London set to host largest-ever demo day for startups

Two of London’s biggest startup events teams are preparing what is set to be the city’s largest-ever demo day, bringing founders and investors together like never before.

The one-day event will feature over 100 aspiring startup founders pitching a large audience of investors in a Dragons’ Den-style format. 

Rare Founders and Founders Live London have teamed up to initiate a platform, where young business leaders can present their company in a 1-minute pitch, followed by 3 minutes’ Q&A. What truly distinguishes the event is its origin: it is crafted by founders, for founders. This unique perspective ensures an authentic and practical approach, tailored to the real needs and aspirations of early-stage entrepreneurs. The organizers, themselves seasoned in the startup ecosystem, are leveraging their firsthand experience to forge an event that resonates deeply with both founders and investors.

"This is more than just a demo day; it's a founder-focused revolution," says Vasily Alekseenko, founder of Rare Founders and host of The London Startup Scene. "We're breaking the mould of traditional, limited-access demo days by creating a dynamic, inclusive platform that amplifies the voices of emerging entrepreneurs."

While some demo days are more publicly available through online streaming, the team seeks to shift the focus to in-person engagement, an aspect that many young entrepreneurs feel promises better chances of success. There will be multiple stages for presentations, interesting talks and opportunities for investor pitches.

Seven Jacobs, host of Founders Live London, adds, "As entrepreneurs, we understand the challenges and opportunities of this ecosystem. We're not just hosting an event; we're building a movement to unite and empower the startup community."

Recent data from Companies House revealed that 2023 has been a record year for the UK startup community, with 101 new businesses being registered per hour, making the upcoming demo day a highly timely opportunity for emerging leaders to stand out.

Startup founders and investors in and around London are invited to join in on what is set to be London's most impactful demo day to date.  The event will take place in March 2024, further details to follow soon.