In collaboration with Barclays Eagle Labs

Barclays Black Founder Accelerator

Meet the Cohort

Unlock Your Growth Potential

Join our 12-week accelerator, where you’ll collaborate with industry leaders to build and refine a robust growth strategy built for the long term. We'll help you optimise where to invest your energy, teaching you to experiment rapidly and make data-led decisions to scale your business effectively.

Drive Growth Where It Matters

This accelerator offers more than just traditional masterclasses, we provide a platform for meaningful, ongoing access with experts and investors. Through over 25+ hours of interactive workshops and 1:1 coaching, you'll develop your growth strategy, identify your key metrics, and master the channels that fuel your growth. Together, we will foster the bold, analytical mindset required to take your business to the next level and 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
Pitch Training & Office Hours

Meet some of our facilitators

Fabian McNeilly
Coporate M&A and ECM at Travers Smith
David Fogel
Managing Partner, Alma Angels
Michael Lovegrove
Founder, Snowballn
Adenike Sheriff
Investor, Spirit Capital
Izzy Obeng
CEO, Foundervine
Emma Rees
Founder Angel and Executive Chair, Deployed
Subira Jones
Certified Lifestyle Coach and International TED X Speaker
Jasmin Thomas
Venture Partner at Ada Ventures
Rishi Chowdhury
Founder, Incube Space
Sarah Roach
Staff Product Manager, Deliveroo
Natalia Loza
Product, commercial, and fundraising expert
Flavia Richardson
Founder & CEO, Acclivity Ventures
Elizabeth Eze
Founder of Marketing Invested
Dwain Reid
Business Growth Coach, Dwain Reid Coaching
Thomas McQuade
Chief Official Officer at Sofa Club
Bukola Bayo-Yusif
Global Human Resource Director at Hedrick and Struggles
CJ Tayeh
Founder and CEO of Flank
Daniel Tuitt
Experience Strategist at Riyadh Air
Simi Lindgren
CEO and Founder of Yoty
Samanzahra Shabbir
Senior Associate - Coporate M&A and EMC Group
Michael Ross
Technology and Commercial Transactions at Travers Smith
David Miller
Global Head Cross-Product Market Developmentat S&P Global

2026 timeline

There are only 25 spaces available on this accelerator, delivered through a combination of virtual and in-person events from May through to August 2026.
19 March
Applications open
20 April
Applications close
28 May
Accelerator starts
20 August
Graduation 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. If you do, then complete the 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 will have 2 days to accept their offer. If not accepted, the place will be offered to the next applicant on the list.
The accelerator has been so essential to me as a solopreneur. Understanding what value proposition is has changed how I pitch myself - to brands, to projects, to partners. It’s shaping what Ebonics will look like over the next 5-10 yrs. This accelerator really underlines how you can scale your purpose in a meaningful way.
Danielle Udogaranya,Founder & CEO, Ebonix (BFA 6.0)
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the programme cover?
The programme gives you hands-on coaching, personalised mentoring, and access to a network of investors, mentors, and fellow founders. You’ll refine your pitch, develop your fundraising strategy, and get expert guidance on scaling your business.

You’ll also take part in Funding Growth Workshops, Business Audits, and Investor Office Hours, with tailored introductions to sector-specific investors. Plus, you’ll get pitch deck feedback from our Entrepreneurs in Residence (EIRs), peer-to-peer pitch practice, and a chance to showcase your pitch at an expert-led event.
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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 Founder Accelerator. 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
Would you or someone you know benefit from this programme?
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