Next RTC Investment Pitch Event for Tech Firms in Thames Valley Feb 2026 – Register or Apply Today

The Reading Tech Cluster (RTC) invites tech firms from Reading, Berkshire and the wider Thames Valley to join its Investment Pitch Event. The event is designed to support startups and scale-ups seeking growth capital from banks, venture capitalists, angel investors, and private equity firms.

Eight innovative tech firms from the region will be chosen to pitch their businesses to leading investors and corporate finance experts. Event attendees will also include industry peers, advisors, and academics, offering everyone valuable networking opportunities.

Event details
Join us on Thursday 26th February 2026 from 9:00am to 1:30pm at Campus Reading International.

The event is open to all leaders of tech firms in the region both members and non-members of the RTC.

Why attend?
– Learn from peers: Hear from other ambitious tech founders and scale-up leaders in the Thames Valley as they share their business plans.
– Network with investors and other expert advisors: Meet with advisors, venture capitalists, angel investors, private equity firms, banks and corporate finance professionals actively seeking opportunities in the region.

Register today: Tickets are limited so secure your place now to network with investors, advisors and fellow tech leaders. Sign up here.

Apply to pitch
Tech firms seeking growth capital can also apply to pitch at the event. Find out more by emailing info@readingtechcluster.com, include in the subject line “Tell me how to apply” and one of our team will be in touch.

Applications are open to startups and scale-ups across all tech sectors in Reading, Berkshire, and the Thames Valley. Organisations must be members of the RTC to apply (see below how to become a member).

The deadline for completed applications is 23:59 on 13th February 2026.

Who should apply to present?
The RTC welcomes applications from growth-stage firms creating or using technology at the heart of their business strategy, product or service. These can be in any sector or industry including but not exclusive to, AI, deep tech, medtech, biotech, agritech, climate tech, robotics, software, infrastructure, and cyber-security.

Eligible companies should be headquartered or have significant operations in Reading, Berkshire or the wider Thames Valley, and ideally be seeking £500,000 to £5 million+ in scale-up capital.

Startups seeking angel finance from £50k to £500k are also invited to apply as two pitch slots will be reserved for these organisations.

Applicants should show evidence of customer traction and growing revenues.

All applicants will have the chance to share their information with attending investors if they want to, even if not selected to pitch.

Previous RTC investment events were very popular
In 2025, the Reading Tech Cluster (RTC) hosted two highly successful investment events for tech firms across Reading, Berkshire, and the wider Thames Valley.

RTC Investment Summit
Eight exciting local tech firms pitched to investors at the Summit. These firms were selected from over 35 applications and were Airponix, HaemAnalytica, HoxtonAI, Kymira, Lanboss, Littledata, Occuity and Organicco.

Attendees also heard from expert speakers including EY; Yuan Yang, MP for Earley and Woodley; local tech success story measurable.energy; the British Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (BVCA); VC firm YFM; British Business Bank, Blake Morgan LLP, Reading’s Economy & Destination Agency (REDA), and The Berkshire Skills and Business Hub.

Find out more here.

Reverse Pitch Event
At this event leading investors and corporate financiers took the stage to share practical advice with local tech founders and entrepreneurs on how to pitch effectively and secure investment. Attendees heard from YFM Equity Partners; Maven Capital; BGF; LDC; The FSE Group; Henley Business Angels and Barclays.

Find out more here.

Both events received outstanding feedback from attendees, who valued the opportunity to connect, learn, and build relationships with the region’s top investors, advisors and fellow tech leaders.

The Reading Tech Cluster exists to support tech in the region and improve access to capital
The RTC is here to help Reading and the Thames Valley be the best place to start, grow or locate a technology firm in the UK. RTC’s mission is to connect tech firms with the vital help they need for success.

Access to finance and investment is a key factor in helping startup and scale-up firms to grow. As is supporting them to raise their profile and showcase their technology to other companies and stakeholders who can help them secure customers and partners.

Dr Keith Arundale, co-founder and director of the RTC explains: “A key focus for the RTC is to support growth and the flow of investment into tech firms in Reading and the wider Thames Valley. We are also here to showcase those companies looking for support to drive their future growth.”

“That’s not all. We have purposefully kept this event open for any tech firm founders to attend so they can meet their peers and potential investors. We want to support them as they prepare for an investment event of their own. If you run a tech firm in the area grab your ticket and become a member of the RTC today.”

Become a member of the Reading Tech Cluster
Membership of the RTC is open to any organisation in Reading, Berkshire and the wider Thames Valley region. Membership opens up access to events, learning and networking opportunities.

Click here to sign up for the membership level that’s right for you.

Sponsors and supporters
This event is made possible thanks to the generous support of our event sponsor and host Campus Reading International. Plus the ongoing support of our corporate sponsors: Activate Learning Education Trust; Blake Morgan LLP; Boyes Turner LLP; British Business Bank; Insider Media; EY Reading; GCS; Henley Business School, University of Reading; Openshaw & Co; Osborne Clarke LLP; Pulsant; Raise Communications; REDA; Thames Valley Society of Chartered Accountants; The FSE Group; The Skills and Business Hub (formerly Berkshire LEP); Undertwok Creative; and Xantho Ventures Ltd.