Helping startups change the world: The Pitch returns for 2023
Back for its 15th year, The Pitch is continuing its mission to help entrepreneurs succeed with another year of startup support. Hear all about the applicants we’ve had so far this year, as well as some of the exciting startups we’ve helped over the years.
The Pitch continues to grow year-on-year. In fact, in 2022 we experienced a tenfold increase in video views and reached over a million social impressions, with nearly 6,000 delegates attending our events over the course of the year.
To find out more about growing a startup programme, check out our article on the different ways to market startup programmes for maximum reach.
What applications have we received so far?
Since we launched last week, The Pitch 2023 has received over 100 applications, which is more than double what we received within the same timeframe last year.
After having a quick scan of the applications we’ve received so far, we have already begun to notice a pattern in the type of startups that are joining us. For instance, some common industries we’ve seen include:
Travel: After several years of limited travel following the pandemic, this came with little surprise
Financial wellbeing: Also noted as one of our top startup trends last year, lots of startups are focused on helping people become more financially literate
Sustainability: With consumers increasingly prioritising sustainability, we’re seeing a lot of plastic-free, plant-based and circular-economy based startups
AI technologies: Artificial intelligence (and the concerns surrounding it) has taken the internet by storm in recent years, and we’re now experiencing a rise in AI startups as a consequence
Children’s education: With more children in England being homeschooled than ever before, there’s evidently been an increased demand for educational toys, products and platforms for children
Dietary products: Despite sausage brand Heck recently cutting their vegan range, the appetite for ‘free-from’ products shows no sign of slowing down
Want to learn more about common startup trends? Download our Inkwell Insights report for Q1 2023.
Who’s taken part in The Pitch before?
Every year, we welcome a new wave of fresh entrepreneurs with an abundance of passion and exciting ideas. Because of this, The Pitch Alumni now has an impressive cohort of startups that are innovating the business world.
Here are just a few of the startups we’ve seen thrive following the end of The Pitch programme.
Rowdy Kind
On a mission to make bath time more sustainable, Rowdy Kind won both The Side Hustle Final and The Pitch Final last year.
But it doesn’t stop there: founder Kate Tilbury was also a finalist in many other startup competitions, such as The Great British Entrepreneur Awards and the Global Good Award.
After what must have been a hectic year, Kate officially exited Rowdy Kind after it was successfully acquired by grüum.
Oddbox
Oddbox is fighting food waste by delivering ‘odd’ fruit and vegetables that would otherwise go to waste. They won The Pitch back in 2018 and have continued to prosper ever since.
Following their time with us, Oddbox have now delivered over 5 million boxes and raised £20 million. They now deliver their odd-looking produce to over 70% of the UK.
More recently, they had their very first TV advert and introduced their new service, The Odd Shop.
By Rotation
Letting users rent designer fashion for a fraction of the price, By Rotation was a finalist in The Pitch 2019. From wedding fits to dresses owned by Dame Helen Mirren, By Rotation call themselves ‘the world’s largest shared wardrobe’.
By Rotation have recently expanded their services to the USA, and have launched their new podcast series ‘On Rotation’ in collaboration with Natwest Business Banking.
Mak Tok
Mak Tok founder Will Chew joined The Pitch back in 2017, where he delivered one of the most memorable pitches we’ve seen to-date.
And you don’t need to take our word for it. Following our competition, Will went on to appear on Dragons’ Den and soon secured a £50,000 investment from Dragon Sara Davies.
Now, Mak Tok are producing up to 20,000 jars a day, with their products being found in British supermarkets and across the UAE, Hong Kong and New Zealand.
Hanx
The first male condom designed with women in mind, Hanx also joined us for The Pitch 2017.
Since then, Hanx have expanded their product offering to also include hormonal contraceptives and lubricants. They’ve also received global coverage from the likes of Cosmopolitan, Vogue and Forbes, building a community of over 65,000 in the process.
Their product range has recently expanded over to the USA, where they’ve also partnered with the University of Connecticut to keep their students sex-safe.
Chu Lo Drinks
Chu Lo Drinks is a Japanese-inspired premium soft drink, founded by Steph Buttery following a stint in Tokyo during her time in the Royal Navy.
Steph joined us for The Pitch 2021 and has continued to be busy ever since. She was a finalist on the BBC’s Future Food Stars, and has been getting Chu Lo into British retailers such as YO! Sushi, Sainsbury’s and HMV, as well as stores across the USA.
Want to get involved this year?
The Pitch 2023 is officially open for applications, and we can’t wait to see all the new exciting startups pitch later this year!
If you’re ready to grow your startup, make sure to get your application in soon. Alternatively, feel free to share about The Pitch with your community.
