Rising Stars

The UK’s largest prize pitch competition for B2B startups with £3 million worth of investment up for grabs!

Rising Stars returned in 2025 with £3 million up for grabs regionally and nationally for the UK’s most innovative early-stage startups

Brought to you by: Founders Forum Group and OnetoWin 

In Partnership With

Introducing Tech Nation’s Rising Stars of 2025: The UK’s Most Promising Early Stage Tech Startups.

From cutting-edge AI to pioneering climate tech startups, each UK region is home to flourishing tech ecosystems with their own distinct strengths. With Rising Stars entering its sixth year, we’ve partnered with OnetoWin to collaborate on the UK’s largest prize pitch competition for B2B startups, with £3 million worth of investment up for grabs.

Tech Nation’s Rising Stars are products of the vibrant regional innovation ecosystems that collectively strengthen the UK’s global edge. These are the next generation of tech leaders who will help define our digital economy for years to come.

2025 Grand Finalists

What’s in it for your startup?

💸 Game-changing Investment

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.

🌟 Unparalleled Exposure

Showcase your innovation on a local, regional, and national scale, whilst boosting your brand and attracting potential customers, partners, and investors.

🙏 Tailored Support

Refine your business strategy and pitch capabilities with insights from experienced investors and industry experts.

📅 Networking with Influential Stakeholders

Build connections that lead to potential funding, strategic partnerships, and a supportive network.

🌎 Global Recognition

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.

Join some of the world’s most successful tech entrepreneurs as one of Founders Forum Group’s Rising Stars

How it worked

In 2025, we expanded the prize to include two tracks for startups across various stages:

1️⃣ Emerging Stars:

Pre-seed or seed-stage startups competed for one of six opportunities to win the haatch regional Prizes of £335,000 in investment and the chance to showcase their business at London tech Week.

2️⃣ OnetoWin Rising Stars:

Pre-Series A to Series A startups competed to qualify for a place in the Grand Final at London Tech Week with the opportunity to win £1,000,000 in investment.

Supported by our ecosystem partners