Built to support the creative ecosystem
Zealous is a visual submissions management platform trusted across every industry. We help you run better open calls, awards, and competitions – so you can focus on finding & celebrating exceptional talent.
Built independent (and staying that way)
Founded by someone who chose creativity over convention, we answer to no shareholders. This means we stay true to our roots: supporting the creative sector while serving organisations everywhere.
Image Zealous HQ 2015
Creative-sector roots, universal appeal
When you build for the creative sector’s demanding needs – rich portfolios, visual storytelling, complex judging – you build something universally powerful. That’s why foundations, corporations, and agencies across every sector choose Zealous.
Built for deep human storytelling
Creative submissions demand more than forms and checkboxes. We built a platform that showcases work fully and enables fair evaluation. Great talent deserves better than a PDF and a prayer.
Image by Lee-Ann Olwage, winner of the 2021 Global Health 50/50 Contest
Fueling the virtuous circle
Every program you run creates opportunities. Every opportunity advances creators. Emerging talent inspires the next generation. This virtuous circle strengthens the entire creative ecosystem – and we exist to fuel it.
Image of our team at the Emerge Awards 2018
Our story (so far)
Zealous is born
The first version launches
Pivot to opportunities
Creative Festival
Forbes & awards
Team & tech growth
Festival (part deux)
Dialog through Meetups
Emerge awards
Stories
Covid response
Amplifying social issues
100,000 creators
Our logo changes
Going international
Our values
When big decisions need to be made, our values act as our true north.
Profit with purpose
Growing your impact means meaningfully growing ours. Our profits amplify our ambition to unlock opportunities for the creative sector globally
Built on transparency
The best ideas come from anyone in our community. We share our findings openly and love feedback – good (and bad)
Always better
We are building a place for all creators one brick at a time. Each day we grow and evolve our product and community engagement
Human
Our product was built to celebrate people; this extends across our communications and actions. We are people, not bots
Sharing is caring
We’re only ever a click away should you wish to share feedback with us
News
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zealous?
Zealous is an independent visual submissions management platform that helps organizations run open calls, awards, and competitions. Founded in 2011 to support the creative sector, we now serve organizations across every industry.
When and where was Zealous founded?
Zealous was founded in London in 2011 by Guy Armitage. The idea was born in a cupcake shop in Cairo, and we’re now based in Battersea, London.
Is Zealous an independent company?
Yes, Zealous is an independent company with no external shareholders. This allows us to stay true to our mission of supporting the creative sector while serving organizations globally.
Who uses Zealous?
Foundations, corporations, agencies, and arts organizations across every sector use Zealous. Our clients range from Saatchi and the British Library to innovation programs and grant administrators worldwide.
How many creators has Zealous supported?
Nearly 200,000 creators have used Zealous to submit to programs and opportunities.
What makes Zealous different?
Zealous was built specifically for creative submissions with rich visual portfolios and complex judging needs. We’re rooted in the creative sector but trusted across all industries. Our pricing plans are flexible and affordable.
Where is Zealous based?
We’re based in Battersea, London.
