Foundervine has been featured in the latest Molten Ventures Impact Report, recognising the impact of the Pulse Programme, delivered with support from the Esprit Foundation.
FY26 marked the third year of funding from the Esprit Foundation, with a £25,000 grant helping Foundervine deliver the Pulse Programme. Designed to improve AI literacy, employability and entrepreneurial capability, the programme equipped founders, professionals and students from underrepresented communities with the knowledge and confidence to use artificial intelligence in practical, meaningful ways.
The programme was created to address persistent inequalities in access to emerging technology skills, ensuring more people could build the confidence to thrive in an AI-driven economy.
The response exceeded expectations. While the programme initially aimed to support 150 participants across six cohorts, Foundervine received 441 applications and ultimately welcomed 314 learners onto the programme, with 173 successfully graduating.
The impact extended beyond participation. Graduates reported:
The programme also reached the communities it was designed to serve. Around two-thirds of participants identified as women, more than 60% identified as Black, African, Caribbean or Black British, and approximately one-third identified as having a disability, demonstrating the programme's success in widening access to future-focused digital skills.
The programme concluded with an AI Roundtable and Showcase, where participants shared AI-powered business ideas and explored how emerging technologies can support growth, innovation and long-term resilience. Founders also highlighted how they are already using AI to improve marketing, customer communications, market research and day-to-day operations.
Being recognised in the Molten Ventures Impact Report reflects the strength of this partnership and the shared commitment to creating more equitable access to entrepreneurship and digital innovation.
As AI continues to reshape industries, programmes like Pulse demonstrate what's possible when underrepresented communities are given the opportunity, skills and support to participate fully in the future of work and business.
We are proud to have partnered with the Esprit Foundation on this initiative and look forward to continuing to create opportunities that empower diverse founders and professionals to build, innovate and grow.
Read the full report here
