Take the stage. Start the conversation.
Founder Stage
The Founder Stage puts ambitious startups in the spotlight, giving them the opportunity to pitch their companies, ideas and technologies to investors and the GoWest audience.
The programme features companies from pre-seed, seed and Series A, across hardware, software, products and services.
Who can pitch?
Founder Stage is open to companies that are:
Pre-seed, Seed or Series A
Companies at early stages of their growth journey.
Currently fundraising
Companies actively raising capital.
Preparing to fundraise
Companies planning to start fundraising within the next six months.
Registered for GoWest
The pitch opportunity is available to companies registered for the conference and application.
Pitch categories 2026
Planet Protectors
Companies accelerating the green transition.
Society Shifters
Big ideas tackling some of humanity’s biggest challenges.
Impact Enablers
Companies redefining how business gets done.
Life Savers
Technology transforming how we care and thrive.
AI Trailblazers
Companies building the technology behind the next wave of innovation.
Next-Gen Industry Builders
Companies pushing boundaries and reshaping industry.