In collaboration with Barclays Eagle Labs

Barclays Black Founder Accelerator

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Unlock Your Growth Potential

Join our 12-week accelerator, where you’ll collaborate with industry leaders to build and refine a growth strategy designed for long-term success. You'll focus on where to channel your energy, experiment rapidly, and make data-backed decisions to scale your business effectively.
This accelerator is designed to drive real funding outcomes through expert-led Funding Growth Workshops, Business Audits, Investor Office Hours, and tailored introductions to sector-specific investors. Participants will also benefit from pitch deck reviews and feedback from our Entrepreneurs in Residence (EIRs), peer-to-peer pitch practice sessions, an in-person expert-led pitch event, and 30-minute angel investment office hours.

Drive Growth Where It Matters

This accelerator goes beyond the traditional pitch day by offering founders direct, ongoing access to industry experts and investors. Over 25+ hours of live workshops and 1:1 coaching, we’ll help you develop your growth strategy, identify your key metrics, and master the channels that drive your growth. We’ll work hand-in-hand with you to foster a bold, metrics-driven mindset to scale effectively.
What's on offer
Strategic Business Audit
Investor Relations & Introductions
AI-powered Tools Support
Expert Mentoring & Coaching
Exclusive Access to Partner Discounts and Benefits
Lifetime membership to the Foundervine community

Meet Some of Our Experts

Bukola Bayo-Yusif
Global Human Resource Director at Hedrick and Struggles
Thomas McQuade
Chief Official Officer at Sofa Club
Simi Lindgren
CEO and Founder of Yoty
Sarah Roach
Staff Product Manager at Deliveroo
Samanzahra Shabbir
Senior Associate - Coporate M&A and EMC Group
Natalia Nicholson
Founder and CEO of Women in Digital Business
Michael Ross
Technology and Commercial Transactions at Travers Smith
Fabian McNeilly
Coporate M&A and ECM at Travers Smith
Elizabeth Eze
Founder of Marketing Invested
David Miller
Global Head Cross-Product Market Developmentat S&P Global
CJ Tayeh
Founder and CEO of Flank
Daniel Tuitt
Experience Strategist at Riyadh Air
Emma Rees
Founder Angel and Executive Chair of Deployed

2025 timeline

There are only 25 spaces available on this unique accelerator, delivered through a combination of virtual and in-person events from June through to October 2025.
20 March
Applications open
22 May
Applications close
03 Jul
Accelerator starts
23 October
Showcase day
ProcessCriteria

Application process

Competition is fierce for this transformative programme, so we have a 3-stage application process to ensure applicants and their businesses are at the right stage of their journey and are able to gain the most benefit from the programme.
Stage 1

Written application

Please check that you meet the criteria mentioned above. If you do, then complete the application form using the link below.
Stage 2

Interview

Shortlisted applicants from stage 1 will go through a virtual interview with Barclays and Foundervine lasting 20 minutes
Stage 3

Final Selection

Shortlisted applicants from stage 2 will be sent an invitation to join the accelerator. They will have 2 days to accept the invitation. If we do not receive the acceptance we will invite the next applicant on the list to join the accelerator.

What We Will Cover

Crafting Your Value Proposition
Mastering Product Evolution & Strategic Pivots
Perfecting Your Pitch: Storytelling & Strategy
Mastering Key Financial Metrics
Effective Cashflow Management
Building a Strong Brand
Marketing & Social Media Growth
Creating a Winning Sales Strategy
How to Pitch for Investment
Navigating Capital Raising: How I Raised My First Seed Round
Legal & Recruitment Essentials for Entrepreneurs
Managing Mental Health as a Founder
Meet the 2024 cohort
View all
AICHITECT
AICHITECT
Trybe
Trybe
WA Health
WA Health
Trapar
Trapar
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the programme cover?
The programme offers hands-on coaching, personalised mentoring, and valuable networking opportunities with investors, mentors, and fellow founders. You’ll refine your pitch, develop your fundraising strategy, and get expert guidance on scaling your business, from product-market fit to building strong teams. It’s designed to help you accelerate your growth.
Want to learn more? Get in touch.
What kind of mentorship will I receive from this programme?
You’ll be paired with a world-class mentor who has deep expertise in areas critical to your business’s growth. These mentors will work closely with you, offering tailored guidance, strategic advice, and actionable insights to help you scale your business. Through regular check-ins and ongoing support, they’ll be there to challenge you, push your thinking, and help you navigate the most critical decisions for your venture. Additionally, we’ll signpost you to flexible, on-demand support throughout the programme, connecting you to the right resources as your needs evolve.
Will I be introduced to investors during the programme?
Foundervine leverages its broad network of community on behalf of the participants, making introductions and connections that help the founders expand their business.
I’ve applied to this programme before. Can I apply again?
Repeat applications are always accepted, and prior applicants are encouraged to stay in touch.
Is this programme open to businesses from outside of UK?
While this programme is open for businesses only in the UK, Foundervine has resources and a community that is open and supports entrepreneurs across the world. Please subscribe to our newsletter to keep in touch.
Are these classes delivered online or offline?
These programmes are to be delivered online, however, there will be some networking sessions that will be held in person for the cohort to network.
Do I need to be able to commit to the whole programme?
Yes, full commitment is essential to get the most out of the programme. The experience is designed to be immersive and highly interactive, with mentorship, coaching, and networking opportunities throughout. To maximise your growth and achieve meaningful results, we encourage founders to engage fully in all aspects of the programme. We understand that you’re building your business, so we’re happy to work around your schedule, and co-founders are welcome to join sessions to ensure your team gets the most from the programme.
Does the programme support the cohort after the programme is over?
Yes, we stay in contact with the cohort members and follow their journey, continuing to offer support & advice through the Foundervine Community.
Terms & Conditions
Foundervine and Barclays Eagle Labs are working together to deliver the Barclays Black Venture Growth Programme. For this purpose, we are acting as a joint data controller in order to assess the startups that would benefit most from our support and to deliver the programme.
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For more detailed information on how and why Foundervine or Barclays Eagle Labs use your information, including the rights in relation to your personal data, and the legal grounds for using it, please go to:
Barclays Eagle labs Privacy PolicyCode of ConductProgramme TermsFoundervine Privacy Policy
To participate in the Programme, you must (i) be over 18 years old; (ii) be based in the UK; (iii) self-identify as Black or of Black heritage; (iv) have founded (either alone or with another or be a ‘C-suite’ executive within) a UK registered technology business employing a minimum of 2 employees (with a maximum of 2 people from your company being allowed to participate in the Programme) and (v) have been informed in writing by Barclays that you have been accepted on to the Programme.
Would you or someone you know benefit from this programme?
Apply now