FastForward Pre-Accelerator

Launched in May 2014, Fast Forward (FFWD) is a high profile EU backed joint venture between City University London and the Accelerator Network, providing coaching support from industry to aspiring entrepreneurs at the pre-accelerator phase.

This programme aims to give aspiring entrepreneurs the tools to prepare to turn their idea into a business. Over time, we aim to support 100 aspiring entrepreneurs per year, with industry supplied 1:1 coaching, helping entrepreneurs prepare for acceleration, to build their business and create jobs and growth.

Industry support for the start up entrepreneurs covers marketing, advertising, finance, technical and general business skills. Trade partners include the BCS (Chartered Institute for IT Professionals), Chartered Institute of Marketing, Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, and others.

At the end of the programme, the 25-30 startps pitch to the leading UK accelerators including Accelerator Academy, TechStars, Ignite100, Oxygen, Level39, New Entrepreneur Foundation, Microsoft Ventures, BBC Worldwide, Collider, Dotforge, Truestart and FoundersHive. Also supporting the programme are SEIS investment funds such as Startup Funding Club, grant providers such as Technology Strategy Board and the Startup Loans Company, as well as incubators such as The Hangout, Bathtub2Boardroom and the Innovation Warehouse, helping Fast Forward teams to secure funding, workspace and accelerator access.

The programme is subsidised by our partners, underwritten by White Horse Capital and does not take any equity in the selected startups.

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