Driving change in the UK startup ecosystem
Rare Founders
Rare Founders
We are on a mission to discover RARE founders with groundbreaking ideas and give them the platform and visibility they deserve to be heard.
Upcoming events
We believe RARE founders with groundbreaking ideas deserve to be noticed. That’s why we’re launching something exciting in 2025—a movement to empower super early-stage founders and support startups through founder-led investing.
If you’re ready to join this movement and back fellow startups, join the waitlist here.
Let’s build a stronger, more innovative UK startup ecosystem—one where founders invest in founders and thrive on home soil.
WHY attend our events
No-Ego Atmosphere 🤝
We break down barriers with fun and unexpected elements—think water guns for overrun pitches and sunset parties. Our provocative events are designed to make you smile, laugh, and connect in a truly relaxed environment.
Get Heard 🎤
We believe world-changing ideas often come from founders who aren’t in the spotlight. Our events amplify these voices, especially for early-stage founders looking for opportunities to shine.
for Founders, by Founders👫
As founders ourselves, we understand the journey, the challenges, and the loneliness. That’s why we create spaces where you’ll feel supported, inspired, and surrounded by people who genuinely get it.
Access for Investors💼
Gain exclusive access to early-stage deal flow. Meet top-rated startups, hear their pitches, and connect directly with the founders building tomorrow’s game-changers.
Meaningful Outcomes 🎲
Over 30 founders have raised investments through connections made at our events. You’ll also meet co-founders, partners, potential customers, and, most importantly, like-minded people to share the journey with.
newsletter
About Us
Our Story
Rare Founders started with a frustration: the London startup scene was uninspiring and ineffective. Events felt stale—endless panels, boring networking, or rigid formats where founders struggled to connect. On top of that, pitching opportunities were often locked behind paywalls or exclusive programs.
Instead of waiting for change, we created it. With no budget and no marketing, the first Rare Founders event brought in 500 registrations and 250 attendees. That scrappy success redefined what startup events could be: fun, provocative, and focused on creating real opportunities.
us today
Rare Founders has grown into a vibrant community. From monthly open mic pitch nights to London’s Largest Demo Day, the events have become a cornerstone for founders and investors alike. Over 10,000 attendees have come through the doors since 2023.
Volunteers—often founders themselves—have been integral from the start, reflecting the community spirit that drives Rare Founders. Partnerships with companies like Google helped expand event concepts, creating spaces where connections lead to investments, partnerships, and growth.
Our MISSION
We believe there are RARE founders out there with groundbreaking ideas, but they often go unheard. Rare Founders exists to remove biases, amplify these voices, and give early-stage founders the exposure they deserve. Our mission is to create a supportive ecosystem where founders can connect, grow, and access the opportunities they need to succeed.
Our vision
Our vision is simple: reshape the UK’s early-stage startup landscape by creating a movement driven by founders. We’re challenging outdated norms, fostering collaboration, and showing that events don’t have to be dull. Through boundary-pushing formats and founder-led support, we’re building a new way for startups and investors to work together.