Alibaba.com has announced the return of CoCreate Pitch Europe, its product-based start-up competition.
With prizes from a $1 million global fund shared across the scheme’s US and European editions, this year’s Europe event is part of CoCreate Europe in London on 19-20 November.
Judging the pitches will be former England footballer Rio Ferdinand, Dragons’ Den investor Deborah Meaden, entrepreneur and social media influencer Simon Squibb and Jonathan Anguelov, co-founder of French unicorn Aircall.
The top prize is $200,000, provided as 50% cash and 50% Alibaba.com credits. The second placed entrepreneur will receive $100,000 and the third will get $50,000.
Last year’s Europe winner was Harrison Nott, the 15-year-old founder behind UK small business CoolTowel.
Rio Ferdinand also judged the 2025 contest. SMEWeb attended the event and interviewed him before the pitches.
Speaking about what he looks for in a winning business, he said:
“The ability to be adaptable to new trends and new technology. For example, AI. Some business models don’t require it, but I think going forward, a lot of businesses will require it in some way to be able to scale.
“As important as the idea is the founder. It has to be somebody who’s charismatic and has the passion. You need to be able to see that they can lead and have entrepreneurial spirit.”
Applications for the 2026 competition are open until 16 October. More details here.
