The Investment Gateway to Scalable Environmental Solutions
Recognising that early-stage and growth-stage businesses often face barriers to exhibiting at major trade events - from limited budgets to a lack of visibility or investor connections - the Start-up, Scale-up, Innovation & Investors Network at ESS Expo is designed to level the playing field and connect innovation with the communities that help it scale.
This dedicated zone serves as a collaborative ecosystem that brings together start-ups, scale-ups, SMEs, investors, banks, funding bodies, legal advisers, private equity firms and corporate buyers in one highly visible, dynamic setting; showcasing investment-ready start-ups and scale-ups developing commercially proven technologies and services across the sector.
Emerging companies benefit from a low-cost, high-impact platform to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with established industry leaders, while gaining direct access to 16,000+ industry professionals, including government representatives, financiers, venture capitalists, institutional investors, major brands and sustainability decision-makers - all actively looking for new environmental solutions, partnerships and investment opportunities.
Why get involved?
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Direct Access to Capital & Buyers
Meet the people who help businesses scale. Engage face-to-face with venture capital firms, angel investors, banks, private equity groups, corporate procurement teams and public sector buyers, all under one roof and actively sourcing innovation within the environmental sector. -
Inclusion in the ESS Innovation Trail
All participating start-ups are featured in the show’s official Innovation Trail, a curated visitor route that shines a spotlight on emerging technologies and fresh thinking - drawing extra attention to your stand from press, delegates, and partners. -
Participation in the Investors Workshop
Take part in a dedicated programme designed to demystify funding and growth. Hear directly from investors, fund managers, banks, legal advisers and M&A specialists about what they look for in green ventures - from investment readiness and valuation to governance, legal structures and exit strategies. Expect interactive panels, Q&A sessions and real-world case studies from both founders and funders. -
Media, Marketing & PR Exposure
Gain extended reach beyond the exhibition floor through pre-show exhibitor spotlights, social media features and potential ESS press coverage, helping you raise your profile with customers, partners and investors before, during and after the event. -
Connections with Accelerators, Advisors & Growth Partners
Network with incubators, accelerators, legal firms, financial advisors and sustainability support organisations who can offer mentoring, funding guidance, compliance expertise and long-term partnership opportunities to support your next phase of growth.
Who can exhibit?
Start-ups: Up to 3 years old, never exhibited at ESS Expo prior.
Scale-ups: 3-7 years old, expanding nationally or internationally, never exhibited at ESS Expo prior.
SMEs Seeking to Scale: Established small to medium-sized enterprises looking for a cost-effective way to reach new markets, launch innovations, or attract investors within a high-traffic exhibition.
Whether you’re venture-backed or bootstrapped, product-ready or at prototype stage, if you have a bold idea and a clear environmental mission, this is where you’ll be seen!
The Start-up, Scale-up, Innovation & Investors Network is tailored for early-stage companies offering disruptive solutions to today's environmental challenges. If you're working in any of the following sectors, then ESS Expo could be your launchpad:
- Clean-tech & green energy
- Circular economy & reuse/recycling systems
- Waste reduction technologies
- Water purification, conservation & smart systems
- Emissions reduction & air quality monitoring
- Nature-based solutions & green infrastructure
- Data, AI, or software platforms enabling sustainability
- Low-impact materials, packaging, or product design
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Designed for Investors, Funders & Strategic Partners
Are you actively seeking to invest in, acquire or partner with emerging environmental businesses, or to identify innovations that can scale within your organisation?
If you’re a:
- Venture capitalist, angel investor or private equity firm
- Bank or funding organisation supporting green growth
- Corporate investor or acquirer
- Legal, advisory or professional services firm working with scale-ups
…this is where you’ll find founders ready for funding conversations, strategic partnerships and commercial growth discussions - all in one focused area of ESS Expo. This is a curated source of deal flow, partnerships, and future exits.
Upcoming Webinar: Private Equity Investment in the UK Waste Sector
For founders, operators, investors, and growth-stage businesses exploring funding options, this free webinar offers practical insight into how private equity is shaping the UK waste and environmental services market. Hear directly from experienced investors and operators as they discuss what makes a business investment-ready, how consolidation is driving opportunity, and how external capital can support sustainable growth and strategic acquisitions.
📅 26 March 2026 | 10:30am | Free to attend
Exhibitor Success Stories
What our community says about ESS
Get InvolvedSpaces in the Start-up, Scale-up, Innovation & Investors Network are limited. Secure your place today and showcase your organisation to thousands of environmental professionals attending ESS Expo looking to source products and services just like yours.
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