In collaboration with Barclays Eagle Labs

Barclays Black Founder Accelerator

Applications closed for 2024
Register interest for 2025

Championing Diversity in Entrepreneurship

The Barclays Black Founder Accelerator is a dedicated 12-week programme designed to champion Black founder-led businesses through a series of masterclasses and one-to-one mentoring to help them accelerate and grow. Bringing expertise from sales, marketing, technology, business and investment, the programme will provide you with the tools you need to take your business to the next level.
This accelerator offers a series of expert-led masterclasses, covering various topics essential for business growth.

Tailored Mentorship for Startup Growth

Throughout the duration of the program, you'll participate in weekly sessions led by industry leaders, delving into subjects such as financial metrics, cash flow management, product development, marketing strategies, recruitment techniques, pitching skills, and fundraising strategies.

Specially chosen mentors will be paired with the selected start-ups and will work closely with them during the programme and beyond to help them grow and scale.
What's on offer
Mentoring and Coaching
Dedicated Barclays Champion
Access to Cutting Edge Resources
Pitch your business to investors and VC's
Access to Eagle Labs & Barclays network
Lifetime membership of the Foundervine community

Programme Speakers

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

2024 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 2024.
03 May
Applications open
15 May
Applications close
21 June
Accelerator starts
24 October
Demo 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 our application form.
Stage 2

Interview

Shortlisted applicants from stage 1 will go through a video 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 3 days to accept the invitation. If we do not receive the acceptance we will invite the next applicant.
Meet the cohort
View all
AICHITECT
AICHITECT
Trybe
Trybe
WA Health
WA Health
Trapar
Trapar
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the programme cover?
The programme includes masterclasses which cover areas of sales, marketing, investment, technology, legal and accounting. In addition, we offer participants the chance to meet with industry experts who will mentor them through one-on-one consultations.
What kind of mentorship will I receive from this programme?
Each company will be paired with a mentor selected specifically for their expertise relevant to the goals of this programme. They will communicate with their mentees on a regular basis and will provide them advice on growing and scaling their business.
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.
What is Demo Day?
Demo Day marks the culmination of the 12-week Barclays Black Founder Accelerator, where selected founders pitch their ventures to an audience of potential investors and industry professionals.
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?
Register interest for 2025