Kent tech founder Ben Towers awarded MBE for startups

Ben Towers, a technology entrepreneur from Gillingham in Kent and the founder of employee benefits platform Happl, has received an MBE in The King's New Year Honours for services to the startup business community.

Towers, 27, started his first business at the age of 11 after teaching himself to code and building websites for friends and family. He later built a digital marketing agency and exited that business at 19.

He has since invested in multiple startups and advised governments and public companies on entrepreneurship programmes, according to information released alongside the honours recognition.

Startup track record

As a teenager, Towers drew national attention for his early work in business and technology. By 17, he received recognition from The Times as one of "the smartest teenagers on the planet". Richard Branson described him as "one of the UK's most exciting entrepreneurs" while he was still a teenager.

Towers has also worked with the Prime Minister's Office at 10 Downing Street on the Government's AI strategy. He has advised organisations on topics that include the future of employment, Gen Z engagement and digital transformation.

On receiving the honour, Towers said: "Never did 11-year-old me, coding in my bedroom, ever imagine I would be awarded an MBE. I'm just a young guy from Kent who loves to build and solve problems using technology.

"Over the years, I've been able to build some great companies, but I'm equally honoured to have supported so many charities. I was also privileged to work with the Prime Minister's Office at 10 Downing Street to help shape the Government's AI strategy."

Happl expansion

Towers founded Happl after his earlier work in digital marketing and startup investing. The company describes itself as an AI-native employee benefits platform for global companies. It operates from offices in London and New York.

Happl has backing from Y Combinator. The company also lists investors including Tom Blomfield, and references Monzo and GoCardless in relation to him. Happl also cites customers in more than 160 countries and names Hootsuite, Kainos and Seed Legals among its clients.

The company's product focuses on employee benefits and rewards. Happl describes automation features and positions the software for HR and finance teams.

Recognition and charities

Towers holds ambassador roles for Young Enterprise, The King's Trust, Dogs Trust and the Young Lives Foundation. The honours announcement also notes that his grandfather received an MBE for services to the community of Morland in Cumbria.

Business expert Dr Alison Edgar also commented on Towers' award.

"Ben's honour is incredibly well deserved. I first met him when he was just 15 and have watched him work tirelessly - not only to grow his own ventures, but to inspire many other young entrepreneurs to believe that anything is possible," said Dr Alison Edgar MBE.

Towers was also named on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe Technology list in 2025. Happl continues to run operations from London and New York as it develops its employee benefits and rewards platform for global employers.