Climb25

Climb25, the flagship event from Investor Ladder, is set to return to Leeds Dock on 2–3 July 2025, bringing together the UK’s most ambitious founders, investors, and industry leaders for two days of strategic insight, curated networking, and high-impact collaboration.

Now in its third year, Climb25 builds on the success of Climb24, which welcomed over 2,000 attendees, 250 investors, and 200 speakers. This year’s edition promises to be the most impactful yet, with a renewed focus on regional innovation, high-growth ventures, and the people powering the UK’s business future.

Created with a mission to transform the world of innovation, ClimbUK offers a festival-style experience that blends serious business with relaxed, high-energy engagement. Attendees can expect live music, great food, and a vibrant atmosphere designed to spark meaningful connections. The event features multiple stages, internationally curated speakers, and hands-on workshops that deliver practical guidance for scaling businesses.

Climb25 is the only event in the UK that unites regional innovation ecosystems under one roof. It’s a platform for showcasing the incredible work happening across the country, from deeptech and digital health to clean energy and corporate finance. With dedicated investor sessions, exclusive roundtables, and strategic masterclasses, Climb25 creates the conditions for real deals, real growth, and real impact.

Partners and sponsors benefit from integrated brand presence, targeted invitations, and access to VIP networking opportunities. The event also offers real-time promotional tools via the Climb25 app, ensuring maximum visibility and engagement throughout the delegate journey.

Climb25 isn’t just a date in the diary, it’s a milestone in the UK’s innovation calendar. For founders looking to scale, investors seeking the next big opportunity, and organisations committed to driving regional growth, Climb25 is where the future takes shape.

Key Sessions & Themes

Summit Stage

• The Growth Myth – A critical look at outdated startup growth strategies.
• How to Make a BILLION in 9 Steps – A bold breakdown of billion-dollar business building.
• Climb25 LIVE Podcast – Hosted by Tanya Arnold and Gordon Bateman, featuring rapid-fire interviews with leaders in Web3, sport innovation, VC, and regional growth.
• Smart Seats Only – Building boards that drive real business outcomes.
• What’s Your Why? – Purpose-led entrepreneurship and its impact on innovation.
• Dame Laura Kenny & NatWest – Mindset for growth and resilience.
• Ken Davy – Reflections on leadership from sport and enterprise.

Ascend Stage

• Growth Engine – Private equity, property, and strategy to scale.
• A NO BS Rapid Fire Panel – VC insights for underrepresented founders.
• Poacher Turned Gatekeeper – Founders turned investors share lessons.
• The True Cost of Leadership – Emotional intelligence and transformation.

Elevate Stage

• Scaling Without Borders – International expansion strategies.
• AI’s Next Chapter – The future of AI in venture building.
• After YES – Turning VC investment into scalable deeptech growth.
• Growth Architects – Execution strategies from Seat Unique’s James Duffy.
• Navigating the Digital Newsroom – Media evolution and storytelling.

Climb Health Zone

• Investor Lenses: MedTech Valuation – Valuation methodologies and negotiation.
• The Pulse of Life Sciences – Global health innovation trends.
• Yorkshire as a Global Health Powerhouse – Featuring Sir Alex Markham and others.
• Lead the Change – Women transforming MedTech.

Rise Stage

• Thriving Together – Founder well-being and team success.
• Exit Strategy – CFO and investor insights on profitable exits.
• AI: Product or Power Tool? – Strategic use of AI in business.

Vista Stage

• High Impact Leadership – Chris Roebuck on leadership transformation.
• The £83bn Opportunity – Exploring Britain’s booming green finance sector.