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FAQ
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If my business is pre-revenue can I still apply?Yes a tech startup that is early stage can still enter as long as you submit a pitchdeck and a business plan.
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What are the opening / closing dates?The 25/26 competition will open for entries on 28 April and close on 30 September 2025.
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How do you treat Intellectual property?Any intellectual property included in submissions belongs to the respective applicants.
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What do I need to include with my submission?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.
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Are you limiting entries to first-time entrepreneurs?No, you can enter the Future of Capitalism Competition regardless of your experience.
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What types of tech are you interested in?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.
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Can I edit my entry once I have submitted it?Yes the competition entry platform enables you to edit your entry up until the closing date.
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Is this a global competition?Yes this is open to startups based anywhere in the world however the entry and pitch process will all be in English.
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Can I request a Non-disclosure Agreement (NDA)?Can I request a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) before submitting my entry? Yes - please email competition@leolion.co
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Does my startup need to be incorporated before submitting an entry?No you don't need to be incorporated although you will be competing against startups that are.
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How much equity will be taken?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.
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What form will the funding take?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.
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How much investment is available?There is up to $1m (USD) investment on offer. Please note -this may be split between startups depending on investment required.
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Do you offer financial support to attend the pitchday?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.
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Where is the pitchday?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.
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If shortlisted how many presenters can pitch per startup?Up to two presenters are invited to pitch for each shortlisted startup.
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Who are the judges for the 2026 Pitchday?Judge details are yet to be announced.
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When is the competition pitchday?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.
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🌏 Global RecognitionPitch to a global panel of judges and network with investors, founders and business specialists at the pitchday events.
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💵 Up to $1m USD InvestmentThis 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.
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🚀 Exceptional ExposureBoost your brand with the opportunity to showcase your tech business - helping to attract customers, partners and investors.
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✅ Easy to EnterWe'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.
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⭐️ Tailored SupportFinalists will be able to refine business strategy and pitch capabilities with insights from experienced investors and industry experts.
ENTRY FAQS
When will the competition open?
The 25/26 competition will open for entries on 28 April 2025.
What types of tech startups can enter?
The competition is on the lookout for Tech that can transform how businesses operate - from customer experience, admin/management systems, financial processes, logistics, marketing or anything else.
Is this a global competition?
Yes this is open to startups based anywhere in the world however the entry and pitch process will all be in English.
Does my startup need to be incorporated before submitting an entry?
No you don't need to be incorporated although you will be competing against startups that are.
If my business is pre-revenue can I still apply?
Yes you can still enter.
Are you limiting entries to first-time entrepreneurs?
No, you can enter regardless of your experience.
How can I enter the competition?
All you need is a pitchdeck and a business plan to enter.
Is this a global competition?
Yes this is open to startups based anywhere in the world however the entry and pitch process will all be in English.
Does my startup need to be incorporated before submitting an entry?
No you don't need to be incorporated although you will be competing against startups that are.
If my business is pre-revenue can I still apply?
Yes you can still enter.
Are you limiting entries to first-time entrepreneurs?
No, you can enter regardless of your experience.
When can I submit my application?
Applications can be submitted at any time up until the closing date which is the 30 September 2024 for the 24/25 competition.
Can I edit my entry once I have submitted it?
Yes the platform should enable you to edit your entry up until the closing date.
How do you treat Intellectual property?
Any intellectual property included in submissions belongs to the respective applicants.
Can I request aNon-disclosure Agreement (NDA)?
Can I request a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) before submitting my entry?
Yes - please email competition@leolion.co
PITCHDAY FAQS
When is the pitchday?
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 pre-pitchday briefing.
Where is the pitchday?
The pitchday event and evening reception will take place on Level 17 of The Shard building which is in London, UK.
Can you offer financial support to attend the pitchday?
Yes, any shortlisted startups that require financial assistance to attend the pitchday, which is in London, UK, can apply for our travel fund and will be assessed on an individual basis.
If shortlisted how many presenters can pitch per startup?
Up to two presenters are invited to pitch for each shortlisted startup.
Who are the judges for the 25/26 Pitchday?
Judge details are yet to be announced.
INVESTMENT FAQS
What investment is available?
There is up to $1m (USD) investment on offer. Please note -this may be split between startups depending on investment required.
What form will the funding take?
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.
How much equity will be taken?
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.
Key Dates
Applications Open
April 28 2025
Applications Close
September 26 2025
Pitch Day
February 2/3 2026