London's Founder Pitch Challenge 2026 is coming to Tide HQ — pitch your startup, meet investors, and compete for a share of a £5,000 prize fund. T&Cs apply.

Ready to pitch? Apply for the Pitch Challenge today.

Co-hosted by GMax Card and Tide, this event lands on 14 October at Tide HQ, London. Ten shortlisted founders will take the stage to pitch live in front of an expert panel of VCs and seasoned business leaders, all competing for a share of the £5,000 prize pot (T&Cs apply).

Pitching or just attending - either way, you'll get to meet founders, investors and entrepreneurs, spot promising new startups, and grow 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. T&Cs apply)

✅ Learn from live pitches and expert judging

✅ Build valuable business connections

✅ Celebrate the winning founders at the awards presentation

EVENT FORMAT

-Live pitches from 10 shortlisted founders
-Judging panel of VC 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 chasing funding, partnerships, customers, or just some inspiration, you'll spend the evening among people building genuinely interesting businesses.

Please note: this is a pitch competition for prize money, not an investment pitch - attending or pitching doesn't guarantee funding or investment.

WANT TO PITCH?

Think your business deserves a spot on stage? Applications are now open for the Founder Pitch Challenge 2026.

Apply for the Pitch Challenge here

Ten founders will be shortlisted to pitch live at Tide HQ on 14 October 2026.

Applications close 30 September 2026. Opening a Tide business account and submitting an application doesn't 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

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

VENUE

Tide HQ, London (Business Banking Platform)

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

DRESS CODE

Business/smart casual recommended.

TICKETS & PITCH APPLICATIONS

-Registering for the event does not enter you into the Founder Pitch Challenge - founders wishing to pitch must apply via the official application page.

ORGANISERS

GMax Card - digital business cards and networking tools for founders, professionals and growing businesses.

Getshop Today - a UK-based eCommerce platform/agency helping entrepreneurs launch and grow independent online businesses.

Tide - the digital-first business banking platform built for startups, founders and SMEs.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

-Photography and video will be captured by Cine Eye Audiovisual Production Studio for promotional purposes. You'll be asked to sign a short media release form at the event - if you'd rather not be photographed or filmed, please reconsider if this event is the right fit for you.
-Age requirement: 18+ only. Proof of ID may be requested.
-Refund policy: refunds available up to 48 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 - early registration is recommended.