Applications open for Breakthrough Founders programme
A new UK-wide programme is now open to support innovative business founders from underrepresented groups to raise investment and scale.
Support for entrepreneurs from overlooked groups
A new UK-wide programme is now open to support innovative business founders from underrepresented groups to raise investment and scale.
Breakthrough Founders, funded by Innovate UK, offers a fully funded pathway to investment, supporting founders to scale and secure funding through tools, networks, and tailored strategies.
The programme is led by a group of experienced partners - The200BnClub, Catalyst, Focused For Business, and Mint Ventures - who have a strong track record in helping startups secure investment.
What the programme offers
Entrepreneurs accepted onto the programme are matched to a track that fits their business stage, from idea validation and early grant funding through to raising series A investment for scaling.
The programme is fully online, free to join, and flexible to fit around business and personal commitments. Participants receive training from award-winning experts, gain access to venture capitalists and angel investors who focus on diverse startups, and join a community that supports ambition and growth.
Who should apply
The programme is open to UK residents with a registered or soon-to-be registered business, who are building innovative products, services, technologies, or business models, and aim to raise capital in the next three to 12 months. It especially supports founders from underrepresented groups such as:
- women
- ethnic minorities
- LGBTQIA+
- neurodivergent people
- people with disabilities
- primary caregivers
- individuals from non-traditional education routes
- those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds
Next steps
Getting on the programme involves three stages: a short initial application, a deeper second application with possible interviews or webinars, and a careful assessment leading to acceptance into a group of similar-stage founders. Feedback and ongoing support are provided for unsuccessful applicants.
Applications are open now. The first programmes will begin in autumn 2025.
Find out more and apply to become a Breakthrough Founder.
First published 22 September 2025