Frequently asked questions

What is everything I need to know for the recently announced AI Accelerator?

Full list of FAQs answered here , Any further questions please use the contact form below or email contact@initiator.vc

I have questions about the membership, where can I access?

See our FAQs here , Any further questions please use the contact form below or email contact@initiator.vc

Do I need to be a member to be considered for programmes?

No. Members however do get priority consideration and readiness support for programmes.

What and when is the next Initiator fund?

In the winter of 2025, we will be accepting applications for fund II, with investment cheques between £10k-£100k. Before then, we are co-investing, hosting numerous events, workshops, acceleration programmes, and connecting buzzing startups with our investors network. Stay tuned via our social media and opportunities section!

Who can apply?

Depends on the advertised programme or event, as each may have its own criteria. For membership, there is no specific criteria but we look to see evidence of ambition.

Only one of the founders must fit within the below criteria generally for accelerators:

Anyone with a current student status from UK or EU (undergads, master students, PHDs, everything in between) or who have graduated in the past 24 months. Gap year and drop outs within the past 24 months are also accepted. We have a strong preference for people with no after graduation work commitments.

What are the selection criteria?

Again, depends on the programme and on a case by case basis. Our team work hard to identify the best of the best in every field. Some events, for example may be at a limited capacity and hand picked, while others not.

For fund II, we will be keen to hear from talented founders first and foremost, and with rigorous research on an idea, demonstrated in the form of a pitch deck. Any additional resources specific to your idea/advantageous to the demonstration of the idea is recommended, such as a business plan. Some early traction or proof of concept, or having participated in an incubator/accelerator could also be an advantage.

We are also sector agnostic unless stated otherwise in an accelerator or programme.

Can I apply without a team?

We are looking for great talent. We can help you meet potential co-founders from our carefully selected community.

Can I apply without ideas?

Add yourself to our talent pool (see opportunities page), meet us, and we can potentially connect you with a co founder and support you in developing said idea in the exceptional case. We highly recommend that you enter our hackathon events and any future acceleration programmes, and if possible to do have an idea.

What are the dates of the programme?

We will accept applications annually for our fund II. However all other programmes will have their shorter specified date and date of closure.

What mentor will I get?

We built a community of over 80 top-class mentors. They are all accomplished entrepreneurs or early-stage investors and many of them are unicorn founders. Once accepted, you will have access to the list of mentors available for your programme, office hours are available with the mentors that want to back you. So it is up to them and you! Upon agreement, they will then be a genuine part of your team!

What are the terms?

Depends on the investment size and deal. If we are connecting you to our board members the terms are up to them. If we are directly investing we typically negotiate for a reasonable amount of equity, and in the exceptional case we invest in the form of the UK Equivalent of a SAFE . Additionally, we will provide you access to our community, mentoring, hands on operators who will help your team, and professional resources.

What do you mean by “hands on” startup operators?

Our operator network sets us apart, as our portfolio companies typically have access to talent that can jump on and support specific operations. Think of them as extra hands on deck for anything you need. The benefits are bi-directional - as the operators also get to learn, support future unicorns, and impact new industries.