Three London-based start-ups have won funding after pitching their ventures to a panel of business leaders in Deliveroo’s annual Big Pitch event.
The Big Pitch is a dedicated event organised by Deliveroo for its riders who have also founded their own businesses, giving the opportunity to pitch for an equity-free grant.
The latest competition attracted more than 2,000 rider applicants. Each participant received support and training through Lynx Educate, one of our partners, which provides riders with free access to more than 1,500 courses. Deliveroo also teamed up with Maynard Leigh Associates to provide additional tips and presentation skills to help them succeed.
Hudjo, an app to tackle bike theft, along with Deaf Animation World, educational resources to support inclusive learning and Riches Tailoring, a bespoke African menswear business, were this year’s winners.
The judging panel of industry leaders included Deliveroo’s Co-Founder and CEO Will Shu and Jessica Markowski, its Regional Director for London; Joseph Sutton, Group Convenience, Online & Wholesale Director at Morrisons; and Catherine Dodd, a previous winner of the Big Pitch and founder of Catherine’s Originals, a thriving vegan chocolate company.
Camilla Kater, SVP of Care and Rider at Deliveroo, said: “At Deliveroo we’re committed to supporting entrepreneurialism and empowering riders to innovate - that’s why we started the Big Pitch. Hudjo, Deaf Animation World and Riches Tailoring all embody that spirit with their inspiring ventures - providing innovative business solutions to everyday issues in London and beyond. We’re thrilled to be playing a part in supporting them on this journey.”
