Apply for The Pitch 2026

Powered by SeedLegals, the UK’s largest pitching competition is back and bigger than ever.

Want to be part of this year’s cohort? Just fill out our application form and we’ll be in touch.

While you wait, why not join The Pitch community? Every month, we’ll send industry news, competition updates and pitch-relevant resources straight to your inbox.

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How does the competition work?

Our judges choose the top 60 applicants to pitch at one of our regional finals taking place across the country from January to March 2026.

Before the event, you’ll have the chance to attend an online pitching workshop where you can practise, receive useful feedback and listen to other pitches.

When you take to the stage at the regional final, you’ll give a 90-second pitch – no slides allowed! – to a judging panel of investors and entrepreneurs, who will follow up with questions. You’ll be rated on the following criteria:

  • Idea
  • Proof of traction
  • Team
  • The pitch itself


At the end of each regional event we share the judges’ feedback, add the scores to our leaderboard and crown a regional winner. You’ll also want to keep an eye on our social media, as we’ll announce a People’s Choice winner chosen by members of the audience for each region the next day.

After the regionals have been wrapped up, the top 12 startups take to the floor in London for The Pitch Final, where they’ll pitch to a panel of industry-leading investors one last time.

When the pitching is done and the votes are in, one founder will be crowned champion, taking home the coveted 2026 trophy and a prize package filled with founder perks.

Then it’s time to grab a drink, network and celebrate!

Woman holding a microphone pitching to interested audience member

What are we looking for?

We’re looking for bold, innovative ideas shared clearly, concisely and confidently – both in person and on paper.

Here’s what we think makes a winning submission:

Share your ambition

We want to know what happens when you win big. What’s the next big thing waiting to happen – and how can winning The Pitch help you get there?

Spare no detail

It’s the little things that count. Share the values that drive your mission, the shape of your daily operations and the nuances that make your startup stand out.

Celebrate your success

There’s no such thing as showing off too much here. Whether it’s a small grant received or a major competition you’ve won, we want to hear about it.

Stay relevant

No matter how outstanding your application is, we cannot invite you to pitch if you:

  • Are not a UK or Irish startup
  • Have more than 250 full-time employees
  • Have been trading for more than 7 years
Pitching

Why should you apply?

Connect with investors

As the UK’s #1 closer of funding rounds with over £2B raised on our platform, SeedLegals x The Pitch gets your startup in front of hundreds of active investors searching for their next success story.

We offer expert mentoring and coaching sessions to help sharpen your pitch, boost your confidence and set you up for success on the big day.

With 60,000+ founders and investors in our network, The Pitch contenders can share their stories and showcase their startups to a wide audience of seasoned industry experts.

Read our FAQs

Any questions? Our FAQs can help, but if you can’t find what you’re looking for, drop us a line at hello@thepitch.uk.

Testimonials

What our community members think…