Welcome to the dynamic and growing startup scene of London, a city pulsating with creativity and entrepreneurial energy! As one of the world's major technological and business hubs, London is at the forefront of the global startup environment, providing fertile ground for both aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned professionals to put their breakthrough ideas into reality. From the alleyways of Shoreditch to the busy corridors of Canary Wharf, London's startup scene is both diverse and active.
At the heart of this bustling ecosystem lie the startup incubators and accelerators, pivotal platforms that provide invaluable support, resources, and mentorship to early-stage ventures. In this article, we have compiled a comprehensive list of startup incubators and accelerators in London. They have been subdivided into applicability for startups in their 'ideation', 'launch', or 'growth' stages, so whichever stage you're in, you will be able to find a program that suits you!
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FULL LIST OF STARTUP INCUBATORS AND ACCELERATORS IN LONDON
Ideation Stage Startup Incubators in London
The complete list of ideation phase startup incubators in London:
Who is it for: Aspiring entrepreneurs with an idea and seeking cofounder
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Engineering
The Enterprise Hub at the Royal Academy of Engineering in London is a groundbreaking initiative that assists engineering and technology entrepreneurs at various phases of their company journey. This one-of-a-kind inititive provides entrepreneurs with a comprehensive package of capital, training, networking, and mentorship from top engineers, all while requiring no equity. The program, which aims to nurture engineering brilliance, offers a variety of benefits, including smart and flexible training, access to a network of over 100 investors, customized coaching, and lifelong access to co-working locations in London and Belfast. The program's influence is visible in the number of significant grants provided, entrepreneurs supported, employment generated, and finances raised by businesses in its community, making it a valuable resource for both aspiring and existing innovators.
Who is it for: Aspiring entrepreneurs with an idea and seeking cofounder
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Insurtech
Insurtech Gateway is a renowned program that fosters and advances innovative entrepreneurs in the insurance technology field. The program's primary goal is to assist early-stage insurtech startups with the resources, coaching, and financial support they need to turn their ideas into viable and scalable businesses. Participating entrepreneurs benefit from a full 15-week program that includes funding, professional advice from industry experts, access to a large network of insurance and investment partners, and cutting-edge co-working locations in the heart of London. Furthermore, businesses accepted into the program receive hands-on support in product development, regulatory compliance, market strategy, and introductions to potential clients, allowing them to accelerate their growth and establish a firm footing in the competitive insurtech scene.
Who is it for: Aspiring entrepreneurs with an idea and seeking cofounder
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
Entrepreneurs First is a well-known platform that identifies and nurtures extraordinary individuals to help them establish game-changing firms from the bottom up. The program's primary goal is to bring together exceptional technical and entrepreneurial talent while providing them with the necessary assistance and resources to co-found high-growth enterprises. Participating startups benefit from a one-of-a-kind pre-team, pre-idea approach, with access to a comprehensive six-month program that includes financial support, access to a global network of investors and industry experts, and expert advice on company building, product development, and market validation. Furthermore, the program provides unmatched opportunities for talent to connect with potential co-founders, building the groundwork for successful and meaningful entrepreneurial relationships.
Who is it for: Aspiring entrepreneurs with an idea and seeking cofounder
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
The UCL Innovation & Enterprise program collaborates with UCL personnel, students, and organizations to turn their knowledge and ideas into real-world solutions. For students, the program promotes entrepreneurial thinking and assists them in bringing their ideas to reality through a startup incubator. Staff members can further their ideas through industry alliances, consulting, financing, and commercialization options. Businesses can also collaborate with experts to get revolutionary insights through partnerships, consultancies, licensing possibilities, recruiting, and other methods. The program promotes entrepreneurship through events, networking opportunities, and mentorship, creating an ideal atmosphere for businesses to grow.
Who is it for: Aspiring entrepreneurs with an idea and seeking cofounder
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic, Disadvantaged Backgrounds
Launch22 is a dynamic program that aims to empower and nurture early-stage entrepreneurs by providing them with the skills and resources they need to develop their ideas into profitable enterprises. The program's major goal is to provide an open and supportive environment for entrepreneurs by providing affordable co-working facilities, personalized business assistance, mentorship, and access to a thriving entrepreneurial community. Participating startups may gain access to various resources, including expert-led seminars, networking events, and one-on-one coaching, all focused on promoting business development and sustainability. Launch22 also provides access to investment options, legal and financial guidance, and a platform for businesses to present their products or services, allowing them to achieve awareness and momentum in the competitive London startup landscape.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology
The Fast Forward (FFWD) pre-accelerator program is a well-known EU-backed project that provides coaching help to budding entrepreneurs in the pre-accelerator stage. The program seeks to provide entrepreneurs with the tools they need to turn their ideas into sustainable enterprises by giving industry-supplied 1:1 coaching in marketing, advertising, finance, technology, and basic business skills. Participating startups are supported by major UK accelerators such as TechStars and Microsoft Ventures, as well as relationships with SEIS investment funds and grant sources. Furthermore, the program takes no stake in the selected enterprises, and its goal is to help entrepreneurs establish their businesses, create employment, and stimulate growth. With a focus on preparing startups for acceleration and enabling access to capital, workspace, and accelerator programs, the FFWD Pre-Accelerator program is an invaluable resource for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to develop and expand their businesses in London's thriving startup environment.
Launch Stage Startup Incubators and Accelerators in London
The complete list of launch phase incubators and accelerators in London:
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: FinTech
The Barclays Accelerator, powered by Techstars, is a fintech-focused program that helps businesses grow by providing them with unrivalled opportunities and assistance. The program provides access to two powerful networks, Barclays technology, gorgeous co-working locations, and world-class coaching, providing an ideal environment for fintech entrepreneurs to succeed. The program's goal is to stimulate innovation in the financial technology industry and foster the growth of entrepreneurs in London's vibrant startup environment by making resources, mentorship, and connections more accessible.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Fintech, Health, Climate, Media & Telecoms
Founders Factory is a pioneering initiative that works with extraordinary entrepreneurs and major corporations to establish and fund startups. The program's primary goal is to de-risk and accelerate businesses, boosting their chances of success by offering operational assistance, venture insights, and access to finance. Founders Factory's pre-seed and seed-stage investment programs provide hands-on operational support, warm introductions to a network of top-tier funds, and the opportunity for businesses to pitch at their flagship investor day. With a track record of guiding entrepreneurs from inception to significant development, Founders Factory is an essential platform for startups looking to acquire finance, receive useful insights, and accelerate their growth within London's burgeoning startup community.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Fintech, Media, EdTech, IT, Services
Blenheim Chalcot is a renowned venture builder-accelerator, supporting entrepreneurial digital enterprises in Fintech, Media, EdTech, and IT Services. The program provides a unique model with five critical stages, beginning with incubation and proceeding to seed and venture stages, as well as access to startup finance and venture development support services. Blenheim Chalcot offers official support from its venture builder services and investment teams in areas such as marketing, accountancy, legal, tax, fundraising, sales, and leadership training. Startups also benefit from a worldwide network, community activities, and packaged support services such as technological development and financial support.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Multiple Sectors
Startupbootcamp is a pioneering accelerator that aims to empower early-stage entrepreneurs by providing them with the tools they need to expand beyond their current boundaries. Startupbootcamp provides a variety of programs tailored to different sectors, with the program's primary goals centered on developing innovative founders and aiding their worldwide development through industry-specific, three-month accelerators. Participating startups benefit from invaluable support tailored to their specific industry, including access to an extensive international network of mentors, partners, investors, and corporates, allowing them to secure funding, make critical connections, and access the expertise required for international growth.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Music Tech
Abbey Road Red, Europe's first and most successful music tech incubator, strives to stimulate innovation in music and technology by offering entrepreneurs a six-month program that includes mentorship, networking, and industry-specific assistance. The program, which was established at the iconic Abbey Road Studios, provides businesses with a plethora of industry knowledge, contacts, and support to help them flourish. While Abbey Road Red does not provide initial capital, it does provide businesses with the resources they need to navigate the difficult music tech ecosystem, including vital insights, coaching, and the ability to draw on the studio's long history of innovation.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: PropTech, GeoTech
The Geovation program, supported by Ordnance Survey and HM Land Registry, is a ground-breaking project that helps early-stage GeoTech and PropTech firms utilize location and property data to solve real-world problems. With a focus on open innovation, the initiative provides businesses with up to £20,000 in equity-free capital, personalized mentoring, and access to proprietary geospatial and property databases. Furthermore, the program includes dedicated workspace at the Geovation Hub in London, bespoke training on various elements of company growth, and the opportunity to demonstrate their discoveries to prospective investors and industry partners.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic, Underrepresented Communities
Distill Ventures, the world's first independent drinks accelerator, is dedicated to helping creators build the next generation of global beverage businesses. The pre-accelerator project provides targeted support and resources to early-stage entrepreneurs, allowing them to develop their brands and achieve investments. Distill Ventures offers prospective entrepreneurs an initial investment of up to £350,000/$500,000 and 6-12 months of coaching. The program's distinct strategy ensures flexibility, allowing founders to lead without committing them to longer-term ownership contracts. By collaborating with Diageo, the program provides access to capital, technological know-how, production assistance, and marketing knowledge, allowing entrepreneurs to maintain control of their businesses while gaining the required support to realize their ambitious ambitions.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology
Tech Nation is the leading growth platform for tech insights and connections that is committed to enabling ambitious entrepreneurs and teams in the UK and beyond. Through a range of programs such as Climate, Libra, and Future Fifty, Tech Nation provides critical support to entrepreneurs at various phases of growth. The program's goal is to spark critical debates, elevate founder perspectives, and promote significant investment in businesses. Tech Nation provides valuable insights, connections, and support to startups, ultimately contributing to the growth of the UK tech industry and fostering a vibrant and inclusive tech community.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology
Techstars, a global leader in startup accelerators, provides a comprehensive program in London to catalyze growing firms from across the world. The program, which focuses on multiple verticals and leverages the city's assets in global view and talent, offers early-stage startups a three-month, mentorship-driven accelerator that invests $120,000 and grants lifelong membership to the Techstars network. The assistance includes hands-on coaching, access to a varied spectrum of successful mentors and partners, and a large network of over 9,000 entrepreneurs. Techstars' thorough accelerator program, coaching, and network make it an essential platform for businesses looking to turn their concept into a profitable business in London's dynamic startup scene.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology
Activate Studio is a one-of-a-kind startup studio dedicated to developing original ideas into successful digital enterprises. More than an accelerator, Activate Studio serves as a holistic business and technology partner, assisting founders in refining their business strategy, creating their products, and acquiring the required finance for launch. With over 20 years of experience in digital design and product development, the studio offers entrepreneurs the design capabilities and technological knowledge required for successful product launches and scalability. Furthermore, the program's exclusive approach guarantees that founders receive customized mentorship, investment commitments of up to £50,000 in match funding for portfolio firms, and specialized assistance with fundraising strategy, product vision, and product launch.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology
Bethnal Green Ventures' Tech For Good program is a trailblazing initiative that supports early-stage entrepreneurs working to address serious social and environmental issues using technology. With an emphasis on building a better future, the program provides a six-week intense learning experience as well as a £60,000 investment, making it an essential platform for prototype stage enterprises. In addition, the program offers continuous assistance and follow-on investments up to Series A, with the goal reahing a £100-200 million enterprise value within 10 years. By focusing on sustainability, social inclusion, and healthtech solutions, the program encourages purpose-driven enterprises and aims to significantly improve the lives of millions.
Growth Stage Accelerators in London
The complete list of growth stage startup accelerators in London:
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Climate Tech
Sustainable Ventures is the UK's pioneering climate tech cluster, devoted to assisting entrepreneurs who utilize technology to address environmental concerns. The initiative provides long-term investment for SEIS and EIS-eligible climate tech firms, including an intense 12-month assistance to drive growth and obtain future funding rounds. In addition, the initiative provides coworking spaces, grant-writing assistance, and customized events aimed at tackling the climate problem.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Digital Health
DigitalHealth.London is a pioneering program that helps digital health firms, NHS professionals, and academics use digital technology to enhance the NHS and social care in London. The program includes a number of initiatives, such as Accelerator, Generator, and Launchpad, that are designed to provide personalized guidance, mentorship, education, peer networking, brand recognition, and collaboration opportunities to digital health professionals facing substantial patient and staff concerns. Notably, the program's Leap initiative promotes diversity by delivering targeted help to founders from a variety business backgrounds, including coaching, peer support, mentorship, networking, and prospective investment/funding opportunities. DigitalHealth.London, which is funded by the UK government and delivered in conjunction with a number of partners, continues to be an important platform for businesses looking to innovate and contribute to the digital health ecosystem in London and beyond.
Who is it for: Mature startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Mar Tech, Commerce Tech, Ad Tech
The Collider Accelerator program in London is a late-stage business accelerator that focuses on accelerating established firms in martech, commerce tech, and ad tech. Founded in 2012, the program seeks to professionalize, internationalize, and prepare entrepreneurs for their first significant venture capital round. It includes a 12-week program and provides £50,000 for 11% equity, with an additional offer of £100,000 for 11% equity for chosen firms. The program's latest news highlights successful collaborations and the expansion of its startup portfolio, demonstrating its dedication to driving the growth of creative firms.
Closing Thoughts on Joining a Startup Accelerator or Incubator in London
London's startup scene provides numerous options for budding entrepreneurs to flourish and prosper. The advantages of joining a business incubator or accelerator in London are manifold. For starters, having access to a large network of experienced mentors, industry experts, and successful entrepreneurs may provide entrepreneurs with crucial advice and insights. Furthermore, these programs frequently provide access to funds via investor networks and funding options. The collaborative environment provided by these programs also foster a spirit of invention and camaraderie, and participation in these programs provides exposure and visibility that can lead to new clients, collaborators, and media attention. Whether you're a seasoned founder wanting to take your enterprise to the next level or a young innovator with a big idea, joining a startup incubator or accelerator will allow you to embark on an exciting and rewarding journey of entrepreneurship in the dynamic city of London!