IBTM World Ignite 2026 is offering start-ups and scale-ups access to up to £3.5 million in potential investment capital, alongside investor connections, business coaching and commercial opportunities, as the global business events exhibition confirms the remaining investors joining its Ignite programme.
Taking place in Barcelona from 17–19 November 2026, IBTM World will bring emerging businesses together with experienced investors, industry leaders and potential customers through the Ignite initiative. The programme is designed to help ambitious companies secure investment, strengthen their business strategies and accelerate growth across the business events industry.
IBTM World Ignite 2026 Connects Start-ups with Investors
Delivered by IBTM World in partnership with specialist growth consultancy allpoints, the Ignite programme aims to connect innovative start-ups and scale-ups with investors actively seeking opportunities in the events industry and its wider technology and services ecosystem.
With up to £3.5 million in potential investment available across the participating cohort, IBTM World Ignite 2026 provides a platform for founders looking to expand their businesses, develop new products and services, and establish stronger commercial relationships within the international events market.
The programme brings together an investor group with substantial experience in building, acquiring, investing in and exiting businesses. Collectively, the cohort represents more than 25 successful exits, acquisitions and investments, offering participating entrepreneurs access to valuable commercial knowledge and investment expertise.
Coaching and Investment Readiness Support for Entrepreneurs
Ahead of IBTM World 2026, participating start-ups and scale-ups will receive dedicated coaching and investment-readiness support from allpoints. The preparation programme is designed to help founders refine their investment propositions, communicate their business potential effectively and identify opportunities aligned with the changing needs of the business events industry.
Through this support, entrepreneurs can strengthen their pitches, improve their understanding of investor expectations and prepare to engage with potential funding partners during the exhibition.
For emerging businesses, investment readiness can play an important role in attracting funding and establishing long-term partnerships. The Ignite programme combines preparation with direct investor access, helping participants make better use of the opportunities available at IBTM World.
Future Stage Pitching and International Business Opportunities
A key feature of IBTM World Ignite 2026 will be the opportunity for participating businesses to pitch their ideas and investment propositions on the Future Stage. This platform will allow founders to present their solutions, demonstrate their commercial potential and connect with investors and industry professionals.
Beyond pitching, participants will be able to network with investors, explore partnerships and access IBTM World’s buyer diary. The diary enables pre-scheduled meetings with potential customers from across the global business events industry, creating opportunities for businesses to develop commercial relationships alongside their investment discussions.
By bringing funding opportunities and customer connections together, Ignite aims to help start-ups move beyond investor presentations and explore practical routes to market. The programme offers access to a broader international community of event organisers, buyers, technology providers and business events professionals.
Allpoints Highlights the Value of Investor Access
Max Fellows, Founder and CEO of allpoints, highlighted the importance of combining potential investment with practical business preparation and access to the international events community.
He explained that while £3.5 million in potential investment attracts attention, the programme offers considerably more than funding opportunities. Participating founders will meet pre-qualified investors actively looking for opportunities, supported by individuals with first-hand experience of growing, acquiring, investing in and exiting businesses.
Fellows also emphasised the importance of preparing entrepreneurs before the exhibition. Through coaching and investment-readiness support, founders will be better positioned to take advantage of investor meetings, Future Stage presentations and the buyer diary.
The combination of investor access, potential customers and thousands of buyers and event professionals attending IBTM World creates opportunities for start-ups to explore investment and commercial growth within a single international platform.
IBTM World Encourages the Next Generation of Businesses
Claudia Hall, Exhibition Director at IBTM World, said Ignite provides start-ups and scale-ups with access to investment, expertise, potential customers and an international industry community in one place.
The initiative reflects IBTM World’s commitment to supporting emerging businesses and helping innovative companies connect with the people and opportunities needed to accelerate their growth.
For founders operating in event technology, event services and related business sectors, the programme offers a way to introduce new ideas to investors and potential customers while building connections across the global business events ecosystem.
IBTM World aims to encourage the next generation of businesses to use the exhibition as a platform for developing partnerships, gaining industry visibility and exploring opportunities for expansion.
Limited Start-up Places Remain Available for Ignite 2026
Start-up places for the IBTM World Ignite programme remain available, although spaces are limited as the final cohort takes shape ahead of the November exhibition.
Successful applicants will gain access to the full programme, including investor introductions, coaching, investment-readiness support, Future Stage pitching opportunities and the dedicated Ignite Lounge. Participants will also benefit from access to the IBTM diary and the wider international community of buyers and event professionals attending the exhibition.
For eligible start-ups and scale-ups seeking investment, customer relationships and international exposure, Ignite presents an opportunity to engage directly with experienced investors and key stakeholders in the business events sector.
IBTM World 2026: Event Details
Event: IBTM World 2026
Programme: Ignite
Dates: 17–19 November 2026
Venue: Fira Barcelona Gran Via, Barcelona, Spain
Investment opportunity: Up to £3.5 million in potential investment across the cohort
Programme partner: allpoints
Target participants: Start-ups and scale-ups in the events industry and its wider technology and service ecosystem
Key opportunities: Investor introductions, business coaching, investment-readiness support, Future Stage pitching, networking and pre-scheduled buyer meetings
About IBTM World
IBTM World is an international business events exhibition that connects professionals from across the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions sector. The event provides a platform for networking, business development, industry insights and commercial partnerships, bringing together event planners, destinations, venues, suppliers and other industry stakeholders.
Through initiatives such as Ignite, IBTM World also supports emerging businesses seeking to develop innovative solutions and establish a stronger presence in the global business events market.
As the 2026 edition approaches, the Ignite programme is positioning itself as an opportunity for start-ups and scale-ups to connect investment with practical business development. With potential funding, experienced investors and international buyer access available through the initiative, participating businesses can use IBTM World to explore their next stage of growth.
