Startups: Ready to apply for LEAP 2026?

Welcome to the 16 new techies who have joined us this week.

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This week we’re quoting…

Dalia Kamar (Head of Investor and Startups Program at Tahaluf)

What Kamar said: 

“The Startup & Scaleup Program at LEAP allows you to share your story with the world – your pitch deck lands in the inbox of over 2,000 investors that are representing $22.2 trillion in assets under management and $200 billion in dry powder.” 

Hold on; we don’t often quote our own team, do we? 

You’re right, we don’t. But applications for the 2026 Startup & Scaleup Program have just opened, and we want to make sure you know about it now – so you have enough time to get your application in and be a part of something special. 

Here are five reasons to apply for the Startup & Scaleup Program right now. 

1. You’ll access exclusive meetings with tech investors and industry leaders 

LEAP 2026 will host 1,800+ expert tech speakers and 2000+ investors, representing USD $22.2 trillion in assets under management. 

We’ll welcome 600+ startups too – but the only founders who will be able to set meetings with investors and speakers are those who have been pre-vetted as part of our Startup Program. 

2. You’ll be able to enter the LEAP Rocket Fuel Pitch Competition 

If you’re accepted onto our Startup Program, you’ll be eligible for the Rocket Fuel Pitch Competition, renowned for catapulting startups to the next level.

Compete for a chance to claim a share of the $1 million prize fund – a zero-equity investment that will enable you to achieve your business goals. 

You’ll be pitching in front of a live audience and a panel of leading VCs and tech experts. We know we don’t need to tell you how valuable that is. 

3. You’ll fine-tune your pitching skills with expert mentorship 

If pitching isn’t (yet) your strongest skill as a founder, we’re here to help. World-renowned pitch coaches will share their expertise exclusively with our selected Startup & Scaleup Program founders. You’ll gain the knowledge to craft a perfectly structured pitch, and the confidence to deliver it with impact. 

4. We’ll help you get the maximum possible value from your attendance at LEAP 2026

LEAP is amazing. And it’s also vast – in scale, opportunity, and attendance. 

We know how hard it can be for startups trying to navigate an event on this scale, and not knowing exactly where your place in it is – or how you can get the outcomes you’re aiming for. 

Founders on our Startup & Scaleup Program will have access to an event-specific bootcamp that prepares you to maximise your time and value on the ground at LEAP. We’ll cover:

• Pitching
• Networking
• How to set your schedule
• How to spread your team out to cover all bases

Our goal is to make sure you get everything you need from LEAP; whether you’re seeking investment, partnerships, mentors, inspiration, new team members…or all of the above (and more). 

5. You could meet your perfect investor match 

The Startup & Scaleup Program gives you access to exclusive matchmaking opportunities. Looking for an investor with a specific portfolio goal, or a particular amount of funding available? They’re looking for you too – and we can help you connect. 

Head to the Startup Portal now 

In case we haven’t made it clear: we want you to apply. Helping incredible startups and passionate founders achieve their dreams (and change the world) is a core driving force behind our work – so head to the Startup Portal now to start your application and be a part of LEAP 2026. 

Have an idea for a topic you'd like us to cover? We're eager to hear it. Drop us a message and share your thoughts.

Catch you next week,
The LEAP Team