What to expect at StartUp Show 2024

The UK’s biggest and best start-up event returns in person on Saturday, 27 January, as Enterprise Nation’s flagship event, StartUp Show, rolls into King’s College London.

Providing budding entrepreneurs with access to over 100 inspirational speakers across a multitude of themed zones, not to mention networking opportunities aplenty, StartUp Show is unmissable for anybody with dreams of starting or growing a business.

This year’s event will feature 13 business-related zones – each delivered by experts to support you on your entrepreneurial journey. Here's a rundown of the StartUp Show 2024 zones.

1. Keynote stage, in partnership with Monzo Business

The Keynote stage, in partnership with Monzo Business, will play host to some gargantuan names in the world of business, all providing their unique perspectives on achieving success.

Keynote speakers include:

• Why 2024 is the year to start your dream business: Emma Jones, founder of Enterprise Nation, and Julie Devonshire, director of the Entrepreneurship Institute at King's College London, welcome you to the event

• How I started, scaled and sold – and what I learnt along the way: Featuring Rob Pierre, founder of Jellyfish

• My journey to becoming one of Europe's best-known entrepreneurs: Featuring Mark Dixon, founder and CEO of IWG

• Retail stars: How to open a pop-up or full-on store: Featuring Connie Nam, founder of Astrid & Miyu, John Hoyle, founder of Sook and Jake Bucknall, co-founder of Dinner for One Hundred

• From bedroom to IPO: Scaling a business with the right support: Featuring Chris Forbes, co-founder of The Cheeky Panda, and Giles Brook, non-executive director

• Make me famous: How to get your brand out there: Featuring Angharad Carrick, reporter with This is Money and Mail Online, Amy Anzel, founder and CEO of Hollywood Browzer Beauty and Jennifer Sieg, SME journalist, City AM

• How to build a business for the long term: Featuring Teddie Levenfiche, co-founder of PerfectTed; Saasha Celestial-One, co-founder of Olio; and Sarah de Vere-Drummond, co-founder of Kip Hideaways

• Why individuals and start-ups will solve the challenges of the 21st century: James Wise, venture capitalist, technology commentator and author of Start-Up Century and James Hurley, assistant business editor, The Times

2. Start Me Up, in partnership with GS1 UK

If you’re looking for industry-specific advice, the Start Me Up zone, in partnership with GS1 UK, is for you. Hear from industry experts across the fashion, beauty, wellness, craft and food and drink sectors.

3. Business Essentials

If you’re thinking of making 2024 the year to start your business, head to the Business Essentials zone to understand the basics of turning your idea into a profitable business and the first steps to take.

4. The Digital Zone, in partnership with Vodafone Business

The Digital Zone, in partnership with Vodafone Business, will offer advice on the top digital trends and tools to use to grow your business in 2024.

• How to grow your business with cost-effective organic marketing, with Lorna Bladen, CMO of Enterprise Nation

Learn tips and tricks for building your customer base on a shoestring budget.

• How to form a digital marketing strategy, with Niki Hutchinson

Learn where to start when it comes to forming a digital marketing strategy to reach new customers online.

• How to attract more customers to your website, with Fab Giovanetti, founder, Alt Marketing School

Learn how to move customers through a digital marketing funnel, resulting in more customers landing on your website.

• How to build an email marketing strategy, with Minal Patel

If you need extra help with email marketing, this talk by marketing expert Minal Patel is for you.

• The best AI tools to help efficiency in small business

AI tools to help busy founders save time and automate processes throughout their business.

5. Let’s Get Social, in partnership with TikTok

Want to get your brand noticed across major social media platforms? Head to the Let’s Get Social zone, in partnership with TikTok, to hear tips from social media experts on how to grow your business in 2024.

Jump-start your growth with digital marketing resources to reach more people and drive results. Sign up now and get free one-on-one support for your account.

6. Show Me The Money, in partnership with Monzo Business

If you’re after advice on raising funds for your business and managing finances, visit financial experts in the Show Me The Money zone, in partnership with Monzo Business.

There will be sessions on accessing grants, raising cash and becoming profitable in your first year.

7. E-commerce Excellence

Want to start or grow an e-commerce business? The E-commerce Excellence zone has you covered. Understand how to build a successful e-commerce brand and grow your sales.

8. Make Me Famous

Discover how to increase the reach of your brand in 2024 through marketing and PR. Meet a panel of journalists, learn how to DIY your PR, leverage your personal brand and run a PR campaign when launching a new product.

9. Action Zone

Visit this zone, hosted by serial entrepreneur Henry Blanchard.

• Transform your business idea into tangible action

• Set up your social media accounts in just 45 minutes and get started!

• 1,000 connections: Learn how to network like a pro!

• Peer coaching and mentoring

• Set your start-up goals and meet an accountability buddy

10. Freelancers and Side Hustlers Zone

Hear top tips from people who have successfully built a business as a freelancer or side hustler.

• How to set achievable goals and take action, with Patricia van den Akker, founder of The Design Trust

• Thriving as freelancers and founders: Mastering health, happiness and play, with Vicky Critoph, founder of Happy Freelancer

• Plan today, profit tomorrow: How planning pays off, with Kathy Ennis, founder of Little Piggy

• Top tips for starting out as a freelancer, with Lauren Malone, a freelancer in event production

• Neuroscience sales for freelancers and side-hustlers, with Paul Durrant, founder of PDT sales consultancy

11. Small Business Zone

Meet the Enterprise Nation team to learn more about the organisation that powers StartUp Show.

Within this zone, you'll also find a small business market, resources for your business, and the opportunity to get a free headshot!

12. Business With Purpose Zone

Get the tools and inspiration to build a sustainable business that will have a positive impact.

13. King’s Entrepreneurship Institute

Do you have the idea but need to get it off the ground? Book a one-on-one mentoring slot with the King’s Entrepreneurship Institute. Come and talk about your business idea with someone who can provide you with insights and guidance on your next steps.

StartUp Show 2024 takes place at King's College London on Saturday, 27 January. You can also tune in to the Keynote stage live stream. Buy your tickets today.