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BlogTop 10 Startup Accelerators in the UK in 2025

Top 10 Startup Accelerators in the UK in 2025

Marc Seitz

Marc Seitz

@mfts0

The UK startup ecosystem in 2025 is thriving with innovation in fintech, healthtech, AI, and deeptech. While venture capital plays a central role, many early-stage startups benefit from structured support through accelerator programs.

These accelerators provide more than just capital — they offer mentorship, investor introductions, and operational guidance that can help founders go from idea to product-market fit.

In this guide, we list 10 of the top startup accelerators in the UK supporting pre-seed and seed-stage startups.

Quick list of top startup accelerators in the UK

  • Entrepreneur First: Talent-first accelerator that co-founds companies with individuals.
  • Techstars London: World-class mentorship and access to global networks.
  • Seedcamp: Pre-seed and seed investor with a structured accelerator-style program.
  • Founders Factory: Offers investment + hands-on support from a network of corporates.
  • Antler UK: Global pre-seed platform running residencies in London.
  • Barclays Rise Accelerator: Fintech accelerator backed by Barclays.
  • Bethnal Green Ventures: Impact-driven accelerator for tech for good.
  • Zinc VC: Mission-driven builder for startups solving global problems.
  • Startupbootcamp UK: Vertical-specific accelerator with a global mentor pool.
  • SETsquared Partnership: University-backed accelerator focused on tech commercialization.

How to find the right accelerator in the UK

Choosing the right accelerator depends on your sector, location, and how much support you need beyond capital. Here's what to look for:

  • Stage fit: Are you pre-product, MVP-ready, or post-revenue?
  • Sector relevance: Many UK accelerators are verticalized — fintech, AI, health, impact.
  • Geographic presence: London is the hub, but Manchester, Oxford, Bristol also have strong programs.
  • Equity vs. non-equity: Some programs take equity, others offer grants or non-dilutive support.
  • Alumni success: Check who's come out of the program and where they've gone.

Use Papermark's investor database to filter accelerators by region, sector, and stage.

How to send your pitch deck to startup accelerators in the UK

To get into a competitive accelerator, don't send your deck as a static PDF. Use a trackable, secure link and monitor investor engagement.

Here's how to do it right:

  • Personalize your message based on the accelerator's focus
  • Include a short intro: team, traction, and why now
  • Use a trackable link to monitor interest and follow up smartly
  1. Get notified when investor view your deck
  2. Track how long they were on each page of your deck
  3. Capture emails of investors who viewed your deck
  4. Protect your IP using watermark, screenshot protection and other link permissions
  5. Securely send data room with multiple documents

Pitch deck sharing

1. Entrepreneur First

Entrepreneur First backs individuals before they have a company. Based in London, they help co-found global tech startups from scratch.

2. Techstars London

One of the world's most well-known accelerators, Techstars London offers a three-month program with mentorship and investor access.

3. Seedcamp

Often considered "Europe's YC," Seedcamp offers funding and founder support from idea through seed stage.

4. Founders Factory

Founders Factory builds and scales startups with hands-on operational support and corporate partners like L'Oréal and Aviva.

5. Antler UK

Antler is a global early-stage investor and builder. Its UK program helps solo founders and small teams validate and raise pre-seed capital.

6. Barclays Rise Accelerator

Run by Barclays Bank, Rise runs a fintech-focused accelerator connecting startups with decision-makers and enterprise clients.

7. Bethnal Green Ventures

BGV supports tech-for-good startups in health, education, and sustainability through a 12-week investment-backed program.

8. Zinc VC

Zinc runs 9-month venture builder programs where founders work full-time on a mission — such as improving mental health or climate resilience.

9. Startupbootcamp UK

A global accelerator with London-based programs in InsurTech, IoT, and fintech. Offers deep mentor pools and investor intros.

10. SETsquared Partnership

Backed by leading UK universities, SETsquared helps spinouts and tech founders grow with mentoring and grant access.

Prepare for Demo Day: what UK accelerators expect

If accepted, most UK accelerator programs end with a Demo Day — a high-stakes presentation to investors. To make the most of it:

  • Build a compelling story: Start with the problem and end with your big vision
  • Practice your timing: Most Demo Day slots are just 4–5 minutes
  • Polish your slides: Investors expect clarity and scalability
  • Anticipate investor questions: Be ready on traction, GTM, and your roadmap
  • Use analytics: Track who viewed your deck and follow up accordingly

Use Papermark to deliver a professional deck and track every moment of investor engagement.

Didn't find the right accelerator?

Browse our open database of over 7,000 investors and accelerator programs around the world.

Final Thoughts

The UK's accelerator scene is diverse and world-class. Whether you're building a deeptech spinout or launching a B2B SaaS tool, there's likely a program that aligns with your goals. These accelerators not only provide capital and mentorship — they prepare you for follow-on investment, build your credibility, and embed you in thriving startup ecosystems.

If you're preparing to apply, make sure your pitch deck stands out — and don't forget to share it in a way that shows traction and professionalism.

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