In collaboration with Barclays Eagle Labs

Barclays Black Venture Growth Programme

Applications are closed for 2024

Accelerating Growth for Bold Founders

The Barclays Black Venture Growth Programme is a dedicated 16-week programme that focuses on growth and removing barriers to fundraising through targeted support. The programme can support ventures in accelerating their success beyond the programme through a three-layer approach.

Our three-layer approach

We're accelerating growth ventures and boosting success through a three-layer approach.

Access

A series of assessments designed to understand the current state and opportunities for improvement, including talent profiling and a business audit.

Acceleration

A core business and investment-readiness development programme delivered by experts in order to help prepare ventures who may want to raise investment.

Advocacy

Brand-building, PR, customer acquisition support, signposting to relevant stakeholders and warm introductions.

What's on offer

Gain insights and expertise from industry leaders

Identify and harness your strengths with our talent profiling service

Optimise your business strategy with a comprehensive business audit

Receive personalised guidance through dedicated advisers

Showcase your startup to potential investors at our Investor Demo Days

Programme Speakers

Jasmin Thomas

Venture Partner at Ada Ventures

Sarah Finegan

Senior Investor at Anteler

Matt Lerner

Founder and CEO of SYSTM

Toyosi Ogedengbe

Principal at Ascenscion VC

Dan Silvertown

Co-Founder of Lapse | Forbes 30 under 30

Oscar Hoare

Principal at Edenred Capital Partners

Evelyn Oluwole

Non Executive Director at Digital Boost

2024 timeline

There are only 20 spaces availableon this unique 16-week accelerator, delivered through a combination of virtual and in-person events from August 2024 through to February 2025.

19 June

Applications close

06 August

Accelerator starts

28 November

Demo day 1

04 February

Demo day 2

Process Criteria

Application process

We have a three-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 first check that you meet the application criteria. If you do, then complete our application form.

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 3 will be sent an invitation to join the accelerator. They will have 3 days to accept the invitation. If we do not receive the acceptance we will invite the next applicant.

Masterclasses

Navigating the Growth Journey: From Seed to Series A

Finding Language Market Fit: How to Make Customers Feel Like You’ve Read Their Minds

Case Study: Unleashing Growth Potential in Domestic and International Market

What your Deck Should Look Like

Case Study: Getting the Most out of your Financial Model

Unlocking Funding Options to Scale: Equity and Debt Finance

Entrepreneur Story & AMA: How I raised my Series A round

Navigating IP and The Legal Landscape

Post-Investment Scaling Strategies : Mastering North Star Metrics

Meet the cohort

View all

TWOSHOT

Trade Assist Limited

SP Sahara Tech LTD.

School of New Africa LTD.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Black Venture Growth Programme work?

If you are accepted, yourself and your senior team will join us for regular coaching, 1-on-1 coaching, and workshops. We'll work side by side to help you execute your growth plans including:
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1. Developing and implement a clear and effective plan for growth, with a robust metrics framework.
2. Assistance in market expansion strategies.
3. Guidance on various sources and methods of financing, including equity investment, debt financing, grants, and crowdfunding.
4. Exclusive opportunities to engage in one-on-one sessions with investors, receiving personalised support and insights.
5. Connections and collaboration between cohort members and investors.

Who will be our coaches and mentors?

We'll match you with Business Advisers throughout the programme. Depending on your business, the most relevant experts will go over your business plan, operating model, processes etc. We know what "good" looks like, and we'll challenge your assumptions and make sure you're focused on the most impactful work (and doing it well).
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We'll push you to work at pace, expand your thinking, and focus on the work that can have the biggest impact. And we'll give you candid feedback at every turn.

Will I be introduced to investors during the programme?

The Barclays Black Venture Growth Programme, powered by Foundervine, provides a unique platform to connect UK businesses with a network of investors. Throughout the programme, we curate exclusive opportunities for you to interact with potential investors, fostering meaningful connections and opening doors to funding opportunities.
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Our aim is to provide you with the necessary resources and support to secure the growth capital you need. You'll have access to investor networking events, pitch sessions, and tailored mentoring sessions where you can showcase your business and engage directly with investors who are actively seeking investment opportunities.
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We understand the importance of connecting with the right investors who align with your business vision and goals. Therefore, we strive to ensure that the introductions you receive during the programme are highly relevant and hold the potential to propel your business forward.

How much does the programme cost?

The Barclays Black Venture Growth Programme powered by Foundervine and funded by UK Government is completely free of charge for participants.
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The value of the programme is approx. £10,000 per participant. Due to UK Government funding, we are able to offer this programme without any costs or fees.
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Our mission is to support and empower UK businesses, and we believe that access to high-quality entrepreneurship programmes should be available to all, regardless of financial constraints. As a result, there is no financial burden associated with joining this programme.
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You can participate in the Barclays Black Venture Growth Programme and take advantage of the valuable resources, mentorship, networking opportunities, and expert guidance provided without worrying about any programme costs. We're committed to helping you unlock your business's full potential and propel it towards sustainable growth.

Is this programme open to businesses based outside of UK?

Currently, the Barclays Black Venture Growth Programme powered by Foundervine is exclusively open to businesses based in the United Kingdom. Our focus is to support and empower UK businesses, providing them with the resources, guidance, and opportunities necessary for growth and success in the local market.
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If you are outside of the UK, please subscribe to our newsletter to keep in touch and gain access to future international opportunities.

Are these sessions delivered online or offline?

In order to provide maximum flexibility and accessibility, the sessions for the Barclays Black Venture Growth Programme are delivered primarily online. This allows participants from across the UK to engage with the programme from the comfort of their own locations.
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You'll have access to a wide range of interactive sessions, workshops, mentoring sessions, and networking opportunities. These online sessions are designed to be engaging, informative, and foster collaboration among participants.
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Additionally, we will organise select in-person events, workshops and the cohort Demo Day. These in-person events will be communicated to you well in advance, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to plan and attend.

What is Demo Day?

Demo Day culminates the 16-week Black Venture Growth Accelerator, with selected founders pitching to an audience of potential investors and industry professionals.

Do you provide support for the cohort after the programme is over?

Yes, we stay in contact with the cohort members and follow their journey, continuing to offer support and 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 Policy Code of Conduct Programme Terms Foundervine 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?