Start-up legacy endorsing bodies

Question 1

Business endorsing bodies

Accepted Answer

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 – all year round. No Start-up applications will be accepted before February 2021
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 endorses founders from a broad range of sectors, with a preference for businesses who are tech enabled and/or likely to raise Venture Capital investment. We also require our endorsees to be Capital Enterprise Startup Members. Please email visa@capitalenterprise.org with your latest pitch deck or business plan to find out if you are eligible.

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

Consilium 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. Please apply through the current opportunities page.

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.

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. Contact them now.

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.

For further information about GEP please contact gepvisaqueries@trade.gov.uk

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. Direct applications are also accepted through www.investuk.com

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: 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

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

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. You can contact them at endorsements@primuscapital.co.uk. Further information available on their website.

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: UK wide
applications: all year round
applicants: no restrictions
contact: endorsements@thequeensburygroup.com

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 acess 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 mission is to help International Entrepreneurs build scaleable startups in the UK because we believe entrepreneurship is one of the most powerful force for good.

We are Entrepreneurs and Angels Investors who have failed and succeeded in building international business over the last 30 years and so understand how to help you achieve and prove Innovation, Viability and Scalability.

We have mentored and coached more than 300 International Startup Founders each year to develop their entrepreneurial skills, raise investment and apply for start-up grants/competitions worth £100,00’s.

sectors: all
based in: London and Edinburgh
endorses business in: UK wide
intake on applications: all year round
restrictions on applications: applicants need to pass the Visa Endorsement Readiness Test

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).

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.

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.

Question 2

Higher education endorsing bodies

Accepted Answer

Anglia Ruskin University

Applications are welcome from ARU students. We regret non-ARU students cannot be considered.

sectors: all
based in: Chelmsford
endorses business in: South East of England
intake on applications: applicants must express interest in the scheme at least 4 months prior to the expiry of their Tier 4 or Student visas
restrictions on applications: Anglia Ruskin University graduates only

Arts University Bournemouth

Specialises in art, design and architecture well as media and performance degrees, turning creativity into careers.

sectors: creative and performing arts, digital, advanced manufacturing
based in: Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
endorses business in: England and Wales
intake on applications: April
restrictions on applications: Start-up applications are welcomed from international alumni and current students

Aston University

For those who have completed a course of study at Aston University in the last 5 years and have had a business idea accepted by BSEEN.

sectors: all
based in: Birmingham
endorses business in: Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP area
intake on applications: April, June and September
restrictions on applications: graduates of Aston University in the last 5 years and have had a business idea accepted by BSEEN

Bangor University

Bangor University only endorses Bangor Graduates on this visa and they must have graduated within 12 months preceding the application.

Bath Spa University

Bath Spa University will only accept endorsement applications from Bath Spa students and their recent graduates (up to 2 years).

Birmingham City University

Bournemouth University

Supporting Bournemouth University international alumni start-ups and innovators across the UK, and exceptional UK HEI international graduates looking to start businesses in Wessex.

BPP University Limited

BPP University will only endorse its graduates in the Start-up route. They will not endorse external candidates or in the Innovator route.

Brunel University London

Brunel University London’s Entrepreneur Hub supports our graduating students in the development of their business under the start-up route.

sectors: all
based in: Uxbridge, London
endorses business in: UK wide
intake on applications: May and June
restrictions on applications: we will only endorse graduates of Brunel University London, who have graduated within the last 12 months. Current students due to graduate in the summer can apply for the scheme in May and June and, if selected, endorsement will commence once the student has been conferred their degree

Cardiff Metropolitan University

Cardiff Metropolitan University is currently only able to endorse students and graduates who have studied at their Cardiff campus. Successful applicants will also benefit from additional support, incubation space and further access to training and expertise.

open to innovative businesses in any industry
applications are open according to the schedule on their website

Cardiff University

Cardiff University are only able to consider endorsement requests from their graduate students or any of their students who have completed their studies and are approaching their graduation date.

City, University of London

Coventry University

sectors: all
based in: Coventry
endorses business in: UK wide
intake on applications: all year round
restrictions on applications: only Coventry University enrolled students and within 2 years of graduation

Cranfield University

Supporting entrepreneurs every step of their journey, they accept applications from students and alumni of Cranfield.

De Montfort University

Derby University

Durham University

They provide opportunities for start-up visa endorsement to eligible graduating students and graduates of Durham University.

sectors: all
based in: Durham
endorses business in: UK wide
intake on applications: all year round
restrictions on applications: only graduating students and graduates of Durham University

Edinburgh Napier University

Falmouth University School of Entrepreneurship

Creating a unique environment to build sustainable businesses with high-growth potential in one of the UK’s leading creative tech hubs.

Girne American University Canterbury

Glasgow Caledonian University

Goldsmiths University of London

sectors: all
based in: London
endorses business in: UK wide
intake on applications: once annually
restrictions on applications: applications will only be considered for Start-up endorsement from eligible graduating students or graduates of Goldsmiths University of London, who wish to remain in the UK to start up a new business idea with the support of the University

Guildhall School of Music and Drama

Guildhall Creative Entrepreneurs is an incubator to help people in the performing arts launch and advance their own enterprises. Guildhall School will only endorse graduates from Guildhall School.

Heriot-Watt University

Hult International Business School

Applications are welcome from Hult International Business School graduates who have completed their degree within the past 2 years. Applications are measured against a strict criteria.

sectors: all
based in: London
endorses business in: UK wide
intake on applications: all year round
restrictions on applications: graduate students of Hult (within 2 years)

Imperial College London

Keele University

Keele Business School Smart Innovation Hub, and the Research and Innovation Support Programme will support selected Keele students and alumni.

King’s College London

The Entrepreneurship Institute at King’s College London will support start-up visas that meet UKVI criteria from current and former King’s students.

Kingston University

sectors: all
based in: Kingston
endorses business in: UK wide
intake on applications: all year round
restrictions on applications: they only endorse businesses that are owned or part-owned by alumni of Kingston University. Entrants must have participated in one of Kingston University’s fast-track programmes

Lancaster University

Leeds Arts University

Leeds Beckett University

Leeds Beckett University will endorse Start-Up businesses that meet UKVI criteria from Leeds Beckett University students and alumni. Business Plan submissions should initially be submitted to siac@leedsbeckett.ac.uk

sectors: all
based in: Leeds
endorses business in: UK wide
intake on applications: all year round
restrictions on applications: must be current students, or former graduates of Leeds Beckett University

Liverpool John Moores University

They will only endorse graduates from LJMU. They will only consider applications from postgraduate students who hold a current Tier 4 visa.

London Business School

They accept applications from students and alumni, as well as co-founders working with LBS students or alumni.

London Metropolitan University

They will only endorse selected students from LMU and will consider applications from graduating students and recent graduates (last 12 months) only.

London School of Economics and Political Sciences

The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is a Start-up endorsing body that only endorses its alumni, with the exception of non-LSE applicants who are key members and co-founders of an LSE team. LSE offers ongoing mentoring and guidance to all start-ups. It also offers some office space where required and a range of events and networking opportunities that endorsees can take part in.

sectors: all
based in: central London
endorses business in: UK wide
intake on applications: applications open twice a year, in line with LSE’s funding competitions (October and February)
restrictions on applications: currently only their alumni and their alumni’s key team members and co-founders

London South Bank University

They can only endorse applicants who have graduated from LSBU within the last 2 years and have not started a business in the UK before.

Loughborough University

Endorsing body for Loughborough University graduates. Contact the Loughborough Enterprise Network for further information.

Manchester Metropolitan University

Middlesex University

Newcastle University

You can read details of Newcastle University’s endorsement criteria and process.

sectors: Healthcare & Life Sciences (including Ageing); Advanced Manufacturing; Offshore & Energy Technologies; Digital & Tech (including Data); Culture & Creative Arts
based in: Newcastle upon Tyne
endorses business in: Newcastle upon Tyne
intake on applications: all year
restrictions on applications: you should be an international student who is graduating or has graduated from Newcastle University within the last 3 years

Norwich University of the Arts

Nottingham Trent University

Only open to students and recent graduates (within the immediate 2 years preceding date of application) of Nottingham Trent University.

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

Queen Mary University of London

Open to Queen Mary University of London graduates only.

Queen’s University Belfast

They only accept applications for endorsement from Queen’s graduates and applicants must have completed a degree within the last 12 months.

sectors: all
based in: Belfast, Northern Ireland
endorses business in: preferably Northern Ireland
intake on applications: all year round (with panel meetings in June and December)
restrictions on applications: only applications for endorsement from Queen’s students and graduates will be accepted

Ravensbourne University London

sectors: all
based in: Aberdeen
endorses business in: Scotland
intake on applications: all year round
restrictions on applications: only students or alumni from Robert Gordon University who have a business which has been accepted onto the RGU Start-up Accelerator Programme are eligible for an endorsement letter

Regent’s University London

The Robert Gordon University

They consider endorsements from graduates of Robert Gordon University which have been accepted on and participate in their Startup Accelerator Programme. Further information can be found on the Robert Gordon University website.

Royal Academy of Music

The Royal Academy of Music will only accept endorsement applications from their current students.

Royal Agricultural University

The RAU will endorse its own graduates in the Start-up route who have actively participated in the RAU Enterprise Programme. The university will not endorse external candidates.

The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama

RCSSD is a world leading small and specialist college for performing arts.

sectors: Creative and Performing Arts, Education and Training, Digital
based in: London
endorses businesses in: London
intake on applications: May
restrictions on applications: RCSSD will only accept endorsement applications form their current students and alumni (within 2 years of completing studies)

Royal College of Art

Royal Holloway and Bedford New College

Sheffield Hallam University

SOAS, University of London

sectors: all, with particular consideration for business supporting SOAS’ mission and values
based in: London
endorses business in: London
intake on applications: details of application intakes are available on their website
restrictions on applications: SOAS students, graduating students and recent graduates only

Solent University

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

Teesside University

University College London

UCL will only consider applicants who have graduated from UCL in the last 12 months. Please visit their website for further information on start-up.

University of Aberdeen

The University of Aberdeen will only consider endorsement applications from University of Aberdeen students and recent Aberdeen graduates (up to 2 years and should have significant engagement with entrepreneurship support following graduation).

University of Bath

Only endorses graduates who have graduated from the University of Bath within the previous 2 years and meet SETsquared membership criteria.

sectors: Sustainable Tech, Advanced Engineering, Digital Innovation, Health Tech, Immersive Tech
based in: Bath
intake on applications: all year round

University of Birmingham

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

University of Brighton

The University of Brighton offers a comprehensive entrepreneurship support service – called beepurple – to all its students and graduates. Throughout the year, the beepurple team offers entrepreneurial skills development workshops, a 1-2-1 entrepreneurship advice service, a 5-day business start-up summer course, an annual Ideas Competition and an enterprise growth rant scheme.

sectors: all
based in: Brighton
endorses business in: Sussex area
intake on applications: all year round
restrictions on applications: alumni only

The University of Buckingham

sectors: all
based in: Buckingham
endorses business in: UK wide
intake on applications: all year round
restrictions on applications: only their Alumni and exceptional talent

University of Cambridge

University of Central Lancashire

University of Dundee

University of East Anglia

sectors: all
based in: Norwich
endorses business in: UK wide
intake on applications: July and November
restrictions on applications: alumni only

University of East London

They only accept applications from UEL Students or Graduates. Their programme is competitive with limited endorsements therefore align your application to the criteria.

The University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh endorses Start-up applicants who have a close demonstrable relationship with their institution (students and alumni).

sectors: all
based in: Edinburgh
endorses businesses in: UK wide, but preference for Scotland
intake on applications: May and October.
restrictions on applications: applicants who have a close demonstrable relationship with the University of Edinburgh (students and alumni)

University of Essex

University of Exeter

The University of Exeter will only consider endorsements for students and graduates of the university who engaged with entrepreneurship activity during their studies.

University of Glasgow

The University of Glasgow will endorse students and graduates who have studied at the University of Glasgow or Glasgow School of Art and who have shown interest in Student Enterprise activities during their studies.

sectors: All
based in: Glasgow
endorses business in: their preference is that businesses are based in Scotland, but they will endorse businesses based elsewhere in the UK, provided the endorsee maintains regular contact with the University of Glasgow
intake on applications: panels take place in July, September and November annually, and the deadline for applications is the end of July. Applicants must take part in the University’s Summer Workshop Programme (attending at least of 6 of the 18 workshops) unless graduates are applying from outside the UK.
restrictions on applications: alumni of University of Glasgow and Glasgow School of Art

University of Greenwich

Endorsements are issued through Generator, which aims to inspire and encourage students and graduates with new ideas. We offer competitions, training, and a co-working space in London. Candidates can apply for funding.

sectors: all
based in: London
endorses business in: London and South East
intake on applications: twice annually in April and September
restrictions on applications: endorsements are reserved for graduates and students of the university

University of Hertfordshire Higher Education Corporation

They only accept endorsement applications from their current students and their alumni (within 1 year of completing studies).

University of Huddersfield

University of Hull

University of Kent

sectors: all
based in: Canterbury, Kent
endorses business in: UK-wide
intake on applications: all year round, with panels in July and November
restrictions on applications: only Kent students and Alumni

University of Leeds

University of Leicester

University of Lincoln

University of Liverpool

The University of Liverpool will only endorse students who graduate from the University of Liverpool within the same academic year.

University of Manchester

Only graduates of the University of Manchester will be considered for endorsement.

The University of Northampton

University of Northumbria at Newcastle

University of Nottingham

sectors: all
based in: Nottingham
endorses business in: UK wide
intake on applications: all year round
restrictions on applications: only their graduates

University of Oxford

Oxford is a leading centre of teaching and research that supports a growing entrepreneur community from across the entire student body. The Start-up visa endorsement process is managed by the Oxford University Careers Service; the committee that endorses applications includes staff from across the University.

sectors: all
based in: Oxford
endorses business in: UK wide
intake on applications: Four times per year, in each Oxford term and during the long vacation
restrictions on applications: Oxford students, alumni or research staff

University of Portsmouth

To apply for endorsement applicants must be students or graduates (up to 5 years) from the University of Portsmouth.

University of Reading

University of Roehampton

Applications for Start-up visa endorsement are welcome from graduating students and graduates of the University of Roehampton only.

sectors: all
based in: London
endorses business in: Greater London and the South-East
intake on applications: all year round but applicants should express interest at least 4 months prior to the expiry of their Tier 4 or Student visa
restrictions on applications: University of Roehampton graduating students and graduates only

The University of Salford

University of Sheffield

sectors: all
based in: Sheffield
endorses businesses in: UK Wide, but with a preference for businesses in and around the Sheffield area
intake on applications: our intake changes on a year-by-year basis
restrictions on applications: only available to those who have are due to complete studies at the University of Sheffield

University of South Wales

They will only consider endorsement for those who are graduating or have graduated from the University of South Wales or RWCMD within the last 12 months.

University of Southampton

University of St Andrews

University of Stirling

Accepts applications for the Start-up category from students with proven engagement with the Enterprise Programme and/or UoS alumni: Innovation and Enterprise Team.

University of Strathclyde

University of Sunderland

Their Enterprise Place offers Start Up support, 1-1 business advice, structured workshops and networking opportunities for their alumni.

sectors: all
based in: Sunderland
endorses business in: North East of UK and Greater London
intake on applications: all year round
restrictions on applications: alumni only

University of Surrey

The University of Surrey offers internal students and external entrepreneurs business mentoring and business idea development programmes through Student Enterprise and SETsquared Surrey to help applicants apply for Surrey’s Start-up endorsement. Once the Start-up Visa is obtained ongoing business support is provided to help with the business execution and operations.

sectors: all business sectors
based in: Guildford, Surrey
endorses businesses: UK wide
intake on applications: June and November
restrictions on applications: visit their website for more information

University of the Arts London

The University of the Arts London offers endorsement exclusively to UAL graduates within 2 years of graduating. The scheme is delivered by careers and employability.

University of the West of England

Their Launch Space provides physical incubator space and enterprise support for graduate start-up businesses at UWE.

University of the West of Scotland

The University of the West of Scotland (UWS) will endorse current students or recent graduates who demonstrate an innovative business idea and entrepreneurial mind-set.

The University of West London

University of Warwick

The University of Warwick welcomes applications for Start-up visa endorsement from graduating students and graduates of the University of Warwick with innovative, viable and scalable business ideas.

sectors: all
based in: Coventry
endorses business in: UK-wide
intake on applications: applications open twice a year - in line with the Start-up Scheme in January and September
restrictions on applications: endorsements are reserved for University of Warwick graduates only

University of Westminster

University of Wolverhampton

University of York

York St John University

Question 3

Legacy endorsing bodies

Accepted Answer

The organisations listed in this section have chosen to no longer accept new Start-up/Innovator applications but are authorised to continue maintaining and monitoring their existing endorsed migrants. Please do not approach these organisations unless you are an existing endorsee.

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Business endorsing bodies

Higher education endorsing bodies