi-born tech entrepreneur Herman Narula said he was considering leaving Britain for Dubai, citing reports that Chancellor Rachel Reeves could introduce an exit tax on wealthy residents — a proposal he called “completely insane”. The 37-year-old co-founded Improbable while studying at the University of Cambridge. The virtual worlds developer was recently valued at $3.4bn, despite falling revenues linked to subsidiary sales. Narula remains optimistic about Somnia, Improbable’s high-speed blockchain spin-off, and has decided to stay in London for now.
2025: £780 million
18. Amar Shah
£321m ↑
Cambridge-educated Amar Shah, 38, co-founded Wayve, a developer of driverless car software. Earlier this year, the company secured $1.5bn (£1.1bn) in funding, among the largest raises by a British artificial intelligence start-up. Shah stepped down as a director six years ago and now runs Dhyan Ventures, which backs start-ups in sectors including AI, robotics, space, biotechnology and energy transition. His investments also include Charm Therapeutics and Vroodhi, which provides tutoring for GCSE and 11-plus students.
2025: £264 million
19. Ayman Rahman and Fateha Begum
£295m ↓
Ayman Rahman, 35, has earned a reputation as “something of a warrior” at his City trading firm Dare, as noted by a High Court judge in a ruling last year. Rahman founded the business with his wife, Fateha Begum, 38. The company recently prevailed in a legal dispute with former employees, although profits have fallen by 30 per cent. Raised in Devon, Rahman has said that growing up as a Muslim in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks strengthened his determination to prove he could contribute to “this great country”.
2025: £307 million
33. Ben Maruthappu
£141m ↑
Former NHS doctor Ben Maruthappu, 38, is credited with helping save taxpayers £2 million a day through efficiencies delivered to the care sector. His London-based company, Cera, employs around 10,000 people and uses artificial intelligence to improve the effectiveness and coordination of care workers. A fundraising round in 2025 valued the business at more than $1 billion.
2025: £123 million
34. Vishal Karia
£122m ↑
Expelled from school and later diagnosed with ADHD, Sanjay Karia initially hoped to become a lawyer before joining his family’s pharmaceutical business. A graduate of the University of Portsmouth, the 36-year-old founded Affinity Fragrances a decade ago. The wholesaler supplies major brands including Estée Lauder, Gucci, Giorgio Armani and Hugo Boss. Profits recently rose to £6.5 million on record sales of £124 million.
2025: £119 million
35. Nizam Bata
£120m (new entry)
iBC Healthcare provides housing, support and specialist services for people with complex autism, learning disabilities and severe mental health conditions. Founded in Leicester in 2012 by Joe Bata, 37, the company began as a daycare provider before expanding into full-time residential care. The group now operates five care homes, six day centres and nearly 90 supported-living facilities. With profits of at least £10.9 million, iBC Healthcare is estimated to be worth more than £120 million, all of it owned by Bata.
