Rising Stars – Tech Nation's pitch competition designed for innovative early-stage tech startups is back…

Published on February 14, 2024

This exciting event provides a valuable platform for tech startups to showcase their innovations locally, regionally, and nationally. Such exposure will substantially enhance their brand visibility and attract potential customers, partners, and investors.

Finalists will get the opportunity to showcase their businesses on the formidable London Tech Week (LTW) stage, PLUS gain access to numerous prizes set to propel their businesses forward.

How it works 

Early-stage tech start ups from all over the UK will submit their virtual pitch via Instagram (@technationhq), alongside a questionnaire to understand more about their business and why they should be titled a Rising Star. Watch this space for more details on how to apply, plus information on applying without an Instagram account. 

The judging panel, which will include some of the most influential entrepreneurs and investors, will select finalists to pitch in person at one of the six regional locations home to leading start ups: Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, North England, Midlands, South England.

Grand finalists will be selected to pitch at the prestigious London Tech Week on 10 June 2024.

The prizes

  • 30-minute branding session from Founders Makers to help build out your businesses brand proposition 
  • 3-hours worth of therapy sessions with professionals experienced in working alongside Founders and high performers
  • Exposure to Tech Nation, Founders Forum, and London Tech Week’s social channels with a +360K reach
  • An opportunity to be invited to attend Founders Forum Global, a gathering of the over 400 trailblazing founders and 130 world-class VCs representing $1.5trillion AUM
PLUS
  • Become a VenturePath member and gain access to quarterly growth diagnostics and proven strategies to expedite your growth; 100+ hours of on-demand leadership learning content and in-person events; a community of fellow funded founders, exited entrepreneurs and £6bn+ associated VCs; and 2 complimentary tickets worth £500 to the VenturePath annual celebration of success

Eligibility

We want to showcase the brightest and best that UK tech has to offer but applicants must meet a few simple criteria, including:

  • Headquartered in the UK
  • A digital tech business with a product or service to sell
  • At Seed to pre-Series A funding stage.  If the company is bootstrapped, maximum annual revenues are below £1.5 million
  • Able to demonstrate market traction
  • At least one active client or pilot
  • Ambition to scale
  • Able to commit to Rising Stars dates

Rising Stars will open for applications 19 February 2024 and be open until 18 March 2024. Pre-register now by clicking here: Rising Stars | Tech Nation

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