This is a fantastic opportunity for female founders, non-binary founders, and entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities to shine. Pitch live to investors and an expert judging panel committed to championing diversity and inclusion in entrepreneurship, plus a room full of people who have built, backed and funded great businesses.

Two winners will walk away with a package of scaleup support, including strategic coaching sessions worth £3,000. All founders who apply will receive a free Pitch Prep Pack courtesy of SmplCo, to help you prepare.

Scale London will be at the Business Design Centre from 22–23 April 2026. For further information about the Expo and Summit and to apply to pitch to investors go to https://www.scale-london.com/scale-expo/pitch-to-investors-at-scale.

Day 1 of SCALE EXPO puts female founders in the spotlight, with a judging panel headed by former small business commissioner, Liz Barclay. As part of the Women Who Scale initiative, this pitch will focus on women-led businesses, female founders and non-binary entrepreneurs. Fellow judges include:

  • Xavier Ballester, Director of Brokerage at Angel Investment Network
  • Ayesha Ofori, founder of the women’s investment platform Propelle
  • Andrew B Morris, serial investor and Chair of SCALE Ventures
  • Sapna Shah, Venture Partner and syndicate lead at Sie Ventures

On Day 2 of SCALE EXPO, founders from underrepresented communities will be given the chance to impress a panel of judges led by Dwain Reid, a business growth coach and former government adviser who leads the Cap Table Pitch Competition for Forbes Family Group.

Dwain Reid will be joined by fellow judges:

  • Founder and investor Warren Johnson, founder of W Communications
  • Ryan Panchoo, founder of the doughnut brand Borough 22
  • Reshma Sheikh, Managing Director at Minority Supplier Development UK (MSDUK)
  • Xavier Ballester, Director of Brokerage at Angel Investment Network