Pitch@Palace

Pitch@Palace was a global entrepreneurial initiative founded in 2014 by Prince Andrew, Duke of York. Operating as a platform rather than a traditional venture capital fund, its core mission was to connect entrepreneurs with a vast network of investors, mentors, and business leaders. A distinguishing feature of Pitch@Palace was its commitment to not taking any equity stake in the participating companies, nor imposing any restrictions on their future operations. This model aimed to maximize the benefits for the entrepreneurs by providing exposure, guidance, and access to capital without diluting their ownership.

The initiative organized a series of pitching competitions and boot camps held across the United Kingdom and internationally. These events served as a crucial forum for startups and scale-ups to present their innovations to a curated audience of potential funders and strategic partners. The program emphasized mentorship and networking, offering participants invaluable opportunities to refine their business models and expand their professional connections on a global scale.

While Pitch@Palace itself did not directly provide investment, it was highly effective in facilitating significant capital for its alumni. Reports indicated that by 2019, companies participating in Pitch@Palace had collectively secured over £112 million in investment from third-party sources. Furthermore, the platform was credited with generating more than £1.1 billion in economic activity for the UK economy. The program's success was largely measured by its ability to unlock external funding and foster economic growth through its extensive network.

Operations for Pitch@Palace were suspended in late 2019 amid controversies surrounding its founder. Despite its cessation, its legacy remains as a unique model that prioritized entrepreneurial growth through connection and facilitation, rather than direct equity investment.