Businesses across the North looking to scale and secure investment can still apply for Venture Forward Cohort 3, an Innovate UK initiative delivered by GC Angels.
Designed specifically to support underrepresented founders, this 8-week accelerator programme provides practical guidance, expert-led workshops, and direct access to investors to help businesses navigate the fundraising landscape and build long-term resilience.
About the Programme
Running from September to November 2026, the programme brings together 20 to 30 ambitious founders for a comprehensive series of sessions covering the key stages of the equity fundraising process.
The programme is particularly focused on supporting founders who are often underrepresented in the investment landscape, including female founders, founders from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ founders, founders with disabilities, and those from low-income backgrounds or areas that have traditionally received less investor attention.
Delivered by GC Angels, Venture Forward gives founders the practical knowledge, tools and investor connections they need to approach their next funding round with greater confidence. The programme will be held at NatWest Group, 1 Spinningfields Square, Manchester, M3 3AP. Applications close on Monday, 24th August 2026.
Key Programme Highlights:
-
Expert Workshops: Over 8 weeks, sessions cover critical areas including funding options, strategy, financial modelling, valuations, term sheets, and building a robust fundraising campaign.
-
Value Proposition Support: Dedicated guidance to refine individual value propositions and investor pitches.
-
Practical Toolkits: Access to essential fundraising templates.
-
Investor Networking: Direct opportunities to meet active investors from across the UK.
-
Investment Potential: The opportunity to secure up to £500k in equity investment from GC Angels.
Simon Hall (APIMS Limited) - Business founder on previous cohort said:
“Overall, I would say we’ve all been very fortunate to find ourselves on this cohort. The presentation has been excellent, and it’s been thought-provoking at every stage. I would recommend any founder who can find their way onto the next cohort, or the one after that, to just do it – because it is absolutely incredible.”
To register and find out more, visit: https://gcangels.uk/venture-forward
Get in touch
Please contact us at 0161 3593050 or query below.
Take that first step and we’ll support you with whatever you need to succeed.
Sign-up to our newsletter
Insights, news, events and opportunities straight to your inbox.