General Tips

• Use Trackable Links: For your pitch deck and data room, consider using a tool like Docsend. This allows you to see who is viewing your documents, for how long, and helps you track engagement.

• Be Concise and Clear: Ensure all answers are precise and to the point.

• Proofread: Check your application for typos and grammatical errors.

Form Sections and Guidance

1. Email & Name of Startup & Company Name* & Company Number (Companies House)* & Website**:

• Email: Use a professional email address associated with your startup.

• Name of Startup: Ensure this matches your branding and any official documents.

• Company Name & Number: Verify that your company name and Companies House number are correct and up-to-date.

• Website: Provide the link to your official company website, ensuring it is fully functional and professional.

2. Social Media Links:

• Include links to all relevant social media platforms where your startup is active (LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc.).

• Ensure these profiles are professional, regularly updated, and reflect your brand's voice and values.

3. SEIS/EIS Eligibility & Advance Assurance Letter*:

• Eligibility: Indicate whether you have received advanced assurance for SEIS/EIS.

• Assurance Letter: Provide a link to the SEIS/EIS advance assurance letter from HMRC, ensuring it is accessible and up-to-date.

4. One Liner & Origin Story & Problem* & Solution* & Underlying Magic**:

• One Liner: Summarize your startup in a single, impactful sentence that highlights your unique value proposition.

• Origin Story: Share a compelling narrative about how and why your startup was founded. Highlight the key moments and motivations behind its inception.

• Problem: Clearly define the specific problem your startup is addressing. Use data or anecdotes to illustrate the pain points.

• Solution: Describe your solution in detail, explaining how it effectively addresses the problem. Include any key features or benefits.

• Underlying Magic: Highlight your Unique Selling Proposition (USP). Explain what sets your product or service apart from competitors and why customers would choose you.

5. Industry:

• Select the most relevant industry from the provided list that best describes your startup. Be accurate as this will influence how your application is reviewed.

6. Size of Market Opportunity & Number of Founders & Founder Details**:

• Market Opportunity: Provide detailed data and research to back up the size and potential of your market. Highlight trends, growth rates, and any competitive advantages.

• Number of Founders: Specify the total number of founders in your startup.

• Founder Details: For each founder, include:

• First Name & Last Name

• Email Address

• LinkedIn Profile: Ensure profiles are complete and professional.

• Mini Bio: Summarize each founder's background, experience, and role in the startup.

7. Founded By? & Investment Stage*:

• Founded By: Indicate all applicable founding categories (e.g., female-founded, immigrant-founded, etc.).

• Investment Stage: Select the current stage of investment (Pre-seed, Seed, Series A, etc.).

8. Competitors & Unique Advantage*:

• Competitors: List your main competitors and provide a brief analysis of each.

• Unique Advantage: Clearly articulate how your startup is different from and superior to your competitors. Highlight any proprietary technology, unique business models, or other differentiators.

9. Capital Raised to Date & Investors*:

• Capital Raised: Specify the total amount of capital raised to date, including investments, grants, and loans.

• Investors: List the names of investors who have contributed to your startup.

10. Current Fundraising & Revenue Model & Past 12 Months Revenue**:

• Current Fundraising: State your current fundraising goals, including the amount you are seeking and any relevant terms.

• Revenue Model: Describe how your startup generates revenue (e.g., subscriptions, freemium models, one-time fees).

• Past 12 Months Revenue: Provide detailed information on revenue generated in the past year, if any. Break down by month or quarter if possible.

11. Reporting & Pitch Deck Link & Data Room Link*:

• Reporting: Detail your reporting process for investors, including the frequency and content of newsletters or updates.

• Pitch Deck Link: Provide a trackable link to your pitch deck using tools like Docsend.

• Data Room Link: Ensure your data room link is accessible and contains all necessary documents for due diligence.

12. ESG Plan/Policy:

• Describe your Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) plan or policy. Include any initiatives, goals, or achievements related to sustainability, diversity, equity, and inclusion (EDI). Mention if you are a B Corp or pursuing certification.

13. Consent to Store Data & Send Emails*:

• Indicate your consent to data storage and email communications in compliance with GDPR and other relevant regulations.

Common Feedback on Past Submissions

1. Product Underlying Magic:

• Feedback: Ensure your product's unique aspects are clear and defensible. Avoid generic claims like "lower fees" or "easier setup" without explaining how you achieve these advantages.

• Example: Highlight proprietary technology, unique algorithms, or patents that give you a competitive edge.

2. Business Model:

• Feedback: Clearly outline your business model and revenue streams. Avoid ambiguity and ensure it is understandable.

• Example: Specify whether you charge a subscription fee, one-time payment, or use a freemium model. Explain how you plan to scale and sustain revenue.

3. Go to Market Strategy:

• Feedback: Include a detailed go-to-market strategy. Highlight key channels, marketing tactics, and partnerships.

• Example: Outline your plans for customer acquisition, including digital marketing, partnerships, and any planned advertising campaigns.

4. Traction:

• Feedback: Provide clear and understandable traction metrics. Specify whether figures are monthly, annual, or otherwise.

• Example: Include metrics such as Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR), customer growth, and user engagement statistics.

5. Financial & Company Valuation:

• Feedback: Present a sensible valuation and clear financial forecasts backed by evidence.

• Example: Provide detailed financial projections, including revenue forecasts, burn rate, and runway. Justify your valuation with comparable market data.

6. Current Status & Funding Journey:

• Feedback: Detail your current progress and clearly outline your use of funds.

• Example: Include milestones achieved, current development stage, and how you plan to allocate the funds you are raising.

7. Exit Plan:

• Feedback: Include a realistic and thought-out exit strategy.

• Example: Discuss potential exit opportunities, such as acquisition targets or IPO plans, and justify why these are feasible.

8. Ask:

• Feedback: Clearly state your funding ask, including the amount, valuation, and use of proceeds.

• Example: "We are seeking £1M at a £5M pre-money valuation to expand our sales team and accelerate product development."

9. Team Profile:

• Feedback: Provide detailed bios for each team member, explaining why they are the right fit for the startup.

• Example: Highlight relevant experience, past successes, and specific roles within the startup.

10. Appendix:

• Feedback: Include a comprehensive appendix with additional data and supporting documents.

• Example: Provide market research, additional financial data, detailed product roadmaps, and other relevant information.