Innovator and Start-up Visa endorsing bodies

The Bakery

The Bakery endorses bona-fide entrepreneurs who qualify for their corporate innovation programmes.

Bethnal Green Ventures

BGV is an early stage investor in tech for good companies who only endorse start-up entrepreneurs accepted onto their support programme.

Blue Orchid Enterprise Solutions Ltd

sectors: all
based in: Liverpool / Solihull
endorses business in: North West or West Midlands
intake on applications: Innovator and Start-up – all year round.
restrictions on applications: Blue Orchid will only endorse high growth start-ups who are working within their client base. Start-up applicants must be resident in the UK at the time of their application and are required to participate in Blue Orchid’s business Start-up training programme, including both mandatory workshops and 1-2-1 mentoring, which will incur a cost

Boardroom Advisors

Boardroom Advisors have 100+ Advisors (experts in finance, marketing, sales, IT, operations, strategy) and Regional Directors who have all scaled businesses and are experienced in helping others to scale and succeed. They have a tried and trusted Strategic Review model to help guide and mentor entrepreneurs, see Case Studies.

sector: All
based in: England
endorses businesses in: All
intake on applications: All year round

Britbots

An award-winning investment vehicle, active in supporting brilliant UK-based robotics, artificial intelligence and automation businesses since 2016.

sector: automation, robotics and related artificial intelligence
based in: East Anglia
endorses businesses in: UK-wide
intake on applications: all year round
restrictions on applications: participants must join the Britbots’ business mentoring programme

Capital Enterprise (IDEA London)

Capital Enterprise will only be endorsing founders within their community. Check back as this may change with time.

Cardiff Metropolitan University

Cardiff Metropolitan University will only be endorsing its own graduates who have previously been endorsed through the start-up route or who have been working closely with their Centre for Entrepreneurship.

They are able to endorse a wide variety of businesses and applications for this route are open all year round.

Community and Business Partners

Award winning business development organisation, supporting highly innovative, skilled individuals to help realise their entrepreneurial growth ambitions. They provide endorsements to clients in their Start-up and Innovation support programmes, that offer bespoke 1-2-1 support which will incur a cost.

sectors: all
based in: Blackburn, Lancashire
endorses business in: UK wide
intake on applications: all year round
restrictions on applications: selected endorsements for high-growth business opportunities across the UK

Consilium Consulting

Conslium is committed to supporting entrepreneurs to achieve their business vision. They offer a comprehensive, compulsory Mentoring Programme, Business Workshop, Networking and Funding opportunities to dynamic, innovative entrepreneurs across all sectors. Based in Cardiff, they prefer those seeking opportunities in Wales but will also consider opportunities in England and accept applications all year round.

sectors: all
based in: Cardiff
endorses business in: Wales and England
intake on applications: all year round
restrictions on applications: only members of Consilium Mentoring Programme

CyLon

CyLon is interested in hearing from emerging cyber security companies or entrepreneurs planning on setting up an innovative cyber start-up.

Deep Science Ventures

Apply if you are a scientist or engineer determined to start a deep science company.

DRS Business Solutions

DRSBS provides practical, commercial advice and consultancy to entrepreneurs on business strategy, planning, plans, forecasting and finances, delivered on a flexible, one-to-one basis. The support is based on the owner’s experiences of real commercial challenges at senior board level industry.

sectors: all
based in: Birmingham
endorses business in: UK wide
intake on applications: all year round
restrictions on applications: DRSBS will only consider applications for endorsement from those individuals with whom they are working within their client base. These clients benefit from a range of services provided on a flexible, one-to-one basis

Edinburgh Innovations

Edinburgh Innovations is the University of Edinburgh’s commercialisation service. Working with students, researchers and external organisations, they proactively identify, pursue and support opportunities in collaborative research, contract research, consultancy, studentships, secondments, executive education, startup and spinout creation, licensing, mentoring and incubation.

sectors: all
based in: Edinburgh
endorses business in: UK wide, but a preference for Scotland
intake on applications: to be confirmed
restrictions on applications: only those who have a close demonstrable relationship with the University of Edinburgh

Emerge Education

Emerge Education invests in and supports the growth of early stage education startups.

Emsworth Corporate Planning (ECP)

ECP based on the South Coast provides business implementation and mentoring services for dynamic and disruptive companies looking to establish themselves in the UK. Using a systematic approach, they are prepared to review a sector-agnostic range of business opportunities, from global talented entrepreneurs.

sectors: all
based in: Hampshire
endorses business in: UK Wide
intake on applications: all year round
restrictions on applications: only applicants who sign-up to the ECP Business Implementation and Mentoring Service, which will incur a cost

Entrepreneur First (EF)

EF funds people to form and scale companies that transform industries. EF gives individuals the opportunity to meet a co-founder, form a company, and develop technology and business strategy, all while supported by mentors from EF’s team. Founders can receive investments from EF and external investors. Contact them by email.

sectors: all areas associated with technology
based in: London
endorses business in: Greater London
intake on applications: all year round
restrictions on applications: only individuals who obtain and accept a place on the EF programme and sign an offer letter confirming their attendance, as well as businesses that were funded by EF

Envestors Limited

Envestors is an award-winning corporate finance advisor specialising in identifying innovators and high-growth businesses. Founded in 2004, Envestors has raised over £120 million for 200 portfolio companies, supporting their entire growth cycle within its FCA-regulated platform technology, from connecting founders to the early-stage investment community, to a dedicated shareholder reporting tool.

sectors: all
based in: London
endorses business in: UK wide
intake on applications: all year round
restrictions on applications: only exceptional founders with a strong market fit

Fashion Angel

A fashion industry accelerator that supports start-ups and entrepreneurs who want to create innovative, viable and scalable businesses within the fashion sector. They only consider visa endorsement applications from individuals that have joined their business support or mentoring programmes.

sectors: all areas associated with fashion and textiles
based in: London
endorses business in: UK wide
intake on applications: all year round
restrictions on applications: only individuals who join their business support or mentoring programmes

First Corporate Finance

They offer an open invitation to entrepreneurs worldwide with innovative business ideas to register in their Business Support Program, with future potential endorsement.

sectors: all
based in: London
endorses business in: UK wide
intake on applications: all year round
restrictions on applications: only members of their First Corporate Finance (FCF) business support programme

Fortunis Capital Ltd

Works with motivated individuals and teams who have innovative, scalable and commercially viable proposals that have an element of positive impact on wider society. They manage a £25 million innovation fund that provides R&D Funding, and a £100 million private equity fund. They actively manage their entire portfolio.

sectors: all
based in: London
endorses business in: UK wide
intake on applications: all year round
restrictions on applications: all endorsements must have some element of positive benefit for the wider society

Founders Factory

Founders Factory is an award-winning tech StartUp accelerator and venture studio.

sectors: FinTech, Media, EdTech, AI & Big Data, Health & Wellness, Travel, Retail, and Home and Hygiene
based in: London.
endorses business in: UK wide
intake on applications: all year round
restrictions on applications: only businesses in which Founders Factory invests

The Global Entrepreneurs Programme (GEP)

The Global Entrepreneurs Programme (GEP) leverages the global ambition of internationally mobile, tech-based entrepreneurs and helps them scale and internationalise their innovation rich companies from a UK global HQ. Applications for endorsement will only be considered on acceptance onto the GEP.

Innovator International

Innovator International is one of the UK’s largest communities of international entrepreneurs. All programmes include interactive business courses, mentoring and support resources, along with access to a marketplace of trusted providers for a wide range of business services at discounted prices.

sectors: all
based in: Preston and Lancashire
endorses business in: UK wide
intake on applications: all year round
restrictions on applications: support provided to clients on an Innovator International programme

Ignite

They only endorse applicants who are successful in applying for one of their accelerator programmes.

Innovate Britain

Innovate Britain invite applicants to take part in their Mentoring Programme, designed to last 3 years and enable companies to hire teams, register IP and export goods and services. The proprietary platform provides guidance and resources to engage fully with the programme as well as peer-to-peer mentoring from other companies.

sectors: all sectors from Technology, Fintech and Fashion to core industries such as Manufacturing, Infrastructure, Transport and Education
based in: London
endorses business in: UK wide
intake on applications: all year round
restrictions on applications: priority given to mentoring programme participants and those referred by InvestUK, the Business Services Consultancy and Innovate Britain’s Trusted Partner Network.

International Innovation Hub Ltd

An award-winning team who work with highly innovative and skilled individuals to realise their growth aspirations. Located in the north, particularly the Manchester and Liverpool region, with expertise in green and renewable energy, engineering, manufacturing, digital and tech.

Invest Northern Ireland

Invest NI endorses entities for Start-up/Innovator visas through participation on its accelerator programme or request from client companies only.

sectors: all
based in: Belfast
endorses business in: Northern Ireland
intake on applications: all year round
restrictions on applications: accelerator participant or requested by NI client

Kollider

Kollider is a high growth business incubator. They endorse members with innovative ideas in the creative, digital and tech sectors expected to scale in their markets within 24 months. Kollider provides businesses with a range of support including mentoring, workshops, industry specific events and guidance on funding – based within a community of likeminded entrepreneurs.

based in: Sheffield, South Yorkshire
endorses businesses in: UK wide
intake on applications: applications are open all year round
restrictions on applications: Kollider will only accept applications from those qualified as Resident Members of the Kollider Incubator. Applicants can apply to become a member ahead of the visa application

Level 39

Level39 is the most connected tech community, encompassing 1,250 leaders in Cyber Security, Fintech and Retail Tech, based in the heart of Canary Wharf.

sectors: FinTech, Cyber Security, IoT and Smart Cities, Retail Tech
based in: Canary London
endorses business in: Greater London
intake on applications: all year round
restrictions on applications: an applicant does not need to already be part of Level39’s community, but they do expect that an endorsed applicant would join their community once settled in the UK. They do not take equity in their member companies, they just charge a monthly membership fee

MDR LAB

MDR LAB is an accelerator for tech start-ups in the legal space. They only endorse migrants accepted onto their 10-week May-July programme.

MedCity

MedCity is the life sciences organisation for the greater south east, incorporating the Golden Triangle: Cambridge – London – Oxford. MedCity can help you find expertise, resources, infrastructure, places and people to grow your company, operate successfully in Europe’s leading life sciences cluster and understand the route to market and regulatory frameworks.

sectors: all life sciences
based in: London
endorses business in: Greater South East of England
intake on applications: all year round
restrictions on applications: no restrictions on applications, but they only deal directly with applicants and do not work with any intermediaries, such as lawyers or consultants

Nexus

NEXUS is a network-driven, incubator for creative and Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (“ESG”) aligned founders. NEXUS is in the Business of Creativity, scaling entrepreneurs within the Creative and Digital Industries from start up to high growth and prosperous organisations, with a global network of members, business support and workspace facilities.

sectors: music, fashion & textiles, tech, VR, media, event management, film and dance
based in: London
endorses business in: UK wide
intake on applications: All year round
restrictions on applications: only individuals who obtain and accept a place on the NEXUS Incubator / Accelerator programme. Applicants can apply to become a member of NEXUS ahead of the visa application

North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC)

Providing professional accommodation and business support services to ambitious and innovative business from all sectors, encouraging start-ups and scaling companies to foster innovation to gain competitive advantage and accelerate growth.

sectors: all
based in: Sunderland and Darlington
endorses business in: North East England
intake on applications: all year round
restrictions on applications: they require that all applicants agree to locate in North East England and have a base (either physical or drop-in) at 1 of their 2 facilities in Sunderland or Darlington

Oxford Brookes University

A Start-up and Innovator route endorsing body that only endorses future proof business ideas for products/services that have a digital or tech solution at their core. Brookes Enterprise Support Department offers ongoing mentoring and guidance to all start-ups via their new Start-Up Visa accelerator programme (launching Summer 2021). It also offers some office incubation space where required and a range of free events, funding, scale-up programmes and networking opportunities that endorsees can take part in.

sectors: the product/service should be a digital or tech solution at its core
endorses businesses that: are able to make a proactive contribution to the entrepreneurial community in Oxfordshire and Oxford Brookes University
intake on applications: applications open three times a year, in line with student/ graduate visa route (April, September and January)
restrictions on applications: currently only their alumni with the exception of non-Brookes applicants who are key members and co-founders of an Brookes team

Pall Mall Investments International

Pall Mall Investments is based in Hampshire, close to London and provides corporate support, finance and mentoring for companies across a range of industries and sectors. They are sector agnostic but driven and motivated to work with companies who are disruptive and keen to break the mould of traditional business.

sectors: all
based in: Hampshire
endorses business in: UK wide
intake on applications: all year round
restrictions on applications: only relevant for applicants who are paid up members of the Pall Mall Members Club

Panacea

sectors: Life Sciences, Biotech and Healthcare, Materials, Food, Sustainability and Artificial Intelligence
based in: Oxford
endorses business in: UK wide, but must be able to incorporate in the UK and commute occasionally to Oxford
intake on applications: all year round
restrictions on applications: selected start-ups must join Panacea’s “Develop” or “Grow” programmes. They accept applications globally on rolling basis, with the condition that accepted companies must incorporate in the UK

Primus Capital

Primus Capital is a London-based corporate finance institution with a diverse global affiliate network.

Leveraging their finance experience, sector expertise and networks, they provide disruptive TMT companies with capital and strategic expertise so firms can navigate change, enhance scalability and realise growth, in the way best aligned to their goals.

sectors: technology, media and telecoms, or any other sector provided there is an innovative tech angle
based in: London
endorses business in: UK wide
intake on applications: all year round
restrictions on applications: no restrictions but preference given to existing clients and candidates referred from Primus Capital’s professional business network

Queensbury Consulting

Queensbury offers endorsement over a broad range of sectors, so can accept enquiries from a diverse range of applicants. They offer a comprehensive program of support across all aspects of business growth and operations, including funding, mentoring, strategic marketing and networking.

sectors: All
location: Milton Keynes, London UK
areas: All the UK
applications: All year round
applicants: No restrictions

The Royal Society of Edinburgh

The Royal Society of Edinburgh only provide endorsement to their awardees who have received an RSE Enterprise Fellowship. Unfortunately they cannot support any individual who does not fall under this category.

Sapphire Capital Partners LLP

Sapphire is a multi-award winning venture capital firm located in London and Belfast. Sapphire seeks to identify and assist bonafide entrepreneurs who will qualify for further investment through Sapphire’s numerous startup venture capital funds.

sectors: all
based in: London/Belfast
endorses business in: UK wide
intake on applications: all year round
restrictions on applications: none

Schoolgate Accounting Services

SAS assist individuals that have potential for growth and innovation. The Company covers all sectors and provides comprehensive advice relating to financial planning, business strategy, cashflow forecasting and finances. Individuals will have access to their online Business Academy, mentoring assistance, funding opportunities and bespoke support.

sectors: all
based in: England, London
endorses business in: UK wide
intake on applications: all year round
restrictions on applications: they will deal with applicants who can demonstrate they have growth and entrepreneurial skills only

Scottish EDGE

Scottish Edge can endorse winners of its bi-annual funding competition for innovative, high-growth potential Scottish businesses. Approximately 10% of applicants win. Winners receive grant and loan funding from £10,000 to £150,000, business support, training, mentoring alumni and networking events and access to a business support package.

sectors: all
based in: Glasgow
endorses business in: headquarters in Scotland
intake on applications: twice a year – Late January to early March and late July to early September
restrictions on applications: they only endorse EDGE winners

Seedcamp

Seedcamp invest early in world-class founders attacking large, global markets and solving real problems using technology. Please visit their website for more information and FAQs.

SETsquared Bristol

SETsquared Bristol incubator will only endorse technology start-ups meeting entry criteria to their incubator and looking to establish an office in Bristol.

Severn Seed Finance (SSF)

SSF seeks interesting, dynamic and innovative business proposals. It offers applied technology solutions, specialist cross-sector expertise and commercial experience to assist UK and global entrepreneurs develop and deliver high growth businesses. SSF provides unique access to business finance through its dedicated private investor and funds network.

sectors: all (except retail)
based in: Cardiff, Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester & Leeds
endorses Businesses in: UK wide
intake on applications: all year round
endorsement restrictions: only individuals who submit and pass the Severn Seed Finance business evaluation assessment and/or have registered on SSF or approved affiliate partners’ business support programmes

SFC Capital

SFC Capital is an award-winning investment firm, active in the startup ecosystem since 2013. SFC Capital specialises in first time equity funding (SEIS/EIS) and offers a wide range of supporting services to entrepreneurs directly or via associated businesses and selected partners.

sectors: all
based in: London
endorses business in: UK wide
intake on applications: all year round
restrictions on applications: SFC Capital endorses only businesses where at least one team member is part of their wider network, for instance, received investment or is in process of receiving investment from/via SFC Capital, used or is about to use any of the startup support services, and/or enrolled or is in the process of enrolling into any of the entrepreneurial programmes offered by SFC Academy.

Startup Giants plc

Startup Giants is a high growth business accelerator, providing endorsement for founders that have highly scalable business ideas. They collaborate with innovators on their programmes to realise the full potential of their value proposition and market potential, and provide additional expertise in areas of technology, strategy, marketing, and investment.

sectors: Tech, SaaS, FinTech, AdTech, PropTech, Manufacturing, Supply Chain
based in: London, UK
endorses business in: UK wide
intake on applications: all year round
restrictions on applications: only those on one of our programmes

The Start-up Race

Our goal is to help international entrepreneurs like you establish successful business in the UK, because we believe entrepreneurship is one of the most powerful forces for good. Our online accelerator programme is run by experienced, well connected Silicon Valley entrepreneurs and investors who have coached and mentored thousands of entrepreneurs over the past 20 years. We can also help you raise investment and apply for grants and competitions worth £100,000s if you incorporate your new business in Scotland. Of course, you can base your new business anywhere in the UK.

sectors: all
based in: Edinburgh, Scotland
endorses business in: UK wide
intake on applications: all year round
restrictions on applications: you need to take part in one of our Virtual International Accelerator programmes if you want to get a Startup or Innovator endorsement letter because we teach you the Lean Startup methodologies to increase your likelihood of being one of the 5% that actually succeed in building an Innovative, Viable and Scaleable business

Swansea University

sectors: all
based in: Swansea
endorses business in: Wales
intake on applications: all year round (approval panels will take place twice a year, in line with the academic year)
restrictions on applications: Swansea University is currently only able to endorse students and graduates who have studied at Swansea University

Techstars London

Techstars is the worldwide network that helps entrepreneurs succeed. They can only endorse Techstars backed Founders and other individuals from the Network.

Tech X

Unique technology accelerator & incubator for global start-ups looking to transform the energy sector – offers unparalleled funding and support as well as deep market access and access to investors.

sectors: energy (oil and gas, clean tech, renewables)
based in: Aberdeen, Scotland
endorses business in: UK wide
intake on applications: they will only endorse applicants who have made it through their rigorous application process, via an open-call competition once every year
restrictions on applications: TechX will only endorse successful applicants to their accelerator programme. If offered a place on the programme TechX will endorse them to be able to come to the UK to participate

The Shropshire Incubator (Operated by European Innovation Ltd)

Our accelerator has been established as way to deliver an ecosystem of business collaboration, dedication and support from our network of world class entrepreneurs. Our innovation hub is now open to support and scale a small number of highly innovative companies each year. We are inviting applications from individuals and small businesses to join our dedicated accelerator programme and to take a business from an early stage to significant growth within 18 months.

sectors: Technology, Mixed Reality (XR), Internet of Things (IOT), artificial Intelligence (AI)
based in: Shropshire
endorses business in: Shropshire and UK wide
intake on applications: all year round
restrictions on applications: Early stage start-up and scale up business working across specific areas of technology (with a clear focus on technology for good and low carbon solutions).

University of the Arts London

They support our graduates to launch and grow creative businesses. Services offered to endorsees are business training workshops, networking opportunities, one-to-one advice, mentoring, the chance to apply for funding, opportunities to showcase and exhibit work and the opportunity to join UAL’s Creative Business Accelerator programme.

They will only endorse the alumni who have already been previously endorsed by them with a Start-up visa.

University of St Andrews

The Centre for Entrepreneurship is University of St Andrews’ centre for high quality business training and provides a network of successful mentors and advisers from our growing community of entrepreneurship supporters. The centre provides budding entrepreneurs with ready access to financial, human, and intellectual capital to support them in developing successful, creative sustainable enterprises.

sectors: all
based in: St Andrews, Scotland
endorses business in: UK wide, but preference for Scotland
intake on applications: all year round
restrictions on applications: only those who have a close, demonstrable relationship with the University of St Andrews

University of Bradford

The University of Bradford welcomes applications to its Accelerated Global Entrepreneurship programme from eligible graduates of any university. An innovative business or social enterprise plan is required. Applicants must be committed to basing themselves and their enterprise in Bradford.

sectors: all
based in: Bradford
endorses business in: Bradford and local region
intake on applications: all year round
restrictions on applications: applicants must be committed to basing themselves and their enterprise in Bradford

Zinc

Zinc builds new companies that solve the developed world’s toughest challenges. They do this through a Mission-led 9-month full-time Company Builder Programme which brings together top entrepreneurial talent, domain expertise, insights from social science and a leading network of experts to create new mission-led companies.

sectors: business, design and technology
based in: London
endorses business in: Start-up – Greater London, Innovator – UK wide
intake on applications: all year round
restrictions on applications: only those who are on the Venture Builder Programme can be endorsed by Zinc

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