The Pitch 2026: Applications are open
Powered by SeedLegals for the first time ever, the UK and Ireland’s largest pitching competition is back and set to be our biggest yet.
Take to the stage to show us what you’ve got for your chance to win The Pitch 2026 trophy and a prize package filled with founder perks.
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Why should I pitch?
When you compete in The Pitch, you’re in with the chance of taking home the trophy and a £25k prize package filled with founder perks.
It’s not just the one big prize at the end – win the judges’ vote at the regional finals and you’ll win £2k worth of prizes.
Even if you don’t win, all 60 finalists get two weeks of free mentoring from six exceptional mentors specialising in areas of investor interest.
The Pitch events
Pitching up in six cities across the UK and Ireland, The Pitch invites the unicorns of tomorrow to showcase their startups on stage.
After a Judges’ Winner and People’s Choice Winner have been crowned, it’s down to London for The Pitch Final – where the best startups in the nation go head-to-head one last time.
- 22 Jan 2026: AWS Loft, Dublin
- 29 Jan 2026: Barclays Eagle Labs, Glasgow
- 3 Feb 2026: Barclays Eagle Labs, Manchester
- 10 Feb 2026: Bristol Bridge, Bristol
- 12 Feb 2026: Barclays Eagle Labs, Birmingham
- 24 Feb 2026: Bloomsbury Event Space, London
Boost exposure, build connections
Founders supported by the programme
Newsletter subscribers
Investors and entrepreneurs in our network
Who we are
We’re The Pitch, the UK and Ireland’s biggest pitching competition on a mission to make investment accessible to all.
Through our free flagship programme, we connect early-stage entrepreneurs with active investors, helping the next generation of founders go from stage to seed round.
What we do
Since 2008, The Pitch has connected ambitious entrepreneurs with active investors through a flagship programme designed to help founders form, hone and present their pitch.
From humble beginnings in Bristol, we’ve grown into a nationwide initiative, hosting events across the UK and Ireland and building a thriving network of innovators and investors.
Testimonials
What our community members think…
The Pitch was a chance for us to get out and tell our story of why we’re building a company like this, and also get market feedback and validation that what we’re building is definitely needed.
Gaby Mendes
founder of TalkTwenties
Being part of The Pitch was a valuable experience for both the business and me personally. Although we made the final, I actually froze in the semifinal and forgot everything. I probably wouldn’t have been able to tell you the name of my business! The Pitch team and judges were supportive and, luckily, they asked good questions so I could get my business across.
Akhilesh Sivaraman
Founder of Sukoon Care
Winning The Pitch has broken down barriers. People who wouldn’t speak to us before are now speaking to us. It’s a phenomenal thing.
Tersha Willis
Co-founder of terrible*
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