Venture Forward is an Innovate UK funded investor readiness programme aimed at underrepresented founders looking to raise capital.
We are delivering this programme in Scotland as part of a UK wide consortium of investment support organisations including Mountside Ventures, Foundervine, Stronger Stories, and Growth Company.
Despite growing demand and innovation, underrepresented founders in the UK still face a major funding gap. To tackle this, the programme aims to supercharge the fundraising journeys of 160 startups over the next two years, driving change through accelerators based in London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh.
What support is on offer?
Across 6 days over 8 weeks, participants will benefit from:
Workshops covering key areas of the fundraising process, including:
funding options
strategy
financial modelling
valuations
term sheets
building out a robust fundraising campaign
Specialist pitch support from Stronger Stories
1 on 1 support to dive deep into your individual value and investor propositions
Socials in London and locally
Financial support for childcare or other care to enable workshop attendance
Fundraising templates
Opportunities to meet investors in London
Am I eligible?
The programme is for:
Companies with at least £10k revenue per month
Companies with a founder from one of the following under-represented groups:
Women
People with primary care responsibilities (including childcare)
Those from non-traditional backgrounds into innovation or low income backgrounds
Companies looking to raise investment in the next 3 - 9 months
How do I apply?
To apply, please complete the form at this link: Apply to Venture Forward - Connecting Innovators to Capital
There will be a two-stage online interview process.
The programme is supported by Innovate UK, and there are no hidden costs to participate. However, places are competitive.
Useful information
We will deliver the Edinburgh programme at MyEdinburgh, Brunswick Street Lane on the following dates in 2025. Before you apply please ensure you can commit to attending the in-person workshops :
Wednesday 22nd October
Wednesday 29th October
Wednesday 5th November
Wednesday 12th November
Wednesday 19th November
Wednesday 26th November