Tech startups to make your life more slick, secure and stylish in 2017

Our tips for the companies set to make waves in the new year, from a disruptive banking startup to the budget smartphone taking on Samsung and Apple

This year was a mixed bag for startups. Powa Technologies, an e-commerce company that was one of Britain's so-called unicorns (a startup valued at over $1bn), crashed hard, declaring bankruptcy early in 2016. US wearables company Pebble sold to Fitbit for less than a 10th of its peak valuation. But on the plus side, Europe minted - foaled? - 10 new unicorns, and Finnish gaming company Supercell became the continent's first "decacorn" (a startup valued at over $10bn).

But for some startups, the year ahead is nothing but hopeful. Here are some of the companies that look set to have a 2017 they will remember for some time.