FAQs
The deadline for entries is Friday 13 February 2026, at 23:59.
Firms who advise the European private equity industry are invited to enter.
No, entering the awards is completely FREE.
Yes. Application forms are only seen by the judging panel, and all information contained within is kept private. If we do wish to make any elements of the application form public (typically for winners' profiles) we will request your permission first.
All nominations that we receive online will be assessed by our Drawdown editorial team. Successful entries will then be passed on to our panel of judges, who will meet, deliberate and decide a winner.
Our shortlist announcement will take place in March 2026.
Winners will be announced at the Awards Ceremony taking place on Thursday 11 June 2026 at London’s Marriott Grosvenor Square hotel.
For any sponsorship enquiries please contact sales@realdealsmedia.com
Yes, finalists have to purchase tickets to attend the ceremony. Please contact Jen.rodrigues@realdealsmedia.com to book your attendance.
For table prices please contact jen.rodrigues@realdealsmedia.com
Thursday 11 June 2026 at The London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square.
18.00 Drinks reception
19:00 Dinner
21:00 The Drawdown Awards
23:00 Cash bar
01:00 Carriages
Dress Code: Black tie
Final timings will be confirmed 1 week out from the event
Who is required to submit a supporting video?
Entrants submitting to the Technology Categories will be advised during the submission process that a supporting video will be required if their entry is shortlisted.
What should my supporting video include?
As part of the judging process, we would like all finalists to provide a video demonstrating what sets their product or service apart from its competitors. This video should focus, where possible, on practical demonstrations of the technology's capabilities.
Why do we need a supporting video from you?
The reason we are asking for these videos is so the judges can refer to your submission and have a better insight into what your service or product does and provides. It’s essentially a demo video that will assist them in making a more informed decision, particularly if they are not already familiar with your product.
The purpose of the video is to demonstrate your product. Please do not worry about production values - the judges will only be evaluating the content of the video.
What should the format of the video be?
In terms of the format of the video, please feel free to provide your video in whatever format most effectively conveys the unique features and functionalities of your product or services.
How long should the video be?
The video should not exceed 10 minutes in length.
Who will see the video?
The video will be viewed by Drawdown staff and a small number (5-6) of external judges. These are senior operational professionals from fund managers. All are aware that all the materials are confidential and are treated in the same way as your submission.
Will the video be published anywhere?
Videos will not be published by The Drawdown.
How should we submit the video?
You can either submit a video at the time of your entry, or you will be required to send this over WeTransfer if your entry is shortlisted.
When do we need the supporting video by?
We do not need the video by the submission deadline, and you are not being judged on production values!
Videos will not be used in shortlisting, therefore we do not need your video by the entry deadline, although you are welcome to submit it now if you like. We will need videos for all shortlisted entries in the relevant categories by the time the judging portal opens at the end of March.