Startup 54
University of Hertfordshire
Accelerating Growth for Bold Founders.
In partnership with Barclays funded by UK Government
The Barclays Black Venture Growth Programme is a dedicated 16-week programme that focuses on growth and removing barriers to fundraising through targeted support. The programme can support ventures in accelerating their success beyond the programme through a three-layer approach.
We're accelerating growth ventures and boosting success through a three-layer approach.
Assess
A series of assessments designed to understand the current state and opportunities for improvement, including talent profiling and a business audit.
Accelerate
A core business and investment-readiness development programme delivered by experts, In order to help prepare ventures who may want to raise investment.
Advocate
Brand-building, PR, customer acquisition support, signposting to relevant stakeholders and warm introductions.
What you need to know
We have a three-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 the application form using the link below.
Stage 2: Interviews
Shortlisted applicants from Stage 1 will go through a virtual interview with Barclays and Foundervine lasting 30 minutes.
Stage 3: Final Selection
Shortlisted applicants from Stage 2 will be sent an invitation to join the accelerator. They will have 2 days to accept the invitation. If we do not receive the acceptance we will invite the next applicant on the list to join the accelerator.
Guiding your Growth
Discover the diverse array of benefits awaiting participants in the Black Venture Growth Programme.
Gain insights and expertise from industry leaders with our 10 masterclasses tailored for growth stage startups.
Identify and harness your team's strengths with our talent profiling service.
Optimise your business strategy with a comprehensive business audit.
Receive personalised guidance and support through dedicated advisers.
Access advice and support from experienced entrepreneurs in residence.
Showcase your startup to potential investors at our Investor Demo Days.
Expand your network and collaborate with fellow entrepreneurs at our community networking events.
Masterclasses
Navigating the Growth Journey: From Seed to
Series A
What your Deck
Should Look
Like
Entrepreneur Story & AMA: How I raised my Series A round
Finding Language Market Fit: How to Make Customers Feel Like You’ve Read Their Minds
Case Study: Getting
the Most out of your Financial Model
Navigating IP and
The Legal
Landscape
Case Study: Unleashing Growth Potential in Domestic and International Market
Unlocking Funding Options to Scale: Crowdfunding and Grant
Post-Investment Scaling Strategies : Mastering North Star Metrics
Frequently asked questions
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.
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:
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.