Start-up Programme

The programme is run annually and is open to RCA graduates and alumni.

Key dates for 2023

Applications Open & Launch: 13th June 2023
Deadline: 5th July 2023

Early stage start-ups accepted into the InnovationRCA Start-up Programme receive pre-seed funding, introduction to InnovationRCA Fund 1 Managers, membership of AngelClubRCA, business mentoring, access to workshops and office space at InnovationRCA in the Rausing Research Building, Battersea South.

Our standard offer includes:

• £10,000–100,000 investment from the RCA and/or InnovationRCA Fund 1 and membership of our Angel Investor network, AngelClubRCA
• Business plan and product coaching
• Endorsement for a Start-up Visa
• Masterclasses tailored to plug gaps in your knowledge and equip you with skills to grow your start-up
• Introductions to our industry networks and partners including accountants and lawyers
• Great publicity and PR opportunities
• Office space at InnovationRCA and continued access to RCA workshops
• Access to tools, contract templates and manufacturing database

The RCA gets a small share in your start-up; this is dependent on the amount invested and the market your company addresses. You will need to sign:

• A simple shareholders agreement which will work with any future investors
• A simple service agreement
• A simple AngelClubRCA agreement

In additions to our standard offer of seed funds, business mentoring, office space in the InnovationRCA incubator and access to the RCA workshops, successful applicants are also introduced to investors.

This is an SEIS/EIS early stage investment fund, managed by Venrex Investment Management which invests in RCA start-ups.

The Club connects angel investors to RCA start-ups and prepares them to pitch for SEIS/EIS seed investment. The Club not only provides our graduate start-ups with additional finance, but also access to commercially experienced angels with valuable networks.