PLANIT26
The twelve moments that shape outcomes for start-ups and scale-ups in 2026.
Why we made PLANIT26
Founders and business leaders are bombarded with predictions, trends and 'hot takes' every January.
But in our experience, successful growth is less about reacting to noise and more about being ready for the moments that reliably shape results.
Across funding, hiring, communications and strategic planning, the same inflection points appear year after year.
PLANIT 26 brings them together in one clear view of the year ahead.
WHAT'S INSIDE
The 12 moments in 2026 that matter most for growing businesses
JANUARY
The fresh capital window
Many investors reset mandates in Q1. Clear narrative work at this point attracts disproportionate attention.
FEBRUARY
Budget season prep (UK)
The March Budget shapes incentives for R&D, hiring and growth. Preparation matters more than reaction.
MARCH
Spring budget & hiring peak
The most active pre-Easter window for talent movement and visibility.
APRIL
New rules kick in
Tax year changes and regulatory updates land across data, AI, employment and governance.
MAY
Founder visibility season
Peak conference, awards and media opportunity before summer slowdown.
JUNE
Funding half time
Half-year reviews determine which businesses receive second-half attention.
JULY
Tech & culture convergence
Cultural moments offer lower-cost opportunities for category storytelling.
AUGUST
Planning season starts
Externally quiet. Internally decisive. Budgets and priorities begin forming.
SEPTEMBER
Return of the money
The most important month of the year for announcements and launches.
OCTOBER
Regulation & risk month
AI regulation, safety standards and reporting sharpen toward year-end.
NOVEMBER
Comms pressure test
Narrative strength is assessed by markets, media and investors.
DECEMBER
Deals & decisions
Final approvals, M&A activity and planning sign-offs shape the year ahead.
WHO PLANIT26 IS FOR
PLANIT 26 is designed for business leaders who are:
- scaling post-Series A
- preparing for Series B or C funding
- navigating accelerated growth
- thinking about long-term value creation, sale or acquisition
It’s particularly relevant for founders, CEOs, CMOs, CFOs and senior operators responsible for growth decisions.
WHO WE ARE
ABOUT ROWNTREE²
Rowntree² provides senior marketing and communications support to ambitious businesses looking for scale, sale or acquisition.
We build your story, presence and credibility. We add structure, clarity and momentum. We refine who you are and how you show up. And we provide ongoing support when you’re not yet ready for a full in-house team.
PLANIT 26 reflects how we see the year unfold in practice, not theory.
drive impact in 2026
Get your copy of the PLANIT26 Calendar