The Alliance Awards
Recognising the businesses shaping what comes next
The Alliance Awards celebrate exceptional early-stage and high-growth businesses that demonstrate creativity, commercial potential and thoughtful leadership.
Founded by Bridgewater Alliance, the Awards exist to recognise founders and teams building credible, meaningful businesses, and to give those stories the platform they deserve.
The Awards are a celebration of entrepreneurship, innovation and execution.
They are not an investment competition and do not constitute an investment solicitation.
Why the Alliance Awards Exist
Too many great businesses go unseen.
The Alliance Awards were created to:
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Recognise outstanding founders and early-stage companies
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Highlight businesses with strong commercial and cultural impact
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Provide credible, independent recognition
The Awards Event
The Alliance Awards are presented annually at a London ceremony attended by founders, investors and ecosystem leaders.
The event features:
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An independent judging panel of recognised industry figures
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Shortlisted founder stories showcased through film and editorial
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A curated audience of founders, investors and advisors
The ceremony is designed to be thoughtful, celebratory and professional.
Judging & Integrity
All entries are reviewed by an independent judging panel.
Judging considers:
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Vision and leadership
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Quality of execution
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Commercial understanding
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Governance and long-term thinking
Shortlisting or winning does not imply endorsement or investment recommendation.
Award Categories
Categories may evolve each year to reflect the ecosystem.
Core Categories
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Founder of the Year
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Early-Stage Business of the Year
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Growth Business of the Year
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Creative Commerce Award
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Innovation with Impact
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Sustainable Growth Award
Judges’ Commendation
A discretionary award recognising exceptional integrity, leadership or resilience.
Who Can Enter
The Alliance Awards are open to:
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Early-stage and growth-stage businesses
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Founder-led companies
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UK-based and internationally active businesses with a UK presence
Alliance membership is not required to enter.
What Finalists Receive
Finalists benefit from:
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Independent recognition
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Visibility through Bridgewater editorial and media
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Attendance at the Awards ceremony
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Enhanced credibility with investors, partners and peers
The Alliance Awards are about signal, not prizes.
Key Dates
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Nominations open: Spring
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Nominations close: Late Summer
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Shortlist announced: Autumn
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Awards Ceremony: November
Important Note
The Alliance Awards are operated by Bridgewater Alliance, a publishing and events company.
They do not involve investment advice, fundraising or capital allocation.
Closing Line
The Alliance Awards recognise founders building businesses that deserve to be seen, understood and respected.
