About
Lion meets unicorn
Lunicorn fuses the lion and the unicorn - Henry I's lions, Kingsley and the Maiwand lion all rolled up with a unicorn, the universal aspiration of the most ambitious startups. Both proudly on the Royal coat of arms of the UK and our very own logo.
The lion symbolises courage and community. The pride walks together. The unicorn brings ambition and optimism. The horizon is reachable.
For one day in July, Reading celebrates with its tech festival - modest today, but paving the way for an outrageous extravaganza in 2027 to make Austin, Paris and London weep. Come with us, help us build it. Eight founder pitches, speakers, a walk to the stadium at sundown and a party at the home of the Royals. Sounds like a good mix.
2026, the first of many. Made by Reading Tech Cluster. Made for founders, investors, adopters, and the many friends who walk with them.
Programme
One day, three moments
12:00 – 16:30
Pitch
Eight companies. Ten-minute pitches. Five-minute Q&As. A sit-down auditorium in a room you want to be in and, this year as an added bonus, a comfort break half-way through. Keynote from the London Stock Exchange to help set our sights at the prize ahead.
16:30 – 17:00
Walk
A green and gentle 1.6 km from Green Park to the Select Car Leasing Stadium. A summer evening. Wellbeing. Totally optional, but consider it the best therapy - we should be outdoors as much as we can. Led by Reading’s Walk Works team. (Drive if you'd rather; the route is yours.)
17:00 – 23:00
Party
The simplest of ideas: a party. Music. Reading’s upcoming DJ talent from Gold Dust plus special guest. Progressive House. Drinks. Electronica. More food. Afrobeats. And strictly absolutely no disco. Enjoy summer in Club 106 at Reading FC.
Apply to pitch
Eight slots. Fifteen minutes each.
If you're building something the Thames Valley should see, this is the room. Eight founders pitch in front of investors, adopters, peers and press. Apply by 23 June 2026. We back tech that takes courage and aims high.
What we're looking for
- UK-based companies
- Tech companies OR companies pivoting to tech
- Operations or HQ in the Thames Valley and Berkshire
- A clear ask: scale-up capital
- A clear application of funds: customers, partners, or talent
- Founders ready to take questions on stage
Applications close 23 June 2026. Free to apply.
Join us
Become a member
Reading Tech Cluster connects the Thames Valley's technology companies to the finance, talent and adopters they need. The festival is our annual moment to bring it all into one room but we run events throughout the year, at a run-rate of around 1 per week for tech to meet with money and the educators, regulators and advisers who help make it all work. Typically, close events from 8-10 people, plus larger meetups, special guests, breakfasts and our flagship events.
We have corporate and personal paid memberships. Have your card ready and check out using the link.
FAQ
Things you might ask
Where exactly is the festival? +
Daytime at 100 Longwater Avenue, Green Park, Reading RG2 6GP. Evening at Club 106, Select Car Leasing Stadium (Reading FC) RG2 0FL. Both venues are easy to reach by car, train and bus and there is ample free parking at both. The buses to and from Reading Station are breathtakingly frequent - but caution they stop just after 19:00.
Do I have to do the walk? +
No. The walk is 1.6 km and takes fifteen to twenty minutes on a summer evening. It's totally optional. You are welcome to attend the pitch event, drive to Club 106 and party without the walk.
What if I can only do part of the day? +
There are three separate events. Sign for the one or two you can attend. That's no problem.
Can my company pitch? +
If you're a UK tech company or tech adopter with a working product and a clear ask, apply. Eight slots, fifteen minutes each. Free to apply.
Is there food? +
Oh yes. Twice. The day opens at noon with Green Park food (it's good) before the pitching. Then drinks and snacks at the evening party. You'll have earned it.
Who is RTC? +
Reading Tech Cluster - the network connecting Thames Valley tech companies to finance, talent and adopters. We run at least one meetup per week - across industry sectors and addressing specific founder / builder / entrepreneur needs.
Can I bring a plus-one? +
Yes. Each of the three events are open to plus ones. But make sure everyone registers for a ticket. No ticket - no party.
Accessibility? +
100 Longwater Avenue is step free and Club 106 has disabled access. The walk is on hard standing throughout and step-free but uneven terrain. If you have specific access needs, email mark@readingtechcluster.com and we'll try to see you right.
What is the dress code? +
Anything you like. It's summer, probably hot. A bit like end of term. Hard pitching ahead and then dancing. Relax. Please wear whatever you like and be proud of it.
Why are there three events? +
Because this is our first year, we didn't have time for the full 50 events which Reading's Climate Festival has just completed!! Pitching is hard work and we have a great format for the pitch event which has worked well in the past. After, it's nothing but good to connect with nature, make walking a part of work, chat as you walk. Reading's famous for this and we've got the perfect venue here in Green Park, right next to the world's greatest football stadium for the world's greatest football team: a perfect place for the third event of the day.