Endorsement Bodies UK

Endorsement Bodies for UK Start-up & Innovator VISA

You need a government approved body in UK to endorse your business plan. In order to do so make sure you have an Innovative, viable & scalable business plan.

The Bakery- Only endorses the entrepreneurs who qualify under their CIP (Corporate Innovation Programme).

Blue Orchid Enterprise Solutions Ltd– Based out in Solihull/Liverpool, they are primarily into Innovator throughout the year. For start-up under their endorsement, the individual have be to be present locally and are required to enrol in their start up training programme and mandatory workshops, which is chargeable.

Boardroom Advisors– Expertise in Finance, Marketing, Sales, Operations & Strategy and IT. More than 100 experienced advisors and Reginal Directors, who have scales business in past. Strategically sound professionals who help, guide and mentor entrepreneurs.

Britbots – An Award-winning investment vehicle that will back brilliant UK-based robotics, AI and automation businesses.  They are based out in East Anglia but endorses businesses throughout UK.  Accepts application all year round. It’s a mandate for the participants to join the Britbots’ business mentoring programme.

Capital Enterprise (IDEA London) – is an endorsement body of  influencers, investors and policy-makers who collaborate to scale Start-ups in London. They have supported 2,150 SMEs since 2014 and provided 158 Start-ups with an investment from their own funds. They have multiple programmes which includes:

• CASTS for tech
• CAP – AI for start-ups using ML or other computational methods.

Cardiff Metropolitan University – Only endorse their own graduates who have previously been endorsed through the start-up route or who have been working closely with their Centre for Entrepreneurship. Open troughout the year, they have already endorsed multiple businesses and applications.

Communities and Business Partners (CBP) – Based in Blackburn, Lancashire, Community & Business Partners is an organisation providing services to both the local community and businesses across the NorthWest.  An award winning business development organisation support highly skilled individuals. As a result they focus only on highly sclable business opportunity across UK.

Consilium Consulting – They are 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 are interested in those seeking opportunities in Wales and accept applications throughout the year.

CyLon – Into Cyber Security start-ups.

Deep Science Ventures – If you an individual with keen interest in science, apply at their homepage.

DRS Business Solutions – Based in Birmingham, they endorses business across UK. Considers only those individuals consider applications for endorsement from those individuals with whom they are working within their client base. 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.

Edinburgh Innovations – 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, start-up and spinout creation, licensing, mentoring and incubation.  Restricted to those who have a close demonstrable relationship with the University of Edinburgh. Endorses business throughout UK, but prefer Stoctland.

Emerge Education – Focuses on early stage Education start-ups.

Emsworth Corporate Planning (ECP) – Bases in Hampshire, provides business implementation and mentoring services for dynamic and disruptive companies looking to establish themselves in the UK.

Entrepreneur First (EF) – Funds people 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. Based in London. Primarily focused on technology vertical.

Envestors Limited – Envestors is an award-winning, FCA regulated finance advisor in the UK. Founded in 2004, they are experts at identifying and mentoring talented and high-growth companies.  They cover all sectors and geographic areas. Based in London, they look for 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. All areas associated with fashion and textiles. Should join their Business support or mentoring programme.

First Corporate Finance – FCF offers an open invitation to entrepreneurs worldwide with innovative business ideas to register in their Business Support Program, with future potential endorsement. Support across UK & potentially all the sectors. 

Fortunis Capital Ltd – Endorses individual who have innovative and scalable proposals that aim to have a positive impact on wider society. They look for proposals that are not only scalable, but aim to create local employment and have a robust environmental policy. Based in London, they cater businesses throughout UK.

Founders Factory – It is an award-winning tech start-up accelerator and venture firm. They endorse entrepreneurs joining one of their programmes. They have assembled industry-leading corporates and a team of 60 operators to help founders build their companies. They focus on sectors like FinTech, Media, EdTech, AI & Big Data, Health & Wellness, Travel, Retail, and Home and Hygiene.  Endorse businesses across UK, throughout the year. Only endorse businesses in which they invest.

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 – Community of International Entrepreneurs. Programmes include, interactive business courses, support resources & mentoring. It’s a marketplace of trusted providers with range of business services at discounted price.

Ignite –They will 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 from Technology, Fintech and Fashion to core industries such as Manufacturing, Infrastructure, Transport and Education. 

International Innovation Hub Ltd –  Work with highly innovative and skilled individuals to realise their growth aspirations. They have particular expertise in the areas of green and renewable energy, engineering, manufacturing and digital and tech.  Focus on the Manchester and Liverpool regions.

Invest Northern Ireland – Invest NI endorses entities for Start-up/Innovator visas through participation on its accelerator programme or request from client companies only. The company is based in Belfast. Applications are accepted throughout the year, but business must be in Northern Ireland.

Kollider – It is a Sheffield-based high growth business incubator with a focus on digital and technology start-ups. It offers an incubation program with active mentorships, skills workshops and opportunities to access funding (from Start-Up Equity to Seed Funding to Investor Readiness). They endorse members with innovative ideas in the creative, digital and tech sectors expected to scale in their markets within 24 months.  Will endorse businesses UK wide and applications are open all year round.  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.

Level39 – Tech Community focuses on FinTech, cyber security, smart cities, retail tech and other globally ambitious tech business. Around 1,250 leaders who support fast-growth tech companies in three clear ways – giving access to world-class customers, talent and infrastructure (in Canary Wharf’s dynamic workspace).  Applications accepted all year round. Based in Canary Wharf.

MDR LAB – MDR Lab is an accelerator run by Mischon de Reya for tech start-ups in the legal space. They state that they only endorse migrants accepted onto their 10-week May-July programme. 

Med City – supports collaboration, investment entrepreneurship and industry within the life sciences sector including biopharmaceuticals/therapeutics, medical devices, diagnostics, digital health and AI if applicable to products/services for human health. Relocation to London or the Greater South East of England is required. MedCity do not work with any intermediaries, such as lawyers or consultants. Applications accepted all year round.

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.  Endorses businesses in all sectors operating in the North East of England.  Applications accepted all year round. 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.

Nexus – An incubator which is network-driven for creative and Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (“ESG”) aligned founders. Targets scaling entrepreneurs within the Creative and Digital Industries from start up to high growth and prosperous organisations. Based in London, endorses UK wide. Work with Media, VR, Fashion & Textiles, Event Management, Film & dance. Applicants will have to apply to become a member of nexus ahead of their VISA application.

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. The business must be able to make a proactive contribution to the entrepreneurial community in Oxfordshire and Oxford Brookes University.  Applications open three times a year, in line with student/ graduate visa route (April, September and January).  Open only to their alumni with the exception of non-Brookes applicants who are key members and co-founders of a Brookes team.

Pall Mall Investments International – Based in Hampshire, 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. Endorse businesses throughout the UK operating in all sectors.  Applications accepted all year round. Applications must be paid up members of the Pall Mall Members Club.

Panacea – Big Biotech firm focuses on Life Sciences, Biotech and Healthcare, Materials, Food, Sustainability and Artificial Intelligence. Endorses businesses UK wide but must be able to incorporate in the UK and commute occasionally to Oxford. Applications accepted throughout the year. Selected start-ups must join Panacea’s “Develop” or “Grow” programmes.

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.  Endorse businesses in the technology, media and telecoms sectors, or any other sector provided there is an innovative tech angle. Accepts applications UK wide and all year round.  Preference given to existing clients and candidates referred from Primus Capital’s professional business network. Based out in London.

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. Based in Milton Keynes, they do not have any restricting while endorsing any business plan.

Royal Society of Edinburgh – The Royal Society of Edinburgh only provide endorsement to their awardees who have received an RSE Enterprise Fellowship, which enables science and technology researchers (including graduates, PhD students, postgraduates, staff and academic innovators) to develop into successful and world-class entrepreneurs with funding and training support estimate at £90,000 per Enterprise Fellow (including £10,000 business support funding).

Sapphire Capital Partners LLP – 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 start-up venture capital funds.  Endorses businesses in all sectors, operating anywhere in the UK. Applications accepted throughout the year. No restrictions.

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. Based out in London, endorses business UK wide, will only focus on applications that will demonstrate growth & entrepreneurial skills.

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. Based in Glasgow, intake applications twice a year, late Jan to early March, and late Jul to early September. The only endorse EDGE winners.

Seedcamp – Seedcamp invest early in world-class founders attacking large, global markets and solving real problems using technology.

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) – 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. Based in Cardiff, Birmingham, Manchester & Leeds. Accepts applications from businesses operating in all sectors, except retail.  Will endorse businesses throughout the UK, all year round. Applicants must 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 – An award-winning investment firm, active in the start-up 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. 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 start-up support services, and/or enrolled or is in the process of enrolling into any of the entrepreneurial programmes offered by SFC Academy. Based in London, accept applications UK wide throughout the year.

Start-up Giants plc – Start-up 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.  Accepts applications from business operating in the following sectors: Tech, SaaS, FinTech, AdTech, PropTech, Manufacturing, Supply Chain. Open all year round and will endorse businesses UK wide. Restrictions to only those who are on their programme.

The Start-up Race – A global accelerator that supports world-class entrepreneurs and start-ups who want to create disruptive and innovative businesses. They endorse businesses throughout the UK and are open for applications all year round but only consider applications for endorsement from individuals supported through one of their Virtual International Accelerator programmes. They can also help in raising investments & grants. Based in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Swansea University – Based in Swansea, endorse business in Wales. Intake application all around the year, however approval happens twice a year in line with academic year. Currently only endorses its own graduates.

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

TechX – a 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.   Receives applications for endorsement from businesses operating in the energy (oil and gas, clean tech, renewables) sector.  Will endorse businesses UK wide but applicants must have made it through their rigorous application process, via an open-call competition once every year.

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. Targeted sectors Technology & AI, XR, IOT. Based in Shropshire. Endorses UK wide.

University of the Creative Arts

University College London

University of St Andrew

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.

Wayra

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.  Considers endorsement applications from businesses operating in the business, design and technology sectors.  Endorses innovative businesses UK wide and start-up businesses within Greater London. Applications received all year round. Only those who are on the Venture Builder Programme can be endorsed by Zinc.