Top Startup Accelerators & Incubators in London, UK
London is a welcoming hub for global innovative technology, home to some of the best tech talents and talent nurturers globally. It is a central location for leading accelerators, incubators, and innovation programs aiming to catalyze growth for the next generation of disruptive innovation and technology. This guide explores London's leading accelerators and incubators that support startups in the ideation, launch, or growth phase.
Top 10 Accelerators and Incubators in London, United Kingdom (UK).
1. Bethnal Green Ventures
Target Audience: Early-stage startup with an idea.
Niche: Technology.
Bethnal Green Ventures' Tech For Good program, founded in 2012, is a prominent startup based in London, England. It focuses on supporting early-stage entrepreneurs building innovative technology to address serious social and environmental issues. Bethnal Green Ventures offers funding and mentorship to startups in their seed and venture stages, making it a key player in the European Tech for Good ecosystem.
2. Founders factory
Target Audience: Early-stage startup with a team.
Niche: Fintech, Health, Climate, Media & Telecoms.
Founders Factory is a startup builder and investor that collaborates with extraordinary entrepreneurs and leading companies worldwide to establish and fund startups. Founders Factory's pre-seed and seed-stage investment programs provide:
- Hands-on operational support.
- Warm introductions to a network of top-tier funds.
- The opportunity for businesses to pitch at their flagship investor day.
The program's primary goal is to de-risk and accelerate businesses, boosting their chances of success by offering operational assistance, venture insights, and access to finance.
3. Conception X
Target Audience: Early-stage research-backed startups.
Niche: PhD deeptech, scientists.
Conception X is a fully funded program and platform that helps PhD students become Venture Scientists and commercialize their research in impactful ways.
4. Startup Boot Camp
Target Audience: Early-stage startup with a team.
Niche: Industry Agnostic.
Startup boot camp is a renowned global network of industry-specific startup accelerators. It was founded in London, England, in 2010 by a team of experienced professionals. Focusing on providing various programs tailored to different sectors, the program's primary goals are to develop innovative founders and aid their worldwide development through industry-specific three-month accelerators.
5. Barclays Accelerator
Target Audience: Early-stage startup with a team.
Niche: Fintech.
Barclays Accelerator, powered by Techstars, is a fintech-focused program designed to help businesses grow by providing unparalleled opportunities and assistance. This program allows companies to access exclusive Barclays data and technology, offering the best of the banking industry and the Techstars network. Participants can look forward to up to 150 meetings with mentors, CEOs, and key influencers throughout the program.
6. Tech Nation
Target Audience: Early-stage startup with a team
Niche: Technology
Tech Nation is the leading growth platform for tech insights and connections, committed to enabling ambitious entrepreneurs and teams in the UK and beyond. They have four programs:
- Climate: For climate tech founders
- Libra: For underrepresented tech founders
- Future Fifty: For late-stage tech ventures
- Rising stars: A pitch competition for early-stage startups
Tech Nation provides critical support to entrepreneurs at various phases of growth.
7. Wayra UK
Target Audience: Early-stage startup with a team.
Niche: Technology.
Wayra, launched by Telefónica, looks for exceptional startups that have the potential to enhance education, employment, the environment, health, and social innovation - anything that can improve the lives of others. They run a 12-month program within one of the most innovative workspaces in London, which has hosted over 250 events. This vibrant ecosystem continuously shares knowledge, growth hacking skills, and resources.
8. Cylon
Target Audience: Early-stage startup with a team.
Niche: Information technology, Cybersecurity.
Cylon (Cyber London) Ventures, founded in 2015, is the top early-stage investor in security and resilience in Europe. This accelerator program provides European entrepreneurs the necessary training to build and grow successful cybersecurity companies. Participants receive intensive professional training, personal guidance, and support from an accomplished network of mentors.
9. Outlier Ventures
Target Audience: Early-stage/growth-stage web3 startup with a team.
Niche: Blockchain, Web3.
Outlier Ventures is a leading global accelerator and investor specializing in Web3 projects, including DeFi, NFTs, DAOs, and blockchain infrastructure. They offer programs like Base Camp and Ascent to help founders launch and grow their Web3 businesses, providing extensive mentorship, community building, and investment opportunities.
10. The Bakery
Target Audience: Pre-idea, Early-stage, Growth-stage startups looking for partnerships with large corporates.
Niche: Industry Agnostic, B2B.
The Bakery, established in 2013, innovates by connecting startups with corporates to solve industry challenges and foster B2B ventures. It runs three programs: the Start Programme for pre-idea entrepreneurs, the Accelerate Programme for pre-seed startups to land corporate pilots, and the Partner Programme for more mature companies to secure B2B contracts. Working with sectors like automotive and healthcare, The Bakery has facilitated substantial corporate investments in startup innovations, leveraging a network of over 5000 entrepreneurs worldwide.
AcceleratorApp Closing Thoughts on Startup Accelerators and Incubators in London, UK
London is the UK's home of innovation, with accelerators and incubators offering mentorship, guidance, access to funding, and an ideal environment for startups to thrive and grow.
You can access various tools and assistance by joining a business incubator or accelerator in London. You also become part of a thriving community of entrepreneurs, innovators, and changemakers. If you're prepared to embark on an exciting entrepreneurial journey, London's startup accelerators and incubators are ready to push you toward success.
Want to discover more accelerators and incubators from other countries? Check out the list below.
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