Angel Investment Network (AIN) is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with SCALE EXPO & SUMMIT 2026, the UK’s flagship event for high-growth scaleups and investors.

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

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.

Championing diversity in the startup ecosystem

The pitch events, a core component of the SCALE EXPO at London’s Business Design Centre (22–23 April), focus on breaking down barriers for founders who have traditionally faced hurdles in securing capital. 

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’s next great success stories in two separate competitions focused on encouraging more female and underrepresented founders.

With 20 years experience driving growth for startups, Xavier Ballester is a leading figure in the UK’s 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 £150 million in early-stage capital.

Commenting on the partnership, Xavier Ballester said:

“Opportunities 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’s 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 ‘nice to have,’ it is a competitive advantage.”

About SCALE EXPO & SUMMIT 2026

The event is set to convene over 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.

Key highlights of the 2026 program include:

• The Launchpad Stage: Live pitches from female and underrepresented founders.
• Women Who Scale: Dedicated content and spotlighting for female-led scaleups.
• Scale Summit: Exclusive fireside chats with iconic entrepreneurs and curated roundtables on access to global markets.
• Expert Backing: Support from industry heavyweights including EISA, BVCA, and the Global Entrepreneurship Network UK.

Sam North, Co-founder and CEO of SCALE, emphasizes that the next decade of UK growth depends on these connections: “We’re bringing together the people who build and back high-growth businesses at the moment when UK founders need them most.”

AIN members can REGISTER HERE 

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