FUNDING GAP CONSULTING
F7B Summit · UK Hospitality · Autumn 2026

Pitch your Business to investors ready to back it.

Funding Gap is searching for the UK's next innovative food & beverage business — and the team to grow it. Pitch Dragon's Den-style across three live events. At the close, investors declare their investments — from £100k to £500k and beyond.

Start your application Applications open 1 July · close 7 September 2026
Applications open
1 Jul 2026
Applications close
7 Sep 2026
The Final
20 Nov 2026
Investment
£100k–£500k+
The opportunity

Real growth capital — and the recognition to match.

We're looking for ambitious hospitality founders with brands built to scale. Prove your concept, show your numbers, and you'll pitch directly to investors who back what they believe in.

The journey runs from an online application, through a filmed video pitch, to a live final where shortlisted founders pitch face to face. Make the case, and the decisions happen in the room.

Investment tiers

Three tiers of capital, sized to your ambition.

Where you sit depends on the funding you're raising. Tell us your target when you apply.

Silver
£100k – £250k

Early growth capital for a proven concept ready to expand.

Gold
£250k – £500k

Step-change funding for established operators scaling into new sites or markets.

Platinum
£500k+

Major investment for high-potential brands with national or international plans.

The three rounds

From a hundred applicants to six on the floor.

Everyone starts on the same footing. The field narrows at each stage, judged on substance.

100
Round one
Heat 1
100 applicants screened by online application
30
Round two
Heat 2
30 applicants reviewed by a panel with a pitch deck
6
Round three
Finals
6 finalists pitch live to investors

Investments are declared shortly after the live final on 20 November 2026.

The process

Key dates

Mark these now. Each notification is your cue to prepare for the next stage.

1 July 2026
Applications open
Register and submit your online application.
15 August 2026
Video pitch invites begin
Applicants start being invited to submit a 5-minute video pitch.
30 August 2026
Heat 1 video pitch deadline
Video pitches must be received by this date for Heat 1 consideration.
7 September 2026
Applications close
Final applications received.
14 September 2026
Video pitch invites conclude
The final wave of video pitch invitations is sent out.
18 September 2026
Heat 2 video pitch deadline
Video pitches must be received by this date for Heat 2 consideration.
2 November 2026
Finalists notified
The six finalists heading to the live final are announced.
20 November 2026
The Final — live pitches
Finalists pitch live to investors, who declare their investments shortly afterwards.
Qualification criteria

Who can apply

You'll need to meet all of the following to enter the F7B Summit.

01

UK-registered hospitality business

Restaurant, hotel, bar, café, venue, catering or similar.

02

Trading for at least 2 years

An established operation with a track record, not a pre-launch concept.

03

Actively seeking growth funding

You're raising capital to scale, with a clear use of funds.

04

Able to share 2 years of accounts

Verifiable financials that investors can review.

05

Demonstrable innovation

In product, process or distribution — something that sets you apart.

06

A decision-maker who'll attend

A founder or senior decision-maker present in person at the events.

How you're scored

Five areas. One question: is this investable?

Every application is assessed across the same five dimensions, by the same standard.

01

Business Fundamentals

Revenue growth, margins, debt levels.

02

Investment Readiness

Clear use of funds, clean ownership structure.

03

Market Opportunity

Demand, differentiation, addressable market.

04

Leadership

Track record, team strength, ability to scale.

05

Growth Ambition

Your 3-year plan and post-investment targets.

Applications open 1 July 2026

Ready to pitch for investment?

If you're raising growth capital and you'd value structured support and direct investor access, start your application now.

Start your application
Last applications received 7 September 2026 · Register at dri.ai/funding-gap-f7b
Questions about applying? Email info@funding-gap.com