The programme - Start Codon

Our programme

Each of our portfolio companies is enrolled into our unique and innovative venture building programme. Our programme has been carefully architected and is skillfully implemented to provide early stage companies and their founders with the support and resources they need to fast-track the translation of their innovative science into successful commercial ventures.

What the programme entails

Regular scrum meetings ensure companies stay on track and remain best placed to achieve their key milestones
Regular sessions with industry leading partners and collaborators across a variety of sectors to provide advice, help and guidance on a range of relevant topics
Deep dives ensure that companies are properly supported and have access to the resources that they need when they need them
Each company benefits from a gap analysis to ensure that support is tailored for their specific needs
Access to alumni events, social meet ups and gatherings with external parties to help develop the networks of our entrepreneurs, industry and commercial partners and the community

How our programme is run

The Start Codon programme operates on a recurring cycle with our entrepreneurs being enrolled into the programme upon joining us.

As part of the programme, we run regular sessions with our partners, team and collaborators on key topics that have been specially selected to provide the maximum benefit, help and guidance to our companies and their exceptional founders. These topics include team building and people strategy, intellectual property, go-to-market strategy, experimental design, marketing, fundraising, accountancy, key legal issues, general operations and contract negotiation.

Our portfolio companies also benefit from access to an extensive network of hand-picked mentors and experienced entrepreneurs from across a variety of fields, who are interested in devoting their time, knowledge and connections to help our portfolio companies stay on track and raise their next round of financing.

We also provide the ability for our companies and their founders to grow their networks by running sessions with our trusted VCs, business angels and pharma and biotech partners.

Please note that, in addition to our minimum of £250,000 of investment, we take an additional 8% of fully diluted equity in part consideration of providing the programme to our portfolio companies.

Other benefits of our programme

Portfolio companies will receive:

A minimum of six months of training, guidance and close support and followed by a period of lighter ongoing support from our dedicated team
Regular meetings with our experienced management team, mentors, and external parties to develop a robust business plan, polish their pitch and prime for their next round of fundraising
Specialist talent and people support and advice, including the ability to connect with leading c-suite executives, to help plan and implement an effective and scalable people strategy
Favourable rates and/or pro bono support from a broad range of local, national and international partners and collaborators, including CROs, legal and accountancy firms, insurance brokers and banks
The opportunity feature in our Innovation Showcases and pitch to potential investors and partners, including business angels, VCs, biotech and pharma
Access to modern office space in a collaborative co-working environment
Opportunities to meet investment syndication partners and follow-on VCs
Invites to networking events and opportunities to present to external pharma and other industry contacts, to help develop networks and drive forward and secure commercial deals and future fundraisings

Our Sponsors

With thanks to our Enhancer sponsors for their support of the START programme

Supporting each other

We love to hear from potential chairpersons, other non-executive directors, operational staff and mentors for our portfolio companies. We believe that a huge part of the success of our companies will be determined by the people who lead, and work, for them.

As part of our programme, each of our founders will have the opportunity to work with our team and our in-house Director of Talent to plan, develop and execute their talent strategy and drive forward the recruitment of people who can make a real difference.

If you are interested in supporting our portfolio companies in a director, mentor or operational role, please do contact us and register on our database.

Contacting us will ensure that you:

Are added to our talent database
Are made aware of appropriate opportunities as and when they arise
Will be considered for roles for our companies, based on your selected criteria
Have an opportunity to expand your personal and professional network