Founder Pitch Challenge 2026, London | Tide HQ - Compete for a Share of £5k

Join London's Founder Pitch Challenge 2026 at Tide HQ - pitch your startup, meet investors, and compete for a share of the £5,000 prize fund. T&Cs apply.

Founder? Apply for the Pitch Challenge today.

Hosted by GMax Card and Tide, the event takes place on 16 November at Tide HQ, London.

Ten shortlisted founders will pitch live to an expert panel of venture capital investors and experienced business leaders for a share of the £5,000 prize fund.

Whether you're pitching or attending, connect with founders, investors, and entrepreneurs, discover promising startups, and expand your network.

WHY ATTEND
✅ Watch 10 shortlisted founders pitch live
✅ Meet founders, entrepreneurs, investors and startup professionals
✅ Compete for a share of the £5,000 prize fund (shortlisted pitching founders only)
✅ Learn from live pitches and expert judging
✅ Build valuable business connections
✅ Celebrate the winning founders at the awards presentation

WHO ATTENDS

Startup founders and business owners across all industries
AI, SaaS, FinTech and technology founders
eCommerce and digital business founders
Investors and venture capital representatives
Angel investors and advisors
Startup operators and growth professionals

WANT TO PITCH?
Think your business deserves a place on stage?
Applications are now open for founders who want to compete in the Founder Pitch Challenge 2026.

1. Apply for the Pitch Challenge here
2. Ten founders will be shortlisted to pitch live at Tide HQ on 16 November 2026.

Applications close 31 October 2026.

Opening a Tide business account and submitting an application does not guarantee shortlisting or a place on stage. Eligibility is subject to the official campaign Terms and Conditions.

THE PRIZES
🥇 1st Place – £2,500
🥈 2nd Place – £1,500
🥉 3rd Place – £1,000
Total Prize Fund: £5,000

EVENT FORMAT

Live pitches from 10 shortlisted founders
Expert judging panel of venture capital representatives and experienced business leaders
Founder networking before and after the competition
Prize presentation
Informal networking with entrepreneurs, founders and startup professionals

Whether you're looking for funding, partnerships, customers or just some inspiration, you'll spend the evening surrounded by people building interesting businesses.
Please note: this is a pitch competition for prize money, not an investment pitch - attendance and pitching do not guarantee funding or investment.

VENUE
Tide HQ, London
Hosted inside Tide's modern London headquarters, home to a community of startups, founders and growing businesses.

ORGANISERS
GMax Card - Digital business cards and networking tools for founders, professionals and growing businesses.
Getshop Today - A UK-based eCommerce platform helping entrepreneurs launch and grow independent online businesses.
Tide - The digital-first business banking platform built for startups, founders and SMEs.

DRESS CODE
Business/Smart casual is recommended.

Tickets, Digital Business Cards & Pitch Applications

Registering on Meetup does not enter you into the Founder Pitch Challenge. Founders wishing to pitch must apply via the official Founder Pitch Challenge application page.
Free promotional tickets include event admission only.
Selected paid tickets include a Premium Contactless Digital Business Card by GMax Card.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Photography and video will be captured by Cine Eye Audiovisual Production Studio for promotional purposes. You will be asked to sign a short media release form at the event. If you'd prefer not to be photographed or filmed, please let the organisers know on arrival.
Age Requirement: 18+ only. Proof of ID may be requested.
Refund Policy: Refunds are available up to 24 hours before the event. Platform fees are non-refundable where applicable.
Attendance is at your own risk. Organisers are not liable for any loss, injury or damage.

Spaces are limited, so early registration is recommended.