Foundervine and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority have launched The Pitch Room - a new initiative spotlighting underrepresented founders. Taking place in Leeds on 3 December 2025, the event will showcase six entrepreneurs pitching live to investors and industry experts, celebrating innovation and opportunity across West Yorkshire’s thriving startup community.
West Yorkshire is a region brimming with entrepreneurial energy. From tech innovators and creative pioneers to purpose-driven founders building the next generation of businesses, ambition runs deep across the county. Yet many founders still struggle to access the investment, networks, and visibility needed to grow and scale.
That’s where Foundervine, in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, is stepping in. Together, they have launched The Pitch Room, a brand-new initiative designed to shine a light on underrepresented entrepreneurs and unlock new opportunities for growth.
The Pitch Room offers six founders from across West Yorkshire the chance to pitch their ventures live to a panel of investors and industry experts at a high-energy showcase taking place in Leeds on Wednesday, 03 December 2025. Each selected founder will also take part in Pitch Perfect — an exclusive masterclass designed to help refine their story, strengthen delivery, and build the confidence to communicate their vision clearly on stage.
But The Pitch Room is more than a competition; it’s a platform to connect, inspire, and celebrate West Yorkshire’s entrepreneurial community. The event will feature live pitches, audience voting for the People’s Choice Award, and networking opportunities with investors, peers, and ecosystem partners. It’s designed to spark meaningful connections and create visibility for founders who too often face barriers to investment.
Cecil Adjalo, Chief Operating Officer at Foundervine, said:
“West Yorkshire is full of untapped potential. Leeds is fast emerging as a powerhouse of digital and entrepreneurial activity, and we’re thrilled to launch The Pitch Room in partnership with the Combined Authority.
It’s an opportunity for founders to step into the spotlight, connect with investors, and showcase the incredible innovation happening here. This is just the beginning — we’re committed to deepening our work in the region and helping local founders scale with confidence.”
Foundervine has worked with thousands of entrepreneurs across the UK through programmes backed by major partners, including Barclays, Google, Lloyds, and Meta. Bringing its regional initiative to Leeds marks an exciting milestone in expanding its mission to empower diverse and ambitious founders across the country.
The partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority ensures that this new platform not only celebrates entrepreneurship but also contributes to the region’s inclusive economic growth. Together, both organisations aim to amplify innovation, attract investment, and position West Yorkshire as a thriving hub where opportunity lives.
While applications to pitch have now closed, founders, investors, and members of the business community are invited to attend the event and be part of an evening that celebrates bold ideas, local innovation, and the next generation of business leaders.
Learn more about The Pitch Room.
Event Details:
The Pitch Room - West Yorkshire
Wednesday 3rd December 2025 | 18:00 - 21:30
Avenue HQ Leeds, LS1 2BH