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The UK’s largest prize pitch competition for B2B startups with £3 million worth of investment up for grabs!
This year, the Tech Nation Rising Stars programme is merging with the OnetoWin competition, to re-launch the ultimate pitch competition for innovative early-stage tech startups with £3,000,000 on offer across the regional and national levels.
This exciting competition offers early-stage tech startups an invaluable platform to pitch their innovations at the regional and national levels, boosting visibility and attracting customers, partners, and investors.
Grand Finalists will have the chance to showcase their businesses on the prestigious London Tech Week stage, competing for the opportunity to win £1,000,000 in investment and a range of ‘money-can’t-buy’ opportunities designed to propel their business forward.
This year, we’re expanding the prize to include two tracks for startups across various stages:
1️⃣ Emerging Stars:
Pre-seed or seed-stage startups competing for the opportunity to win the Haatch Regional Prize of £335,000 in investment and the chance to showcase their businesses at London Tech Week.
2️⃣ OnetoWin Rising Stars:
Pre-Series A to Series A startups competing to qualify for a place in the Grand Final at London Tech Week with the opportunity to win £1,000,000 in investment.
Join some of the world’s most successful tech entrepreneurs as one of Founders Forum Group’s Rising Stars
Compete for the chance to win £335,000 at the regional level and £1,000,000 at the national level. Subject to diligence and binding agreements.
Showcase your innovation on a local, regional, and national scale, whilst boosting your brand and attracting potential customers, partners, and investors.
Refine your business strategy and pitch capabilities with insights from experienced investors and industry experts.
Build connections that lead to potential funding, strategic partnerships, and a supportive network.
Finalists will pitch to over 1000 attendees on the Founders stage at London Tech Week – a global celebration of tech, uniting the most innovative thinkers and tech talent.
Founder, Beauty Pie
Co-Chief Executive Officer, Rigby Group
Director, Direct Investments, Wealth Club
Co-Founder & General Partner, Haatch
Emerging Stars track:
✨ Headquartered in the UK
✨ Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) eligible with £250,000 allocation available
✨ B2B or B2B2C
✨ Technology / digital sector
OnetoWin track:
🌟 UK-operating businesses that are incorporated in other jurisdictions
🌟 Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) eligible with £1,000,000 allocation available
🌟 B2B or B2B2C
🌟 Technology / digital sector
🌟 Minimum of £200,000 in annual recurring revenue
📱 Your startup’s journey isn’t just about the pitch – it’s about rallying your community, sparking conversations, and leaving a lasting impression.
🎥 As part of your application to Rising Stars, you will need to submit a 2-minute video pitch. This pitch will not only help us assess your startup but also determine your eligibility for the People’s Choice Award, where the tech community votes for their favorite Rising Star to fast-track to the finals. This is your chance to demonstrate the power of your startup’s community and claim a distinctive spot in Rising Stars history.
♥️ The more buzz, likes, shares, and comments your pitch receives, the stronger your candidacy for the People’s Choice Award. The winner will be chosen based on a combination of the quality of their virtual pitch and the impact generated on social media.
21st January, 2025
2nd March, 2025
27th March, 2025
14th April → 9th May, 2025
15th May, 2025
19th May → May 25th, 2025
27th May, 202
9th June, 2025
“Being a Rising Stars Finalist gave us a massive stamp of credibility – both externally for investors and internally for the team.” Deirdre McGettrick Founder & CEO, uFurnish
“Being a Rising Stars Finalist gave us a massive stamp of credibility – both externally for investors and internally for the team.”
Founder & CEO, uFurnish
“Someone we met at London Tech Week through our Rising Stars stand ended up being one of our bigger private investors… So we are very very thankful having had that opportunity!” Nicola Jones Powdr
“Someone we met at London Tech Week through our Rising Stars stand ended up being one of our bigger private investors… So we are very very thankful having had that opportunity!”
Powdr
“We’ve been approached by investors who saw us in the Rising Stars campaign – usually we are the ones chasing them. Incredible!” Jonathan Lloyd Founder, CGHero
“We’ve been approached by investors who saw us in the Rising Stars campaign – usually we are the ones chasing them. Incredible!”
Founder, CGHero
Yes, startups must confirm they are either currently SEIS/EIS registered (SEIS for Emerging Stars, EIS for Rising Stars OneToWin) or are in the process of securing this. Startups must be fully registered by the end of the semi-final judging period on 24th March 2025, giving founders approximately 9 weeks to secure their SEIS/EIS status.
Yes, Rising Stars is open to startups from all regions of the UK.
Yes, in-person attendance is mandatory for shortlisted startups, as these are live events with live judging panels. The Founder should be the one pitching at these events.
The investment is subject to due diligence and a formal agreement. If the terms cannot be mutually agreed upon, both the founder and investors have the option to step away from the arrangement.
The investment terms are designed to be founder friendly terms (based on BVCA market terms as adjusted for the stage of investment). The terms will be negotiated by the Founder and investors directly.
B2B2C companies are eligible if their revenue is primarily generated through B2B transactions or channels.
The time it takes to complete an investment round varies depending on a number of factors including the Founder’s availability to complete due diligence and negotiate the formal agreement as well as if, and how many, other investors are investing at the same time. The target investment completion date will be end of September 2025 for both the Emerging Stars and OneToWin Rising Stars tracks.
The valuation will be determined by the investors, following their standard practices. Investors will subscribe for shares in the company, subject to a successful pitch and investor interest.
No, these terms are a preliminary indication of interest. The investment is subject to successful business, financial, and legal due diligence, as well as the negotiation and execution of mutually agreeable investment documents.
The investors for Emerging Stars track are expected to be Haatch and British Business Investments. The investors for OnetoWin Rising Stars track are expected to be a combination of Haatch, Rigby Group and Wealth Club.
