What we’re about
Rare Founders is one of the largest startup communities in the UK with almost 20,000 members.
We run monthly open mic pitching and networking events where founders (mostly pre-seed to Series A) get 1 minute on stage to pitch. If they go over the limit… we spray them with water guns. Our events often feel like catching up with friends, and about 30% of people come on a regular basis.
We’re also known for hosting London’s Largest Demo Day – a one-day conference with 1,500 attendees where 100 pre-selected startups pitch to a full audience of investors.
On top of that, we run masterclasses on everything business-related: pitching, fundraising, go-to-market strategy, legal docs… you name it. We also send out a weekly newsletter with the best startup events in London.
Join us – we’re all about good vibes, fun, low-key energy, and efficiency. We’re different. Come and see for yourself.
Upcoming events
12
Open Mic Pitching & Networking - Halloween Special
Blue Marlin Ibiza London, 45 Curtain Rd, London, GB👻 Rare Founders Halloween Open Mic Pitch Night 🎃
We’re back from the crypt with a spooky twist on our legendary open mic pitching and networking night. This time, it’s fangs, founders, and frightfully good pitches!
💀 What to expect:
Every 20–30 minutes, 5–6 brave founders will be summoned at random to pitch their business in just 1 minute.
Go over the time limit… and beware 👀 the water guns are locked, loaded, and ready to strike.
Dress to kill (literally) costumes welcome, but not required. Although, there will be a competition and for the best costume. Top 3 will get guaranteed meeting with one of our investor partners.
A night of unfiltered networking, wickedly sharp ideas, and startup spirits rising from the shadows.
🕒 Agenda
6:00–7:00 PM — Arrival & Creepy Connections
7:00–7:30 PM — Welcome & 1st Pitch Round
7:30–8:00 PM — Spooky Networking
8:00–8:30 PM — 2nd Pitch Round
8:30–9:00 PM — Networking Potions & Brews
9:00–9:30 PM — 3rd Pitch Round
9:30–10:00 PM — Final Haunting of Networking
(If the spirits allow, we may unleash a 4th round...)This isn’t just another startup event, it’s where the UK founder scene gets a supernatural glow-up. Expect high-energy pitches, monster-sized networking, and a community vibe that’s pure magic.
Whether you’re a seasoned founder, an investor hunting for your next unicorn, or just curious to join the cauldron of ideas. Don’t miss this wickedly good night.
Come for the scares. Stay for the startup magic.
***
👉 Spots are limited—sign up now.
By joining the event, you’re allowing us to capture and share some of the great moments! Photos and videos taken may be used later to showcase our community and for marketing, helping us make future events even better.
Interested in more startup events in London? Sign up for our weekly newsletter on top handpicked startup events in London for founders and investors. See more details here.
***
## What to sponsor the event and get exposure with hundreds of businesses? Please email fraya@rarefounders.com
***
## A Huge Thanks to our Partners!
## Safety Partner
Safespace Plus will help foster an environment of safety and empowerment with our Code of Conduct & incident reporting system, giving our attendees a secure platform to voice any concerns and ensuring that everyone feels heard and valued.
## Venue Partner
Blue Marlin Ibiza London 🏙️ - a private members' club offering a mix of luxury and creativity. Located in Shoreditch, it features a rooftop pool, restaurant, workspace, club, gym, and spa. Members can enjoy exclusive events, DJ sets, and a sophisticated ambience, creating a unique day-to-night experience in the heart of London. Want to join and save on joining fees? Use this link to apply.
3 attendees
Startup Run
The Green Park, Green Park, SW1A 1AA, UK, London, GB# NETWORK AND RUN EVERY 2nd THURSDAY, SAME TIME, SAME PLACE
Join our Bi-Weekly Startup Run every 2nd Thursday at Green Park for a refreshing 5k run. It's a perfect way to network with founders, investors, and the broader startup community, while keeping fit. Post-run, we gather at a local pub to unwind and continue networking over drinks.
- 5k run through the scenic Green Park.
- Open to all levels of fitness.
- Post-run socializing at a nearby pub.
Networking Opportunities
Unique chance to network with peers in a relaxed, healthy setting.Target Audience
Founders, investors, and anyone in the startup ecosystem looking for networking with a twist.
# Please also join our Whatsapp group for this event where we share all the updates on the day https://chat.whatsapp.com/G15wUEi1oKU8enJchKpTuX
Videos from some of our past runs:
https://www.tiktok.com/@rarefounders/video/7327352967558909217
https://www.tiktok.com/@rarefounders/video/7390514175488871713
https://www.tiktok.com/@rarefounders/video/73439264493315720002 attendees
Open Mic Pitching and Networking
Fox@ExCel, Warehouse K, Hotel ibis London Excel Docklands, Excel Centre, 2 Western Gateway, London E16 1DR, London, GBWhere Big Ideas Meet Bold Energy
London’s most electric founder night is back — and if you’ve been, you already know the vibe.
Rare Founders is hosting a special Open Mic Pitching & Networking Night straight after The Business Show — one of the UK’s largest free events for entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders, happening on 12–13 November.Our very own Vasily will be speaking on stage on the 12th, and what better way to round off the day than bringing everyone together for a drink, some real talk, and a few unforgettable pitches?
Whether you’ve been exploring The Business Show all day or you’re just joining us for the evening, this is your chance to connect, unwind, and meet new global friends in the UK startup community.***
💡 Register for your free Business Show tickets through our partnered link click here, and make sure to stick around for the Rare Founders Open Mic — trust us, you won’t want to miss it.
***
Here’s how it works:
🎯 Every 20–30 minutes, 5–6 founders are randomly picked to pitch their startup in 1 minute. 💦 Go over the time limit? Our water guns are ready. (Yes, seriously.) 🤝 In between, the room lights up with conversations, deals, and serendipitous connections.
This isn’t a stiff, suit-and-tie kind of night. This is raw, real, and ridiculously fun, a space where ideas take flight, and founders find their tribe.
The venue is the hottest spot to be after The Business Show — while we’ll have our own private space for the Open Mic, you’ll also be able to roam the bar and mingle with over 700 other guests between sessions.***
Agenda
17:30 - 18:30: Arrival
18:30: Welcome Speech
18:40- 18:55: Pitching Session 1
18:55 - 19:25: Networking
19:25 - 19:45: Pitching Session 2
19:45 - 20:15: Networking
20:15 - 20:30: Pitching Session 3
20:30 - 21:00: Networking
21:00 - 21:15: Pitching Session 4
21:15 - 22:00: Networking***
👉 Spots are limited—sign up now.
By joining the event, you’re allowing us to capture and share some of the great moments! Photos and videos taken may be used later to showcase our community and for marketing, helping us make future events even better.***
Interested in more startup events in London? Sign up for our weekly newsletter on top handpicked startup events in London for founders and investors. See more details here.
***
## What to sponsor the event and get exposure with hundreds of businesses? Please email fraya@rarefounders.com
***
## A Huge Thanks to our Sponsors & Partners!
## Sponsor
**Sprinto** is the compliance automation platform built to keep fast-growing startups secure, audit-ready, and ahead of the curve. From SOC 2 to ISO 27001, Sprinto makes meeting global security standards effortless—so founders can focus on scaling, not stressing over paperwork. Trusted by hundreds of modern companies, Sprinto turns compliance into a growth advantage.
## Safety Partner
**Safespace Plus **will help foster an environment of safety and empowerment with our Code of Conduct & incident reporting system, giving our attendees a secure platform to voice any concerns and ensuring that everyone feels heard and valued.
## Venue Partner
**The Fox** is the ultimate Shoreditch hotspot for big ideas and bold conversations. With its vibrant three-storey space, stylish interiors, and buzzing atmosphere, it sets the perfect stage for founders and investors to connect. Whether you’re pitching, networking, or just soaking in the energy, The Fox brings the perfect mix of charm and edge to every event.
2 attendeesStartup Run
The Green Park, Green Park, SW1A 1AA, UK, London, GB# NETWORK AND RUN EVERY 2nd THURSDAY, SAME TIME, SAME PLACE
Join our Bi-Weekly Startup Run every 2nd Thursday at Green Park for a refreshing 5k run. It's a perfect way to network with founders, investors, and the broader startup community, while keeping fit. Post-run, we gather at a local pub to unwind and continue networking over drinks.
- 5k run through the scenic Green Park.
- Open to all levels of fitness.
- Post-run socializing at a nearby pub.
Networking Opportunities
Unique chance to network with peers in a relaxed, healthy setting.Target Audience
Founders, investors, and anyone in the startup ecosystem looking for networking with a twist.
# Please also join our Whatsapp group for this event where we share all the updates on the day https://chat.whatsapp.com/G15wUEi1oKU8enJchKpTuX
Videos from some of our past runs:
https://www.tiktok.com/@rarefounders/video/7327352967558909217
https://www.tiktok.com/@rarefounders/video/7390514175488871713
https://www.tiktok.com/@rarefounders/video/73439264493315720002 attendees
Past events
10
