Investment Futures
Applicant Criteria

Applicants are eligible if one of the following applies:

• • a spin-out from a SETsquared partner university
  • a founder of student-led innovation start-up from a SETsquared partner university 
  • a member of one of our SETsquared Business Acceleration Centres:
    • SETsquared Bath
    • SETsquared Bristol
    • SETsquared Cardiff at Cardiff Innovations@sbarc
    • SETsquared Exeter Business Accelerator
    • SETsquared Southampton at University of Southampton Science Park
    • SETsquared Surrey at Surrey Research Park
    • a member of one of our SETsquared programmes:
    • Hydrogen & Sustainable Transport Economy Accelerator
    • GW-SHIFT’s Hydrogen Launchpad or Research Impact Training
    • ICURe

    All applicants must be able to demonstrate a clear product-market fit, a strong business model, revenues and solid traction and the potential for continued growth to scale. They must be ready to raise funds. We are also keen to showcase companies with solutions that can have a social and environmental positive impact.

    Applications are welcomed where the company is looking to raise investment. The range of investment sought must be between £250k and £5m.

    You will not be eligible if you took part in the GCV Symposium 2025 or Investment Futures in 2024. However, if you think there are good reasons for you to apply for a place on the Investment Futures (change of strategy, dramatically different proposition, a new investment round and a fundamentally different investor pitch) please discuss with your local centre/programme manager prior to making the application. 

    Investment Success

    Many of the companies involved in previous showcases that were seeking investment for development and growth have been successful or are in negotiations to secure funds. Some companies, on reflection, felt that growth through previously established revenue streams was more appropriate. Others concentrated on gaining initial customer orders to strengthen their value to investors before formally approaching this community. Figures show that the total raised by companies who have participated in the event over the previous twenty years exceeds over £160m.

    Questions?

    If you have any questions regarding the selection process or Investment Programme, please message Hannah Ryan on the Innovation Platform or email at [email protected]