{"id":7034832,"date":"2026-08-09T07:04:16","date_gmt":"2026-08-09T07:04:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/angel-investor\/scale-expo-and-summit-for-emerging-entrepreneurs\/"},"modified":"2026-08-09T07:04:16","modified_gmt":"2026-08-09T07:04:16","slug":"scale-expo-and-summit-for-emerging-entrepreneurs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7034832","title":{"rendered":"Scale Expo and Summit for Emerging Entrepreneurs"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Angel Investment Network (AIN) is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with SCALE EXPO & SUMMIT 2026<\/a><\/strong>, the UK\u2019s flagship event for high-growth scaleups and investors.<\/p>\n

With a prominent role at the event, Xavier Ballester, <\/strong>Director of Brokerage at Angel Investment Network, will join an expert judging panel for two high-stakes live pitch competitions on the Launchpad Stage.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The sessions are designed to provide a platform for underrepresented entrepreneurs and female founders to showcase their visions to a curated network of active investors.<\/p>\n

Championing diversity in the startup ecosystem<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The pitch events, a core component of the SCALE EXPO at London\u2019s Business Design Centre (22\u201323 April), focus on breaking down barriers for founders who have traditionally faced hurdles in securing capital.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Ballester will be joining fellow industry leaders, including Head Judges Dwain Reid (Forbes Family Group) and Liz Barclay (Institute of Directors), to provide practical feedback and identify the UK\u2019s next great success stories in two separate competitions focused on encouraging more female and underrepresented founders.<\/p>\n

With 20 years experience driving growth for startups, Xavier Ballester is a leading figure in the UK\u2019s startup ecosystem. As Director of Brokerage at Angel Investment Network (AIN), Xavier and his team have guided over 500 companies through the complexities of fundraising, facilitating more than \u00a3150 million in early-stage capital.<\/p>\n

Commenting on the partnership, Xavier Ballester said:<\/p>\n

\u201cOpportunities like SCALE are important for building a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem. Underrepresented entrepreneurs including female founders, bring unique perspectives and solutions, driving meaningful change across industries. AIN\u2019s mission is to democratise access to capital by opening up more opportunities for a wider pool of entrepreneurs. Investors in our network understand that diversity is not just a \u2018nice to have,\u2019 it is a competitive advantage.\u201d<\/p>\n

About SCALE EXPO & SUMMIT 2026<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The event is set to convene over <\/strong>4,000 founders and operators alongside 100+ growth partners. While the SCALE EXPO offers free-to-attend workshops and exhibitions focused on tech, talent, and tools, the SCALE SUMMIT provides a more intimate environment for 500 select guests, alongside a media partnership with CityAM. AIN members can receive a 20% discount for the summit.<\/p>\n

Key highlights of the 2026 program include:<\/strong><\/p>\n