Tech Startup Competition

Yes a tech startup that is early stage can still enter as long as you submit a pitchdeck and a business plan.

The 25/26 competition will open for entries on 28 April and close on 30 September 2025.

Any intellectual property included in submissions belongs to the respective applicants.

All you need is a pitchdeck and a business plan to enter, along with a short video introducing your startup which you can record as part of the application.

No, you can enter the Future of Capitalism Competition regardless of your experience.

We're especially interested in B2B tech that can transform how businesses operate - from customer experience, admin/management systems, financial processes, logistics, marketing or anything else. However if you have an innovation that has the potential to positively impact the world then please submit an entry.

Yes the competition entry platform enables you to edit your entry up until the closing date.

Yes this is open to startups based anywhere in the world however the entry and pitch process will all be in English.

Can I request a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) before submitting my entry? Yes - please email competition@leolion.co

No you don't need to be incorporated although you will be competing against startups that are.

The amount of equity taken will depend upon a combination of the size of the investment offered and a mutually agreed valuation of the business.

The investment will be offered as equity funding to tech startups. However, it may be possible to offer other types of investment depending on the circumstances. ​ Our default investment position is to take Ordinary Shares in a business, but the size, level, and type of investment we make will depend on our assessment of the underlying risk and size of the opportunity in the business. ​ The level of investment will depend upon factors such as how established the startup is, as well the potential size of opportunity - for example the $1m could perhaps be invested in multiple startups.

There is up to $1m (USD) investment on offer. Please note -this may be split between startups depending on investment required.

Yes, any shortlisted startups that require financial assistance to attend the pitchday, which is in London, UK, can request financial support towards travel and hotel expenses.

The pitchday event and evening reception will take place at Warwick Business School which is on Level 17 of The Shard building London, UK. Support is available towards travel and hotel expenses for up to two people from each startup. ​

Up to two presenters are invited to pitch for each shortlisted startup.

Judge details are yet to be announced.

The pitchday will be at the Shard in London on Tuesday 3 February 2026, finalists will also be required on Monday 2 February for video interviews and a pre-pitchday briefing.

Pitch to a global panel of judges and network with investors, founders and business specialists at the pitchday events.

This is a game-changing opportunity to secure early-stage/seed investment in your tech startup. Whether your focus is on improving productivity or financial processes, enhancing customer experience, fighting fraud, leveraging data insights, streamlining logistics, pioneering sustainability or anything else, this is an opportunity to grow. Up to nine selected finalists will be invited to pitch their business to an expert panel of judges to secure an investment of up to $1m USD. All you need to enter is a pitchdeck and a business plan. ​

Boost your brand with the opportunity to showcase your tech business - helping to attract customers, partners and investors.

We're on the lookout for startups from across the world, with the technology that could transform how businesses operate, and an ambition to improve the world we live in. There is no cost for submitting your application and all you need to enter is a pitchdeck and a business plan. Financial support is available to finalists invited to attend the London pitchday.

Finalists will be able to refine business strategy and pitch capabilities with insights from experienced investors and industry experts.