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
10
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.
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- £10.00
Co-Founder Matching Night
Blue Marlin Ibiza London, 45 Curtain Rd, London, GBForget awkward networking, this is co-founder speed dating meets Y Combinator-style founder matching.
We’re teaming up with ETA Technologies for a special edition of our Open Mic Night, designed to help you find your perfect startup match. Whether you’re a technical genius, marketing wizard, or visionary founder with a big idea, this night is built to spark real partnerships (and maybe your next unicorn 🦄).
✨ How it works:
Everyone taking part will complete our psychometric AI assessment (under 10 mins).
Access codes and test links will be sent once registration is finalised through Luma.
Complete your test at least 24 hours before the event, that’s when you’ll receive your personalised entrepreneurial profile, highlighting your strengths, growth areas, and ideal co-founder match.You’ll be matched based on:
- Psychometric AI assessment results
- Technical / Non-technical skills
- Based on you having an idea / or Looking to join someone else
On the day itself, our algorithm will assign colour codes to help you connect more easily and encourage meaningful interactions.
🎤 Expect fast-paced 1-minute co-founder pitches, where founders share their ideas and who they’re looking for. Followed by networking rounds to keep the energy high and the connections real.
🚀 This isn’t another LinkedIn scroll. It’s your shortcut to meeting the right person to build with.
Agenda
17:00 - 18:00: Arrival & Networking
18:00 - 18:20: Welcome & Intro to Soma Pirityi & how the evening will be hosted.
18:20 - 18:40: First Round of Co-Founder Pitching
18:40 - 19:10: Networking
19:10 - 19:40: Second round of Co-Founder pitches
19:40 - 20:10: Networking
20:10 - 20:40: Final round of Co-Founder pitches
20:40 - 21:30: Networking - End
** If we're able to host a 4th session, we will try.👉 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 takes the hassle out of cloud security compliance and risk management. Whether you’re navigating SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, or GDPR, Sprinto simplifies the entire process so you can stay focused on what matters most—scaling your business.
As the leading compliance automation platform for fast-growing startups, Sprinto keeps you secure, audit-ready, and ahead of the curve. Trusted by hundreds of modern companies, it turns complex compliance into a growth advantage—making global security standards effortless while you focus on building your next big thing.
OVH Cloud - offers a range of cloud computing services such as virtual servers, storage, and networking solutions. They cater to businesses of all sizes, providing flexible and scalable infrastructure to support various digital needs.
Organising Partner
ETA Technologies helps founders and investors build stronger teams using data-backed psychometric AI. Their platform assesses individual traits and team dynamics, generates instant reports, and shows you who collaborates best, where friction may lie, and how to structure high-performing teams in a startup environment.
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
45 Curtain Road (Former Blue Marlin Ibiza)🏙️ - 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.
1 attendee 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/73439264493315720001 attendee
Past events
12
