Sifted, a leading European technology publication, has announced its first-ever acquisition, purchasing the startup events company Onstage. This strategic deal integrates Onstage's flagship Demo Day and Deploy events into Sifted's portfolio. The move signals Sifted's ambition to support entrepreneurs across the entire startup lifecycle, from initial pitch to scaleup.
Expanding Sifted's Ecosystem Reach
The acquisition marks a deliberate expansion for Sifted, which has historically focused on the scaleup segment of the market. Sifted CEO Florencia Schiavon noted that the timeline from startup to scaleup is rapidly shortening. This creates a clear opportunity for Sifted to engage with and support founders at a much earlier stage.
By incorporating Onstage, Sifted aims to build a stronger community around emerging companies and amplify their stories. The deal complements Sifted's annual Summit, which caters to established scaleups, creating a comprehensive platform for European tech. This integration aligns perfectly with the company's mission to cover the full entrepreneurial journey.
A New Chapter for Onstage
Founded in 2020 by Hector Mason and Taos Edmonson, Onstage quickly established itself as a key player in the startup scene. Its Demo Day event became a premier platform for founders to connect with influential investors. Companies that have presented at the event have gone on to raise more than £500 million in funding.
The event attracts significant interest, with over 2,000 founders applying each cycle to pitch to a network of over 330 VC firms. This network includes prominent names such as Sequoia, Andreessen Horowitz, and Balderton. Onstage's other key event, Deploy, connects venture capital firms with the limited partners who back them.
According to cofounder Issie James, joining Sifted is the natural next step for the company's growth. While Onstage successfully built a critical mass of VCs, it sought the broader audience that Sifted provides. The partnership allows Onstage to expand its reach while preserving the community-focused model that made it successful.
Ensuring Continuity and Future Growth
Both companies have confirmed that Onstage's operational model will remain unchanged following the acquisition. Demo Day will continue to be free for founders, with no fees or equity requirements for participation. The selection process will also remain impartial, managed by an independent board that chooses participating startups.
This commitment to continuity ensures the platform's integrity and value proposition for early-stage companies. Cofounder Hector Mason stated that Sifted's extensive reach will attract the best founders and investors, which is vital for the event's success. The next Demo Day is scheduled for October, with Issie James remaining to oversee the transition.
It is important to clarify that the acquisition is strictly limited to Onstage's events business. The Onstage Fund and its related special purpose vehicle activities are not part of the transaction. These investment arms will continue to operate as separate, independent entities.
This acquisition represents a significant consolidation within the European technology media and events landscape. The union of Sifted's scaleup-focused platform and Onstage's early-stage network creates a powerful, end-to-end resource for founders. Ultimately, the partnership is poised to strengthen the entire ecosystem by supporting companies from their very first pitch to market leadership.