About Rising Stars
Rising Stars is the UK’s leading national pitch competition for early-stage B2B and B2B2C startups. We identify and celebrate the brightest entrepreneurial talent across the UK, showcasing pre-seed to pre-Series A companies from a diverse range of sectors, including AI, agritech, healthtech, medtech, edtech, fintech, and more. Rising Stars is designed to help startups gain national exposure, build meaningful connections, and access tailored support to accelerate growth.
This year, Rising Stars introduces two tailored tracks to support startups at different growth stages: Emerging Stars for pre-seed and seed startups (SEIS-eligible) and OneToWin Rising Stars for scaling startups (EIS-eligible). Both tracks celebrate innovation and provide tailored support to help startups grow and succeed.
Why Apply?
- Exposure: Compete for the chance to pitch in front of top investors, corporate leaders, and industry experts at London Tech Week, the UK's flagship tech event.
- Mentorship & Support: Access expert advice and resources, including tailored mentorship, pitch training, and business development opportunities.
- Visibility: Gain exposure across multiple platforms, including Tech Nation, Founders Forum, and London Tech Week channels with 360,000+ followers.
- For Emerging Stars: Compete for the Haatch Regional Prize Fund of £335,000 and the chance to showcase your innovation at London Tech Week.
- For OneToWin Rising Stars: Compete for a place in the Grand Finale at London Tech Week and the £1M national prize.
Key Dates for Rising Stars 2025
- Applications Open: January 21, 2025 - 9am
- Applications Close: March 2, 2025 - 11.59pm
- Regional Semi-Finals: April - May 2025 (dates for specific locations listed below)
- Grand Finalists Announced: May 15, 2025
- Grand Finale at London Tech Week: June 9, 2025
What’s at Stake?
The competition is intense, and the benefits are immense. The winners will receive:
- For Emerging Stars: £335,000 Haatch Regional Prize Fund (SEIS and BBI cheques) for regional winners, plus an invitation to exhibit at London Tech Week.
- For OneToWin Rising Stars: £1M national prize, and the opportunity to pitch and exhibit at London Tech Week.
- Out-of-home media exposure, tailored brand and go-to-market campaigns, executive hiring support, and more.
- Opportunities for networking with investors, industry leaders, and potential partners; and mentoring with leading investors and entrepreneurs.
Eligibility
- Open to startups in their pre-seed to pre-Series A stage.
- The company is a B2B or B2B2C Tech/Digital Company.
- Must have a UK-based company with a strong growth potential.
- Applications are open to all sectors, but we are particularly excited to receive submissions from innovative startups across emerging sectors like AI, healthtech, fintech, agritech, and more.
- All applicants must be SEIS/EIS eligible or in the process of gaining eligibility, with the expectation of completing this by the regional finals if selected.
Full programme FAQ's available on the Tech Nation website: https://technation.io/programmes/rising-stars/
How to Apply
- Complete the online application form by March 2, 2025.
- Include details about your team, traction, business model, and growth potential.
- Shortlisted applicants will be invited to pitch at the regional heats across the UK.
Regional Finals
- London: April 15, 2025
- Midlands: April 24, 2025
- North: April 30, 2025
- Scotland & NI: May 1, 2025
- East of England: May 6, 2025
- South West & Wales: May 8, 2025
London Tech Week
The Grand Final, Finalist Reception and opportunity to exhibit will be taking place on Monday 9th June 2025.
The Judges
Rising Stars is judged by a panel of industry leaders, investors, and serial entrepreneurs. This is your chance to gain feedback from the best in the business! This year leading our judging panel will be Marica Kilgore, CEO and Founder of Beauty Pie.
Apply Now and Take Your Startup to the Next Level
If you’re an innovative, high-potential startup looking to make your mark, Rising Stars 2025 is the platform you need. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity - apply today!
This application process support the below screen readers:
- JAWS
- NVDA
- VoiceOver
- TalkBack
Should you need any accessibility assistance in completing this application please do reach out to risingstars@technation.io
Rising Stars 2025
About Rising Stars
Rising Stars is the UK’s leading national pitch competition for early-stage B2B and B2B2C startups. We identify and celebrate the brightest entrepreneurial talent across the UK, showcasing pre-seed to pre-Series A companies from a diverse range of sectors, including AI, agritech, healthtech, medtech, edtech, fintech, and more. Rising Stars is designed to help startups gain national exposure, build meaningful connections, and access tailored support to accelerate growth.
This year, Rising Stars introduces two tailored tracks to support startups at different growth stages: Emerging Stars for pre-seed and seed startups (SEIS-eligible) and OneToWin Rising Stars for scaling startups (EIS-eligible). Both tracks celebrate innovation and provide tailored support to help startups grow and succeed.
Why Apply?
- Exposure: Compete for the chance to pitch in front of top investors, corporate leaders, and industry experts at London Tech Week, the UK's flagship tech event.
- Mentorship & Support: Access expert advice and resources, including tailored mentorship, pitch training, and business development opportunities.
- Visibility: Gain exposure across multiple platforms, including Tech Nation, Founders Forum, and London Tech Week channels with 360,000+ followers.
- For Emerging Stars: Compete for the Haatch Regional Prize Fund of £335,000 and the chance to showcase your innovation at London Tech Week.
- For OneToWin Rising Stars: Compete for a place in the Grand Finale at London Tech Week and the £1M national prize.
Key Dates for Rising Stars 2025
- Applications Open: January 21, 2025 - 9am
- Applications Close: March 2, 2025 - 11.59pm
- Regional Semi-Finals: April - May 2025 (dates for specific locations listed below)
- Grand Finalists Announced: May 15, 2025
- Grand Finale at London Tech Week: June 9, 2025
What’s at Stake?
The competition is intense, and the benefits are immense. The winners will receive:
- For Emerging Stars: £335,000 Haatch Regional Prize Fund (SEIS and BBI cheques) for regional winners, plus an invitation to exhibit at London Tech Week.
- For OneToWin Rising Stars: £1M national prize, and the opportunity to pitch and exhibit at London Tech Week.
- Out-of-home media exposure, tailored brand and go-to-market campaigns, executive hiring support, and more.
- Opportunities for networking with investors, industry leaders, and potential partners; and mentoring with leading investors and entrepreneurs.
Eligibility
- Open to startups in their pre-seed to pre-Series A stage.
- The company is a B2B or B2B2C Tech/Digital Company.
- Must have a UK-based company with a strong growth potential.
- Applications are open to all sectors, but we are particularly excited to receive submissions from innovative startups across emerging sectors like AI, healthtech, fintech, agritech, and more.
- All applicants must be SEIS/EIS eligible or in the process of gaining eligibility, with the expectation of completing this by the regional finals if selected.
Full programme FAQ's available on the Tech Nation website: https://technation.io/programmes/rising-stars/
How to Apply
- Complete the online application form by March 2, 2025.
- Include details about your team, traction, business model, and growth potential.
- Shortlisted applicants will be invited to pitch at the regional heats across the UK.
Regional Finals
- London: April 15, 2025
- Midlands: April 24, 2025
- North: April 30, 2025
- Scotland & NI: May 1, 2025
- East of England: May 6, 2025
- South West & Wales: May 8, 2025
London Tech Week
The Grand Final, Finalist Reception and opportunity to exhibit will be taking place on Monday 9th June 2025.
The Judges
Rising Stars is judged by a panel of industry leaders, investors, and serial entrepreneurs. This is your chance to gain feedback from the best in the business! This year leading our judging panel will be Marica Kilgore, CEO and Founder of Beauty Pie.
Apply Now and Take Your Startup to the Next Level
If you’re an innovative, high-potential startup looking to make your mark, Rising Stars 2025 is the platform you need. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity - apply today!
This application process support the below screen readers:
- JAWS
- NVDA
- VoiceOver
- TalkBack
Should you need any accessibility assistance in completing this application please do reach out to risingstars@technation.io