Join London's Founder Pitch Challenge 2026 at Tide HQ - pitch your startup, meet investors & compete for a share of £5,000 in prize money.

Founder Pitch Challenge 2026 by GMax Card and Tide takes place live at Tide HQ in London. Ten shortlisted founders will pitch to compete for a share of £5,000 in prize money, judged by an expert panel of venture capital representatives and experienced business leaders. Founders, entrepreneurs, investors and startup professionals come together for an evening of pitches, networking and startup inspiration.

Whether you're pitching or just attending to meet people and build connections, this is a chance to be part of London's growing startup community.

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.

Apply for the Pitch Challenge here (https://tide-gmax.3edit.net/)

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 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 (https://www.gmaxcard.com) and networking tools for founders, professionals and growing businesses.

Getshop Today - A UK-based eCommerce platform (https://www.getshop.today) helping entrepreneurs launch and grow independent online businesses.

Tide - The digital-first business banking platform (https://www.tide.co/partners-business-account/?ref=GMAXF2F) built for startups, founders and SMEs.

DRESS CODE

Smart casual is recommended.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Photography and video will be captured by Cine Eye Audiovisual Production Studio (https://www.cineeye.co.uk) 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.

Please note: Buying an Eventbrite ticket does not enter you into the pitch competition. Founders who want to pitch must apply through the official Founder Pitch Challenge application page (https://tide-gmax.3edit.net/).

Spaces are limited, so early registration is recommended.

Description supplied by the event organiser.