We back underrepresented entrepreneurs with great ambitions who are ready to build, raise, and scale.
Breakthrough Founders is an operator-led, investor-focused, and UK Government-backed programme built around what it takes to get investors to say yes. The 200BnClub, Catalyst, Focused For Business & Mint Ventures are proud to bring you Breakthrough Founders. Our objective is to advance the fundraising of 150 overlooked founders over the next 18 months. Too many brilliant UK founders are overlooked. Not because they lack ambition, but because the funding system was built with a narrow view of who gets backed.
Breakthrough Founders is delivered by a powerhouse of award-winning teams, with a track record of unlocking real progress and real capital for founders:
Backed by the UK’s first values-based, women-led angel network, mobilising £5M+ in new capital for diverse startups.
280+ companies supported each year in their start-up and scale.
177 early stage founders raised £38.5M+, including £6.9M+ in the past year alone.
350+ investors in our combined VC and angel networks.
£55M+ in investor term sheets secured.
Figures shown are from the partners’ prior programmes; Breakthrough Founders combines this experience in a new collective.
Why You’re Here.
The startup ecosystem isn’t short on talent; it’s short on funding the vision.
You’re ambitious and building something innovative.
You’re ready to turn your work into traction, and traction into capital.
You’re looking to raise capital in the next 3–18 months and you're ready to sharpen your story, your strategy and your investor pitch.
What You'll Get.
A tailored breakthrough track - Once accepted, you’ll be matched to the right track for the stage you’re at.
Fully online, built for access - Join from anywhere in the UK and fit the tracks around your life. No barriers, just breakthroughs.
Breakthrough Idea
You’ve done the research and know the problem is real. Now you want the structure, support and skills to secure grant funding or investment.
Breakthrough Raise
You’ve built and tested an early version of your product. Now you’re raising your first or second round and need investors who see the opportunity you’ve created.
Breakthrough Growth
Breakthrough Scale
You’re raising your Series A. You’ve done the groundwork - now it’s about sharpening the strategy, positioning, and pitch to scale with serious capital.
Cost
This programme is fully funded by Innovate UK. There is no cost to apply and there are no hidden costs to participate!
Across every Breakthrough, you’ll gain:
Investor-ready training from award-winning partners.
Access to VCs, angels, and operators funding what others overlook.
A founder community that fuels ambition and shares the wins.
The tools and confidence to close your next round.
