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Opportunity for North East Spacetech Companies: Pitch to Investors at the 2026 Barclays Demo Directory Demo Day

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Raising capital and connecting with the right investors is one of the biggest challenges facing growing space businesses - particularly those scaling cutting-edge technologies. The funding landscape can be complex, time-consuming and difficult to navigate, which is why opportunities that directly connect founders with serious investors are so valuable.


Barclays is once again opening applications for its Demo Directory Demo Day, taking place at Barclays Head Office in Canary Wharf on Wednesday 18 February 2026. This flagship event brings together 30 high-potential UK companies to pitch in person to an audience made up entirely of attested investors.

For 2026, the focus includes Cyber, Defence and Spacetech—making this an excellent platform for innovative space companies from the North East who are ready to scale.


Last year alone, 94 founders pitched across nine stages to more than 790 investors, demonstrating the reach and impact of this national showcase.


Who Should Apply?

The Demo Day is aimed at ambitious founders who have already raised a minimum of £500k, and are now seeking £500k–£2.5m to fuel their next phase of growth.


Three stages will run simultaneously:

  • Stage 1: Cyber

  • Stage 2: Defence

  • Stage 3: Spacetech

Each founder will deliver a five-minute, in-person pitch to a room of active investors.


Event Schedule

(Subject to change)

  • 12:30–13:00 – Investor registration

  • 13:00–13:15 – Introduction and move to stages

  • 13:15–14:15 – Founders’ pitches

  • 14:15–15:30 – Drinks, nibbles and networking


How to Apply

If your business fits the criteria and you’d like to be considered, please submit the following by close of play Friday 19 December on the website:

  1. Companies House number

  2. Your stage fit (Cyber, Defence or Spacetech)

  3. A short overview of your business (200 words)

  4. Details of previous raise(s), including amount, date, and source

  5. How much you’re looking to raise

  6. Any traction achieved to date


Barclays will review applications after 17 December and notify successful companies shortly after.


Why Take Part?

Barclays Demo Directory already supports thousands of high-growth companies and has more than 850 attested investors actively seeking deal flow across multiple sectors.


Benefits include:

  • Access to investors who are genuinely ready to invest.

  • A highly streamlined demo and profile submission process.

  • The ability to showcase your opportunity with concise pitch questions, videos and media.

  • Completely free participation.

Funding rounds supported range from proof-of-concept to £25 million, making this a powerful accelerator for space companies ready to scale.


Useful Links

 
 
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