Stelios Haji-Ioannou launches £300K prize for young UK entrepreneurs

Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, founder of the easy brand empire, has launched a £300,000 prize fund for young UK entrepreneurs. The competition targets high-growth startups led by founders aged 34 or under. Winners will receive cash grants, mentorship, and exposure to one of Britain's most successful business figures.

The Stelios Philanthropic Foundation is offering three prizes: £150,000 for first place, £100,000 for second, and £50,000 for third. To qualify, businesses must be UK-registered, generate at least £500,000 in annual revenue, and demonstrate strong leadership. Sir Stelios looks for rapid revenue growth (over 100% year-on-year), scalability, innovation, and positive social impact.

Applications close on **23 February 2026**, with winners announced on **31 March 2026**. The entrepreneur has a preference for consumer-facing businesses, valuing their relatability and market recognition. Beyond revenue, he assesses profitability, job creation, and long-term potential. Last year's winner, **Ayan Mohamed**, founded **Digitech Oasis**, a firm specialising in autonomous robotic solutions. The £100,000 prize helped the company expand operations and hire new staff. Winners also gain direct access to Sir Stelios for mentoring as they scale their ventures.

The competition builds on Sir Stelios' long-standing support for UK startups. His foundation has backed over 200 businesses through similar initiatives. For this year's entrants, the prizes offer both financial support and guidance from a seasoned entrepreneur.