What Is Barclays Demo Directory?

"We’re passionate about getting founders in front of investors, helping them be seen by hundreds of potential backers all in one place.” — Mark Walker, Barclays Eagle Labs

The Barclays Demo Directory is a free, sector-agnostic platform designed to help UK-based startups and scale-ups connect with business angels, venture capitalists, private equity firms, and family offices. The goal is simple: make investor discovery easier, reducing the scattergun approach and increasing the chances of meaningful connections.

Key Facts:

• 450+ active investors browsing for opportunities.

• 216 live funding applications currently listed.

• Over £900M in funding requested since launch.

• Startups at all stages are welcome, from pre-seed to Series A+.

Unlike traditional investor introductions, the Demo Directory gives investors a filtered experience, ensuring they only see businesses relevant to their interests—whether by funding stage, sector, or location.

The Three Biggest Challenges Founders Face in Fundraising

1. Scattered Outreach & No Clear Strategy

Too many founders blindly send pitch decks via LinkedIn or email, hoping for a response. This is a waste of time and effort. Investors prefer targeted pitches that align with their investment thesis and interests.

Solution: The Barclays Demo Directory ensures that your pitch reaches the right investors by allowing them to filter and browse based on their own criteria. This means your business is seen by the right people, not just anyone.

2. Navigating Investor Expectations

"If you're pre-revenue, the ‘achievements to date’ section is critical. Investors want to see traction—even if it's just beta users, partnerships, or early adoption." — Mark Walker

Many founders underestimate the importance of showcasing traction. Whether it's user growth, revenue milestones, or product validation, investors want to see progress.

Solution: The Demo Directory prompts founders to highlight key milestones, ensuring their profiles showcase the most relevant information to potential investors.

3. The Funding Landscape is Complex

"Equity? Grants? Crowdfunding? Many founders don’t even know which type of funding they should be going for." — Mark Walker

Many early-stage businesses don’t have a clear funding strategy and aren’t sure whether to pursue venture capital, grants, or alternative finance options.

Solution: Barclays also offers the Funding Readiness Program, a free initiative helping founders understand different funding routes, from equity investment to crowdfunding and grants. This 10-week program helps businesses refine their fundraising approach before diving into investor outreach.

How to Get Listed on Barclays Demo Directory

"Founders don’t need to be revenue-generating to join the directory. We have businesses raising anywhere from £10,000 to £20M." — Mark Walker

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Sign Up: Create a profile on the Demo Directory website (free for UK-based startups).

2. Complete Your Business Profile: Include details about your product, team, traction, and funding requirements.

3. Upload Media: Add a short video pitch and supporting images to make your listing stand out.

4. Go Live: Once approved, your profile is visible to 450+ investors.

5. Investor Outreach: Investors browse and filter opportunities, and if interested, they reach out directly to you.

Timeframe: Once submitted, profiles typically go live within a few days.

What Types of Investors Are on the Platform?

The investor mix includes:

• Early-Stage VCs (32%) – Funding rounds of £500K to £2M.

• Later-Stage VCs (28%) – Investments above £2M.

• Business Angels (18%) – Individual investors backing startups.

• High-Net-Worth Individuals (15%) – Private investors with multiple startup investments.

The platform is actively growing its angel investor base, making it an attractive option for businesses seeking early-stage funding.

Is Barclays Demo Directory Right for You?

"Demo Directory is not about transactions—it’s about discovery. Investors find businesses that match their interests, and conversations happen from there." — Mark Walker

This platform is best suited for:
✅ Early-stage startups seeking their first funding round.
✅ Growth-stage businesses looking for VC or private equity funding.
✅ Founders who want structured visibility without cold outreach.
✅ Companies in all industries, from SaaS to consumer products to deep tech.

It’s not for: ❌ Businesses outside the UK.
❌ Companies not actively raising capital.

Final Thoughts

For founders navigating the fundraising landscape in 2025, Barclays Demo Directory offers a structured, targeted way to get in front of investors without endless cold emails and LinkedIn messages.

With over 450 investors and £900M+ in funding requests, it’s a no-brainer for UK startups and scale-ups looking to connect with serious investors.

👉 Want to get started? Check out the Barclays Demo Directory [here] and start building your investor connections today.

For those looking to sharpen their pitch before applying, the Funding Readiness Program is a free way to gain clarity on the right funding approach for your business.