On Thursday 5 June, twelve of the South West’s most exciting early-stage startups pitched live at the Silicon Gorge Investor Showcase, hosted by techSPARK and proudly backed by headline supporters: TLT, Link Stone Advisory, British Business Bank, EntreConf, Bristol Innovations and Walmer Group.
Held in central Bristol, the event offered a powerful platform for founders seeking equity investment, and a rare glimpse for investors into the future of UK innovation.
Rosie Bennett was the excellent compère for the occasion, while the investor Q&A was skilfully led by a stellar panel:
From biotech and aviation to edtech and AI, the room crackled with energy as each founder delivered five-minute pitches followed by insightful panel questions. For many, it was a first public step toward securing the capital that could take them to the next level.
Meet The 2025 Finalists
Here’s who took the stage and what they’re building:
Transforms static design files into sharable 3D experiences – no code required.
Reimagining cell therapy manufacturing with a biologically inspired, single-step production process.
Helping software teams cut through complexity with tools that ease configuration and deployment.
A simple blood test to detect early microvascular disease – addressing a root cause of heart, kidney, and brain damage.
A multi-functional period cup cleaning case enabling people to make eco-friendly choices without compromising on experience.Â
An AI-driven safety app that detects attacks in real time and issues instant emergency alerts.
Smart diagnostics using AI to accelerate rare disease detection preventing deaths and strain on healthcare systems.
An ethical AI learning assistant designed to support all students, with a focus on access and transparency.
A dynamic ranking system for racket sports, bringing fairness and competitiveness to casual and club play alike.
Biotech specialists tackling global water safety challenges with rapid, field-ready microbial detection tech.
A microplacement platform reinventing work experience for young people – flexible, inclusive, accessible, and employer-friendly.
Building the infrastructure for short-haul electric air mobility – aiming to democratise flight.
Insightful Questions, Meaningful Connections
Our panel brought a healthy mix of commercial curiosity and strategic challenge. With questions covering IP protection, exit pathways, sales traction and regulatory readiness, the format offered founders a chance to sharpen their story, and investors a peek behind the curtain.
A Launchpad, Not Just a Showcase
Silicon Gorge has a strong track record of surfacing the region’s next wave of success stories with alumni including Immersive Labs, Open Bionics, and Lettus Grow.
What makes it different? It’s founder-focused. It’s South West-first. And it’s embedded in a wider mission to unlock regional investment and build founder confidence across our ecosystem.
If you’re an investor who couldn’t attend, get in touch we’re happy to share decks and intros.
A Massive Thank You
This event simply wouldn’t happen without the support of our brilliant partners:
TLT, Link Stone Advisory, British Business Bank, EntreConf, Bristol Innovations and Walmer Group. Thank you for investing in the ecosystem and giving startups a stage.
And to our panellists, our host Rosie, and of course our pitching founders your energy, openness and ambition made this year’s showcase a standout.
Want to pitch next year?
Applications for Silicon Gorge 2026 open in February!
If you’re a South West-based startup with big ambitions and you’re preparing to raise, this is your stage.
Stay tuned on techspark.co, sign-up to our newsletter or follow us on social media for updates.
