Rising Stars

Rising Stars – the ultimate pitch competition designed for innovative early-stage tech startups

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.

Who is Rising Stars for?

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

• Incorporated between 1 and 3 years
• 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

How it works

Early-stage tech start ups from all over the UK will submit their virtual pitch via TikTok (@tech.nation.uk), alongside a questionnaire to understand more about their business and why they should be titled a Rising Star. More details on how to apply, plus information on applying without a TikTok account will be released soon. 

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 the 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.

What’s in it for your startup?

• 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 main stage at London Tech Week – a global celebration of tech, uniting the most innovative thinkers and tech talent

Dates

Rising Stars is now closed for applications but you can pre-register your interest for Rising Stars 2025.