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Startup events are gatherings for entrepreneurs, investors and other business people. These events can range from small intentional meetups to big conferences and can be great opportunities for people to network, pitch ideas, get investments, share resources and learnings, and take part in panel discussions. The aim of a startup event is to build connections and drive growth for startup businesses.
London is a great location for startup events: from large scale conferences that happen every year, to pitching competitions, hackathons and more localised networking meet ups. Here’s our guide to everything you need to know about big startup events in London.
Big Startup Events In London
The Business Show
Every November for more than 25 years, The Business Show has transformed ExCeL London into a buzzing hub for entrepreneurs and business owners. The two-day event brings together over 500 exhibitors, 200 expert-led seminars, and hands-on masterclasses focused on business growth, innovation and resilience.
According to Startups Magazine, the atmosphere is electric and attendees are genuinely eager to learn, network, and discover new ways to grow their ventures. The event also attracts big-name speakers, from Dragons’ Den investors to Apprentice winners and top CEOs, sharing invaluable insights and inspiration.
The Business Show, describes itself as “The World’s Leading Business Event”. In 2025, it takes place at ExCeL London on November 12 and 13. Free tickets can be booked via the website. This year’s keynote speakers include Alex Partridge, Founder of LADBible and UNILADS, Touker Suleyman, Chairman and Dragon on Dragons Den, Billy Holliday, Chairman of Bacqd and Lord John Bird, Founder of the Big Issue.
Website: https://www.greatbritishbusinessshow.co.uk/
MAD//Fest London
MAD//Fest London is one of the UK’s most exciting marketing, advertising and tech festivals, held annually at the Old Truman Brewery in Shoreditch in the summer. It brings together thousands of industry leaders, brands, agencies, and startups for three energetic days of innovation, insight and creativity. The event features big-name speakers from global companies like Google, Unilever and TikTok, alongside cutting-edge exhibitors and live “MAD//Masters” sessions focused on the future of marketing, data and digital experience.
Known for its bold, festival-style vibe, complete with street food, live music, and networking areas, MAD//Fest is described as “where ideas are born and collaborations begin”. The next event takes place July 7 to 9, 2026.
Website: https://www.madfestlondon.com/
The Business Revival Series
The Business Revival Series is a major annual event at ExCeL London designed to help businesses bounce back, grow, and adapt in a changing world. This event is for entrepreneurs, SMEs and industry leaders and covers everything from strategy and sustainability to digital transformation and wellbeing at work.
The Business Revival Series features expert speakers, live panel discussions and interactive workshops. Also, visitors can explore co-located shows such as the Remote Working Expo, Corporate Wellbeing Expo and The Marketing & Advertising Expo.
The next event is scheduled for March 3 and 4, 2026 at London Olympia.
Website: https://www.businessrevivalseries.co.uk/
London Tech Week
London Tech Week is the UK’s flagship technology festival “celebrating innovation, entrepreneurship and the power of tech to drive positive change”. It is held every year with venues across London and features talks, product launches and networking opportunities.
Talks are on subjects like AI, fintech, sustainability, health tech and digital transformation. The event features high-profile speakers from major companies such as Microsoft, Google and Amazon, alongside groundbreaking startups.
The next London Tech Week will take place at London Olympia from June 8 to 12, 2026.
Website: https://londontechweek.com/
MOVE
MOVE is held annually at ExCeL London and focuses on the future of transportation.
The event features 22 stages and hosts more than 200 startups from over 30 countries in its Start-up Village, providing opportunities for networking, partnerships and investment. With its focus on innovation and sustainability, MOVE has become a critical meeting place for the most influential businesses in the mobility value chain.
The next MOVE takes place June 17 to 18, 2026.
Website: https://www.terrapinn.com/exhibition/move/index.stm
DTX Europe
DTX Europe is the “UK’s premier digital transformation event”, held annually in October at ExCeL London. The focus is IT.
Expect leading technology providers and industry experts discussing and demonstrating new innovations. There are panel discussions and hands-on workshops with a focus on digital transformation. According to the website, attendees “gain valuable insights into emerging technologies, best practices and strategies for successful implementation.”
Website: https://www.dtxevents.io/
Scale Summit
SCALE Summit is an event aimed at founders and investors. The next event at the Business Design Centre in Islington is scheduled for April 22 to 23, 2026.
The two day event promises expert panel discussions with topics including navigating investment rounds, building high-performing teams, expanding into new markets and managing founder burnout.
The summit features speakers who are serial entrepreneurs, investors and operators behind some of the UK’s fastest-growing companies, offering real-world advice and insights. Attendance is limited and ticketed.
Website: https://www.scale-london.com/our-ecosystem/scale-summit
GIANT Health
GIANT Health is the UK’s healthcare innovation community, uniting over 345,000 NHS leaders, clinicians, and health-tech professionals. Its flagship event the GIANT Health Event is a two-day festival held annually at the Business Design Centre in London. The 2025 edition is scheduled for December 8 to 9, 2025.
Website: https://www.giant.health/
Smaller Startup events in London
Enterprise Nation runs events to award £5,000 grants to small businesses. Find out more here: https://www.enterprisenation.com/vistaprint-realising-the-remarkable
The London Network Event runs several meet up events. View upcoming events via their website: https://www.the-london-network.com/
Startup Grind is a great place to find London-based events running regularly: https://www.startupgrind.com/london/
The London Loop lists startup events for free on Luma: https://luma.com/london-loop
Eventbrite is also a great place to find Startup events in London: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/d/united-kingdom–london/startup-events/
Home Grown Club also holds exclusive networking events in London: https://homegrownclub.co.uk/
Female Founders is also a good resource for women in business: https://female-founders.org/events/
