Applications are now open for Tech Nation’s three flagship growth programmes.
The programmes cater for venture-backed and bootstrapped scaling startup and scaleup tech companies. Tech Nation states each programme is designed to provide tailored support, stage-specific growth challenges, and opportunities to network and consult with experts and peers.
All applicants must be headquartered within the UK.
Rising Stars 2.0
Rising Stars is a pitch competition for early-stage companies, designed to raise the profile of innovative tech companies across the UK. Entrants are supported throughout the application stage, finalists are chosen from each region of the UK and invited to pitch to a high profile panel of judges, in front of an audience of industry peers, investors and press.
Three semi-finalist from each of 11 UK regions will be selected by an expert judges, with 20 finalists pitching to become one of the 10 Microsoft-sponsored 2020 Tech Nation Rising Stars. Winners will receive an impressive prize package including facilitated introductions to investors, speaking opportunities and national press coverage. Previous winners include Seed Legals and Vet-AI.
Applications close on 3rd November.
Criteria:
- Seed to pre-Series A funding stage
- OR If revenue focused, generating annual revenues below £1m
- A digital tech business with a product or service to sell (no agencies or consultancies, sorry)
- At least one active client or pilot
- Able to demonstrate market traction
- Company incorporated between 1-3 years
Upscale 5.0
Now entering its fifth year, the mid-stage programme Upscale helps the UK’s most promising tech companies accelerate their growth and unlock key scaling challenges. This programme is designed to reflect companies’ scaling journey.
Exploring fundamental growth challenges, Upscale includes sessions delivered by scale coaches, opportunities to network with peers and becoming part of the Tech Nation Alumni. Previous Upscale cohorts have included Monzo and Bloom & Wild.
Applications close on 24th October.
Criteria:
- VC-backed, having raised Series A round
- OR If revenue focused, generating annual revenues between £1m – £5m
- Achieving 20% month-on-month growth
Future Fifty 8.0
The late-stage programme Future Fifty, now in its eighth year, brings together the country’s most successful tech companies to build a powerful network and problem-solve with peers.
It supports companies in achieving their global ambitions, creating jobs and opportunities across the UK, and inspiring the next generation of tech entrepreneurs, founders and businesses.
The Future Fifty alumni include Skyscanner, Farfetch, Deliveroo and Funding Circle. Applications close on 5th November.
Criteria:
- Series B+ funding stage
- OR If revenue focused, generating annual revenues over £5m
- Achieving 50% month-on-month growth
If you’re still not sure which growth programme your company fits into, try Tech Nation’s selector tool. If you are in the middle of your own scaling journey, use their Ultimate Guide to Scaling for advice and resources.
