expand_content Forbes Family Group , in partnership with Corten Capital, Battery, and HSBC Innovation Banking, is once again on the lookout for scalable start-ups led by backable founders.
This is your chance to receive high-impact feedback and support from our network of seasoned entrepreneurs and industry professionals, and pitch for potential investment.
We want to hear from ambitious founders with demonstrable traction, especially those building tech or tech-enabled solutions.
Our network, support, and investment focus is designed for businesses active in the UK.
We encourage applications from founders who are often underestimated, including those from Black, Asian, and other minority backgrounds, women, and individuals from economically disadvantaged communities, as well as others whose potential is too often overlooked.
Start your application now. You can save, edit, and improve it anytime before the deadline.
Please note: While not mandatory, we strongly encourage applicants to upload a short 30-second video introducing their business. It can be recorded on your phone, and we provide simple guidelines to help you get it right. With your permission, we may use this video to clarify your proposition if scores are close, or feature it as part of our Public Vote competition.
This is your chance to receive high-impact feedback and support from our network of seasoned entrepreneurs and industry professionals, and pitch for potential investment.
We want to hear from ambitious founders with demonstrable traction, especially those building tech or tech-enabled solutions.
Our network, support, and investment focus is designed for businesses active in the UK.
We encourage applications from founders who are often underestimated, including those from Black, Asian, and other minority backgrounds, women, and individuals from economically disadvantaged communities, as well as others whose potential is too often overlooked.
Start your application now. You can save, edit, and improve it anytime before the deadline.
Please note: While not mandatory, we strongly encourage applicants to upload a short 30-second video introducing their business. It can be recorded on your phone, and we provide simple guidelines to help you get it right. With your permission, we may use this video to clarify your proposition if scores are close, or feature it as part of our Public Vote competition.
Timeline and Events
The Cap Table Pitch Competition Timeline
Sun 27 April: Applications open. You can save and return to your application at any time, so we highly recommend starting early.
Wed 7 May, 7:00 PM (Online): Info Session
Find out what makes a winning application, hear tips from past winners, and get your questions answered.
Book your place at the Information Session here.
Sun 11 May: Application Deadline
Make sure your final application is submitted by 11:59 PM.
Thu 15 May: Investment Readiness Event (London)
All applicants are invited to apply for exclusive training hosted by HSBC Innovation Banking. Get practical advice on how to build a scalable and investible business.
Register your interest in the Investment Readiness Event here.
Wed 21 May – Sun 25 May: Public Vote
We're handing the power to the public! A shortlist of standout applicants will go head-to-head in a knockout-style vote via our Instagram stories. The winner will earn a place in the Grand Final, so get ready to rally your community!
w/c 27 May: Strategic Advisory Sessions
Finalists will receive Finalists will receive tailored strategic advice from senior professionals at Corten Capital to strengthen their pitch and business strategy ahead of the finals.
Thu 19 Jun: Semi-Finals (Online)
Semi-finalists will pitch to a panel of expert judges for a place in the Grand Final.
Tue 1 July – Grand Final (London)
Finalists will pitch to a panel of judges for a chance to secure up to £20,000 in investment.
Sun 27 April: Applications open. You can save and return to your application at any time, so we highly recommend starting early.
Wed 7 May, 7:00 PM (Online): Info Session
Find out what makes a winning application, hear tips from past winners, and get your questions answered.
Book your place at the Information Session here.
Sun 11 May: Application Deadline
Make sure your final application is submitted by 11:59 PM.
Thu 15 May: Investment Readiness Event (London)
All applicants are invited to apply for exclusive training hosted by HSBC Innovation Banking. Get practical advice on how to build a scalable and investible business.
Register your interest in the Investment Readiness Event here.
Wed 21 May – Sun 25 May: Public Vote
We're handing the power to the public! A shortlist of standout applicants will go head-to-head in a knockout-style vote via our Instagram stories. The winner will earn a place in the Grand Final, so get ready to rally your community!
w/c 27 May: Strategic Advisory Sessions
Finalists will receive Finalists will receive tailored strategic advice from senior professionals at Corten Capital to strengthen their pitch and business strategy ahead of the finals.
Thu 19 Jun: Semi-Finals (Online)
Semi-finalists will pitch to a panel of expert judges for a place in the Grand Final.
Tue 1 July – Grand Final (London)
Finalists will pitch to a panel of judges for a chance to secure up to £20,000 in investment.
Eligibility
To be eligible, your business should:
Be disruptive and innovative, with strong potential to scale
Be preparing to go to market or in the early stages of trading
Have a team of two or more (solo founders may still apply if supported by advisors, board members, or full/part-time staff)
Have a minimum viable product (MVP)
Include at least one founder who identifies as underrepresented in entrepreneurship or investment communities
Be operating in the UK, or planning to, and be willing to register in the UK if selected for funding
If you meet these criteria, start your application today.
Be disruptive and innovative, with strong potential to scale
Be preparing to go to market or in the early stages of trading
Have a team of two or more (solo founders may still apply if supported by advisors, board members, or full/part-time staff)
Have a minimum viable product (MVP)
Include at least one founder who identifies as underrepresented in entrepreneurship or investment communities
Be operating in the UK, or planning to, and be willing to register in the UK if selected for funding
If you meet these criteria, start your application today.
