About this Event
Founder Pitch Challenge 2026, co-hosted by Getshop Today and Tide in partnership with GMax Card, takes place live at Tide HQ in London on 16 November 2026. 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.
Entrepreneurs, eCommerce founders, online business owners, investors and startup professionals come together for an evening of live pitches, networking and business 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 community of founders and online businesses.
WHY ATTEND
✅ Watch 10 shortlisted founders pitch live
✅ Meet eCommerce founders, DTC brand owners, online merchants, investors and startup founders and professionals
✅ Compete for a share of the £5,000 prize fund (shortlisted pitching founders only)
✅ Learn from live pitches and expert judging
✅ Build valuable connections with partners, customers and fellow entrepreneurs
✅ Celebrate the winning founders at the awards presentation
WHO ATTENDS
- eCommerce entrepreneurs and online business owners
- DTC, retail and consumer brand founders
- Startup founders and business owners across all industries
- AI, SaaS, FinTech and technology founders
- Investors and venture capital representatives
- Angel investors and advisors
- Digital growth, marketing and startup operations professionals
WANT TO PITCH?
Have a business that deserves a place on stage?
Applications are now open for founders who want to compete in the Founder Pitch Challenge 2026. Founders from all industries are welcome, including eCommerce, technology, consumer products and services.
- Apply for the Pitch Challenge here
- Ten founders will be shortlisted to pitch live at Tide HQ on 16 November 2026.
Applications close 31 October 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, online business owners and startup professionals
Whether you’re looking for partnerships, customers, growth ideas 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
Getshop Today – A UK-based eCommerce platform helping entrepreneurs launch and grow independent online businesses.
Tide – The digital-first business banking platform built for startups, founders and SMEs.
GMax Card – Digital business cards and networking tools for founders, professionals and growing businesses.
DRESS CODE
Smart casual is recommended.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
- Photography and video will be captured by Cine Eye Audiovisual Production Studio 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.
Spaces are limited, so early registration is recommended.
Event venue & nearby stays
Tide Banking Platform, 66 City Road, London, United Kingdom
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