The UK is home to more than 700,000 international students, according to Universities UK, contributing £41.9 billion annually to the economy. Yet, despite their economic and cultural importance, many face difficulties when arriving in Britain from finding suitable accommodation to navigating visa processes, managing essential services, and integrating into social life.
Reports from the Higher Education Policy Institute note that international students are disproportionately affected by high housing costs, limited trusted networks, and the complexity of adjusting to a new country. These challenges create a gap in the market for technology-driven solutions that can simplify student life.
TALAB: A First-of-Its-Kind Concierge App
Launched in June 2024, TALAB has positioned itself as the UK’s concierge app available on both iOS and Android. The platform consolidates services that students typically access separately, including:
● Accommodation and rental support
● Airport meet-and-greet services
● Cleaning and dry cleaning
● Visa and university application guidance
● Tutoring and personal shopper options
● Event and club bookings at partner venues
Unlike traditional platforms that focus on a single vertical, TALAB integrates all of these needs into one ecosystem, offering a seamless experience for students unfamiliar with local providers.
Demonstrated Impact and Growth
Since its launch, TALAB has quickly established itself as a trusted solution for students in the UK. Within its first year, the platform reached over 8,000 users and generated over £50,000 in revenue in the first five months through a commission-based model that maintains transparency and affordability for partner services. Conversion rates exceed typical benchmarks for early-stage consumer apps, demonstrating strong engagement and real-world relevance.
The platform has received multiple recognitions, including being voted the winning startup at King’s College London’s “Road to Summit 2025,” ranking among the top 5 startups in Google UK’s Under-24 Founders Competition, and participation in the UCL Accelerator Program. TALAB has also formed partnerships with major companies such as Qatar Airways, Big Yellow Storage, and National Express, reflecting independent validation from both academic and industry communities.
Technology and Innovation
TALAB is built for scalability, reliability, and a seamless user experience. The app includes secure booking for services, 24/7 direct chat with a personal assistant, image-sharing capabilities, a loyalty program with discounted services, university group chats, and swipe-to-request functionality for any service, all designed to meet the expectations of digital-native students.
The platform is led by CEO and Co-Founder Mirkazim Seyidzade, a UCL MSc Management & Finance graduate with over three years of experience in the concierge industry and a previous successful exit achieving a 2.8x profit. He is supported by CTO Sahib Zulfigar, who brings four years of IT and app development expertise, ensuring TALAB’s technological robustness.
Looking Ahead
By bridging the gap between student needs and trusted service providers, TALAB is not only supporting the wellbeing of international students but also contributing to the UK’s position as a hub for educational innovation.
In the longer term, TALAB aims to expand its services across Europe and the Middle East, creating a global network of student-focused concierge solutions. The team is also exploring AI-driven personalization to improve recommendations and streamline service delivery, ensuring that students can access what they need faster and more efficiently.
