Eligibility
To ensure fairness and relevance, all participating teams must meet the following eligibility criteria:
-
The startup must have been founded within the last 3 years.
-
The startup must have raised less than £500,000 in total funding to date (including grants, equity, debt, and other sources).
-
At least one founding team member must have graduated from a recognised university within the past five years (at any level).
-
If selected, the team must be able to attend the Finals in person at London Business School.
Ventures from any sector are welcome.
Criteria
Submissions and pitches (finalists only) will be judged on the following criteria:
1. Clarity and Innovation
-
Is the idea clearly explained and well structured?
-
Is it a novel product, service, or approach?
2. Feasibility
-
Can this be built and delivered? Are assumptions realistic?
-
Is there an early execution plan?
3. Market Potential
-
Is there a validated market need?
-
Can the business scale or create meaningful impact?
4. Team Strength
-
Does the team bring relevant experience and complementary skills?
-
Is there evidence of commitment and capability?
5. Pitch Quality (finalists only)
-
Is the story compelling?
-
Does the pitch effectively communicate value and opportunity?
Confidentiality
Campus to Capital is a public-facing event. Applicants should be mindful of what they choose to disclose.
By entering the competition:
-
You consent to your submission being shared with organisers, judges, and mentors.
-
Final pitches will be presented in front of a public audience.
-
Do not submit proprietary information unless protected under appropriate IP agreements.
The organisers do not accept responsibility for protecting intellectual property. Applicants are encouraged to seek professional legal advice before disclosing sensitive information.
Intellectual Property
Applicants must confirm that:
-
The submitted idea is original or the team has secured rights to use it.
-
The team holds, or has a credible path to secure, the IP required to develop and commercialise the venture.
Ownership of all submitted material remains with the applicants. The organisers and sponsors will not claim any rights over IP submitted during the competition.
Competition Disclaimer
By applying to Campus to Capital, applicants agree to the following:
-
Originality: All entries must be the team’s own work and must not knowingly infringe on any third-party rights.
-
Eligibility: Applicants confirm that they meet the eligibility requirements and agree to comply with all rules.
-
Liability: The organisers, judges, and mentors participate voluntarily. All guidance is non-binding and not a substitute for professional advice.
-
Confidentiality: While discretion will be applied, confidentiality cannot be guaranteed in a live competition format.
-
Judging Decisions: All judging decisions are final and not subject to appeal.