SXSW LONDON VENTURE SPOTLIGHT

A chance for you to get on stage at SXSW London and showcase your company to the world.

Venture Spotlight Deadlines

  • Submissions Open

    Friday 7th March, 00:00am GMT

  • Submissions Close

    Wednesday 16th April, 23:59pm GMT

  • Applicant Notified

    Monday 5th May

  • Due Diligence Documentation (semi-finalists only)

    Thursday 15th May 23:59pm GMT

  • Final Pitch Deck Submission (semi-finalists only)

    Friday 30th May 11:59PM (GMT)

WHY SHOULD YOU APPLY TO VENTURE SPOTLIGHT?

SXSW London

Media Exposure & Raise Your Profile

SXSW London

The audience as SXSW London has a diverse set of delegates ranging from deep tech specialists to experts in screen and music. Consequently, you will raise awareness for your company outside of traditional tech conference media and investors.

SXSW London

Networking with Investors

SXSW London

The SXSW London audience will include venture capital funds, angel investors, incubator and accelerator programmes alongside other founders-turned investors. Investors at SXSW look to the London Venture Spotlight to find the most interesting startups in Europe.

SXSW London

Workshops & Peer Networking

SXSW London

Time away from your desk is time away from your business. We want SXSW Venture Spotlight to be productive even if you don't win the prize, therefore, we will be host two workshops for semi-finalists focused on operational processes including building bespoke onboarding process for your business or developing a template for human policy.

SXSW LONDON VENTURE SPOTLIGHT 2025

Venture Spotlight Competition offers early stage startups the chance to present a three-minute pitch on the SXSW London stage to angels, investors and media​, alongside receiving prizes and bespoke support. Applicants will also get their pitch reviewed by 12 leading European voices working in relevant sectors.

Eligibility Criteria includes:

  • a founder being affiliated with a University i.e. a current student, faculty or an alumni

  • raised at least £350,000 or equivalent in equity based funding

  • founded in 2020 or later

  • businesses in lifescience, biotech, deeptech or creative tech (more details below)

  • pass KYC and Anti-Money Laundering checks

For more details please see our Competition Terms and Conditions.

LIFE SCIENCE / BIOTECH

Companies that use biology to develop new products, methods and organisms intended to improve human health and society (including the environment). For example, developing methodologies to manipulate the genetic structures and biomolecular processes of living organisms e.g. CAR-T therapy. This sector can include sectors like genetic engineering, life science, nanotechnology, informatics and molecular biology.

DEEP TECHNOLOGY

Companies developing advanced technologies based on some form of substantial scientific or engineering innovation. The innovations explore advanced solutions to complex challenges or issues e.g. robotics, nanotechnology, genomics and clean energy initiatives.

CREATIVE TECH

Companies operating at the convergence of computer science, creativity, and new media. The use of technology to create new and innovative products, services, and experiences. It encompasses a wide range of fields, including design, engineering, computer science, and the arts. With the rapid advancement of technology, creative technology has become an essential tool for businesses and organisations across industries to stay competitive and meet the changing needs of consumers.

SXSW LONDON VENTURE SPOTLIGHT PRIZES

SXSW London

First Prize

SXSW London

£100,000 Cash Prize in the form of a SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) or ASA (Advanced Subscription Agreement). Tickets to SXSW 2026 in Austin as well as the opportunity to speak on stage with finalists of SXSW Pitch in 2026 alongside the winner of SXSW Sydney Pitch. Details on the SAFE/ASA agreement will be shared with semi-finalists once they have been selected.

SXSW London

Second Prize

SXSW London

£50,000 Cash Prize in the form of a SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) or ASA (Advanced Subscription Agreement), depending on the jurisdiction of your company. Details on the SAFE or ASA agreement will be shared with semi-finalists once they have been selected.

SXSW London

Third Prize

SXSW London

£25,000 Cash Prize in the form of a SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) or ASA (Advanced Subscription Agreement), depending on the jurisdiction of your company. Details on the SAFE or ASA agreement will be shared with semi-finalists once they have been selected.

ON-SITE WORKSHOP FOR SEMI-FINALISTS

As a semi-finalist, you will get exclusive access to our on-site workshop:

"When Good Talent Leaves - Build a Culture That Keeps Your Best People."

The workshop will cover:

  • How to turn leadership talk into daily, visible actions your team can feel

  • A personal User Guide you can use with your current team, and every new hire

  • A lightweight process to build a culture of honesty and accountability from Day One 

Moderated by two Evolution Partners: Sarah Thorpe Scott and Shaun Arora

READY TO APPLY?

Please read our SXSW London Venture Spotlight Competition FAQs for tips on your submission and the Terms & Conditions

Submissions for SXSW London Venture Spotlight Competition 2025 are open from 7th March 2025 at 00:00 and will close on Sunday 6th April at 23:59. Successful applicants will be notified on 30th April 2025.

Have a question? Please email us at startups@sxswlondon.com.

DUE DILIGENCE REQUIREMENTS FOR SEMI FINALISTS

Venture Spotlight FAQs