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 Zone 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.
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, active environment.
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 Zone 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.
Exhibitor Success Stories
What our community says about ESS
Get InvolvedSpaces in the Start-up, Scale-up, Innovation & Investors Zone 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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