Apply for The Pitch 2026
Powered by SeedLegals, the UK and Ireland’s largest pitching competition is back and bigger than ever, taking place in Dublin, Glasgow, Manchester, Bristol, Birmingham and London.
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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Boost exposure, build connections
Founders supported by the programme
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Investors and entrepreneurs in our network
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!
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
In order to pitch, you must match the entry criteria:
- a UK or Irish limited company
- Fewer than 250 full time employees
- Trading for fewer 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.
Practise makes perfect
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.
Boost your brand
With 100,000+ 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…
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*
