Venture capital company runs its own accelerator

Activate Capital is running an accelerator programme in Ealing, London over a six week period – it’s ‘digital startup studio’. It includes strategy and planning, product design, advice on company structure as well as pitch coaching for future funding rounds.

It aims to focus on the needs of individual startups, with specific topics addressed each morning and afternoon in a structured programme, tutored by the eight principals of Venture Capital business (founded in 2016).

Startups contribute up to 5% of their equity; and once the programme has finished, successful applicants have the opportunity to gain access to seed investment of £100K, to optimise product development and secure future finance.

Activate Capital claims to have invested in three companies last year. Their concern is that the average success rate in Accelerators is one in ten and they are seeking to ensure that all of those that go on their programme succeed. “We are committed to working hand-in-hand with start-ups to ensure that they get the advice, insights and support that they need.”

John Whatmore, March 2017