The Distribution Edge: What Actually Works + Open Mic Pitching

The Distribution Edge: Founders & Builders on What Actually Works + Open Mic Pitching You've built the product. Now what? On October 26, Rare Founders and AI Central bring together founders and solution providers for an evening on distribution - the factor that separates a good product from a growing one. Expect a live panel, open-mic pitching from the room, and a group of people solving the same problem you are. Hosted by Alex FioreFounder of AI Central (ChatGPT Central), an AI newsletter with 300,000+ subscribers. Interviewing: Becca WilliamsFounder and CEO of Antidote Communications, the data-driven comms agency she built from scratch in 2014. Over a decade running campaigns for John Lewis, Waitrose, Veuve Clicquot and Decoded, and named one of the Hot Topics Top 100 Tech PR Executives in the World. Jake McGwireHead of Product at beehiiv, the newsletter platform behind 150,000+ publications and 400 million+ monthly readers. Previously Head of Growth at Camplify, where he helped scale annual revenue from $1.6m to $25m and took the company to an ASX listing. Who this is for Founders, operators, and marketers who've built something good and are now wrestling with how to get it in front of people. What to expect A live panel hosted by Alex Fiore, interviewing Becca Williams and Jake McGwire on what's actually working in distribution right now, not theory Open-mic pitching - founders get pulled on stage at random for 1 minute to share what they're building (no pitching services, no pre-booked slots) Real Q&A, straight from the room Networking breaks built in so you can actually talk to the speakers and founders after Why you should come Hear from a growth operator who scaled a startup to a public listing and a PR CEO who's turned comms into revenue for major brands Get the chance to pitch what you're building to the whole room Ask the questions that actually matter Meet founders and operators solving the same growth problem you are Agenda 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM - Arrival & Networking 7:00 PM - 7:10 PM - Welcome & Intro 7:10 PM - 7:50 PM - Panel: Alex Fiore interviews Becca Williams and Jake McGwire 7:50 PM - 8:10 PM - Networking Break 8:10 PM - 8:20 PM - Open Mic Pitching, Round 1 (5-6 founders, randomly selected, 1 minute each) 8:20 PM - 8:40 PM - Networking Break 8:40 PM - 9:00 PM - Open Mic Pitching, Round 2 (randomly selected, 1 minute each) 9:00 PM - 10:00 PM - Final Networking Sponsors & Partners! Rare Founders Rare Founders is one of the largest and fastest-growing startup communities in the United Kingdom, bringing together over 25,000 founders and investors. Headquartered in London, the organization is dedicated to providing real access, networking, and fundraising opportunities for the tech and startup ecosystem. AI Central Media Headquartered in London, AI Central Media is an e-learning and media company reaching more than 300,000 readers across the US, UK and Europe. Through its publications and original content, it teaches C-suite leaders, managers and knowledge workers the tools, prompts and workflows that help them put AI to work. The team also provides live coverage of leading AI and tech events, including Cannes Lions, London Tech Week, SXSW and The AI Summit. Since 2023, it has worked with more than 100 AI companies, SaaS platforms and education brands to reach senior decision-makers and turn attention into pipeline. ​​​Carta Carta is the equity management platform trusted by 50,000+ companies and 1M+ employees globally from incorporation to exit. They help manage ownership, share plans, fundraising, valuations and compliance at every stage. As of 2026, Carta Launch is free for early-stage founders, and it just got more powerful. Set up your cap table, issue equity, and now prepare your Advance Assurance application using an AI-powered wizard. Everything UK founders need to get investor-ready, from day one. Find out more. ​The Ministry Hosted at The Ministry - Borough’s iconic creative members’ club and workspace, built by the team behind Ministry of Sound. Set inside a beautifully restored Victorian printworks, it features stylish lounges, studios, a gym, a buzzing bar, and everything designed for founders and creators to collide. With flexible day passes, wellness spaces, great coffee and a culture-driven vibe, it’s the perfect home for bold ideas and unforgettable events.