Entrepreneurs invited to pitch for a share of £100,000

Equinox is pleased to support NatWest as it invites entrepreneurs to pitch for a share of £100,000 in its latest NatWest Accelerator Pitch competition.

The Pitch competitions are designed to help founders access the funding they need to get going and scale. Access to capital remains one of the biggest barriers for start-ups, often slowing innovation, hiring and early-stage growth. With limited resources, founders are forced to prioritise short-term survival over scaling, while the right financial support enables them to accelerate development, seize new opportunities and build resilience. As part of the wider NatWest Accelerator pathway, the Pitch competition helps founders move from early validation to investment readiness, with access to coaching, peer support and investor networks.

A key partner in this collaboration is EnSpire Oxford, the University of Oxford’s entrepreneurship hub, which supports students, staff and alumni to develop ideas, build ventures and access the skills needed to succeed. Through Equinox, EnSpire’s expertise is combined with NatWest’s established accelerator model, creating greater opportunites for founders.

Bringing the NatWest Accelerator Pitch event to Oxford is a natural next step in NatWest’s ongoing work with the University and the city’s powerful innovation ecosystem. Building on last year’s partnership announcement with Equinox this widens access so that more growth‑aspirational businesses can benefit from the networks and opportunities the city offers.

Entrepreneurs can enter by joining the free NatWest Accelerator community via its app, which provides instant access to digital coaching, events and resources. Applicants must submit a 60-second video pitch outlining their ambitions and how the funding would accelerate their next stage of growth, with applications due by 5pm on 5 May. Five finalists will compete at each live event held across the UK for a share of £100,000, with the Oxford final taking place on 18 June.

At the live events, finalists will have up to 10 minutes — a three-minute pitch followed by up to seven minutes of Q&A — to present their case. The top three at each event will share the £100,000 prize pot: £70,000 for the winner, £20,000 for second place and £10,000 for third. Finalists will also benefit from additional support, including access to resources from Google.

Dora Handrea, Head of EnSpire at the University of Oxford, said: “It’s great for the region that NatWest is bringing its Accelerator Pitch competition to Oxford. Supporting ideas to scale and grow, and increasing access to opportunities is key to Equinox’s mission of delivering innovation-led economic growth that benefits all. Bringing together EnSpire’s experience in supporting entrepreneurs across the University of Oxford with NatWest’s established accelerator model is a great example of how Equinox is connecting partners to make a real difference across Oxfordshire and beyond.”

Darren Pirie, Head of NatWest Accelerator, added: “Access to funding remains a major hurdle for many entrepreneurs, and the NatWest Accelerator Pitch competition gives founders a dynamic platform to build confidence and compete for the support they need to grow. We see the difference the right backing can make, and we’re excited to bring even more entrepreneurs onto the stage this year. By expanding these events across the UK, we’re helping more founders tap into the funding and networks that drive sustainable long-term growth.”

Since launching in 2025, the Pitch competition has attracted strong interest from founders, with three events held across the country and nearly £300,000 awarded to help businesses grow and scale. Founders who have taken part report increased confidence, stronger investor conversations and accelerated hiring or product development.

Through its Growing Together plan, NatWest aims to grow its Accelerator community to 50,000 entrepreneurs by 2026, widening access to coaching, investor connections and practical support. As part of this, NatWest operates its free Accelerator across 12 UK locations and online, and in 2025 signed partnerships with four leading universities — including the University of Oxford — with further partnerships planned to help strengthen innovation clusters nationwide.