Venturefest South announces strategic media partnership with Startups Magazine
Venturefest South (VFS) has announced a new strategic partnership with Startups Magazine, which will become an official media partner of the organisation and its 2026 Festival of Innovation.
The partnership will bring together the Venturefest South and Startups Magazine communities, helping more founders, entrepreneurs, and early-stage teams discover relevant opportunities, share knowledge, and build valuable connections.
VFS and Startups Magazine share a commitment to championing innovation and giving ambitious businesses the support and visibility they need to succeed. Startups Magazine’s mission is to empower founders and early-stage teams with the knowledge, visibility and community they need to thrive, based on the belief that every startup has a story worth telling and that shared knowledge drives progress for all.
This closely reflects the ethos of Venturefest South, a not-for-profit programme that brings together innovators, startups, investors, business leaders, researchers, and support organisations to strengthen the South’s innovation ecosystem.
The partnership builds on an existing relationship between the two organisations. Venturefest South was recently proud to be shortlisted as a finalist in the Outstanding Startup Support category at the Hustle Awards, organised and hosted by Startups Magazine.
Ed Gould, Chair of Venturefest South, said: “Startups Magazine shares our belief that founders thrive when they have access to the right knowledge, connections and opportunities. This partnership will help us connect two highly engaged communities and give more innovative businesses a platform on which to tell their stories, build relationships and accelerate their growth.
“Being shortlisted for Outstanding Startup Support at the Hustle Awards was a proud moment for everyone involved in Venturefest South. It recognised the contribution of our entire partner network and strengthened our relationship with the Startups Magazine team. We are excited to build on that relationship and welcome them to our Festival of Innovation in November.”
Anna Wood, Editor, Startups Magazine, said: “Venturefest South has built an impressive community around innovation, collaboration and practical support for growing businesses. Its ethos is strongly aligned with our mission to give founders and early-stage teams the knowledge, visibility and community they need to thrive.
“By connecting our audiences, we can introduce more entrepreneurs to valuable opportunities, amplify the stories of exciting businesses from across the South and help founders learn from one another. We are delighted to become an official media partner and look forward to being part of the Festival of Innovation.”
Startups Magazine will have a presence at Venturefest South’s 10th Anniversary Festival of Innovation, taking place on Wednesday 18 November 2026 at the Utilita Bowl, Southampton.
The Festival will bring together founders, startups, investors, corporates, researchers, and creatives for a high-energy day of inspiring talks, live showcases, fresh perspectives, and meaningful connections.
As part of the partnership, members of the Startups Magazine community are invited to apply for an Innovator space at the Festival. Selected innovators will have the opportunity to showcase their work to an audience of potential investors, partners, customers, and business leaders while benefiting from the wider support of the VFS network.
Startups Magazine readers can also access a special early bird ticket offer for the Festival – visit Venturefest South’s 10th Anniversary Festival of Innovation and use the code STARTUPSMAG to get 30% off a VFS ticket, subject to availability.
To apply for an Innovator space, visit Apply to be a #VFS Innovator
