BUILDING ON SUCCESS: APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR GAMA SPEED PITCH 2026
MANCHESTER – 7th April 2026: Gama, a global provider of business information and services specializing in FMCG product innovation, international trade and investment, has today officially opened applications for the Gama Speed Pitch 2026. Following the resounding success of its debut last year, the dynamic pitching event will return to the Gama Innovation Conference & Awards (GICA) on Thursday 22nd October 2026, live from Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall.
The Gama Speed Pitch (private event) offers a unique platform for up to 12 founders of innovative FMCG start-ups and scale-ups to deliver compelling 3-minute pitches to an elite, international panel of over 50 investors. Building on the momentum of the inaugural edition, this year’s panel has been significantly strengthened, featuring a global network of private and institutional investors specifically engaged and eager to discover the next generation of consumer goods disruptors.
Once again hosted by Cris Arcangeli, Chief Executive Officer, Investor, Serial Entrepreneur and Shark Tank Brazil Host, the feature remains a cornerstone of the six-month Meet The Investor programme, which facilitates strategic pairings between high-growth businesses and investors looking to expand their consumer goods portfolios. In addition to the live pitch, successful applicants will benefit from dedicated space in the Innovation Zone, providing a high-visibility showcase to GICA’s audience of retail buyers, manufacturers, and industry leaders.
Commenting on the return of the event, Gama Founder & CEO Cesar Pereira said: “The first edition of the Gama Speed Pitch exceeded all expectations, proving there is an incredible appetite for a dedicated bridge between FMCG innovators and the investment community. This year, we are building on that success with a significantly strengthened investor network. We have engaged a panel of backers who are specifically looking for the agility and fresh thinking that SMEs bring to the sector, making this an unmissable opportunity for founders ready to scale”.
Further information and & how to apply
- April to September 2026: Interested companies are invited to apply by emailing Silvia Ruiz (silvia.ruiz@gamaconsumer.com) with an Investment Opportunity Summary (maximum 150 words). Summaries should include key details such as the current round value and minimum investment requirements.
- October 2026: The full Gama Speed Pitch lineup and timetable is announced to the investor panel.
- 22nd October 2026: The Gama Speed Pitch is held in the Bridgewater Hall, Manchester (private hybrid event open to Gama Speed Pitch participants and investors only).
- October 2026 to March 2027: Post-event, a Company Profile (including a recording of the Speed Pitch) will be promoted among our investor network.
GICA 2025 video highlights below:
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About GICA 2026
The 11th edition of the Gama Innovation Conference & Awards (GICA), will take place on Thursday 22nd October 2026 at The Bridgewater Hall in Manchester.
GICA 2026 is an invitation-only event and will welcome over 500 attendees from around the globe, including FMCG manufacturers, industry experts, retail buyers, hotels, airlines and investors.
Awarded in the disciplines of Product, Packaging, Positioning, Branding & Design, SME, Best of Britain, Best of Middle East, Health & Wellness, Travel, Hospitality, Sustainability and Technology, the Gama Innovation Awards go to the top new launches unearthed each month by Gama’s network of in-country researchers and analysts.
Winners are chosen through an international panel of expert judges based on a shortlist of innovative products.
About Gama
Gama is a global provider of business information and services specializing in product innovation, international trade and investment.
Through our worldwide network of over 200 experts in more than 50 countries, we offer high-quality news, research, analysis and partnering services. We deliver actionable insights, enabling you to make more informed decisions and supporting you to unlock new business opportunities.