Research
Before we back a single founder, we look for the evidence to back the decision.
What we’re researching
We define disadvantage in three ways. The first is geography: founders in areas cut off from investment, infrastructure or opportunity. The second is circumstance: people shut out of self-employment altogether – through long-term unemployment, career breaks, ill health, caring responsibilities, or simply being pushed out of a shrinking labour market. The third is poverty: founders held back not by where they live or their circumstances, but by a straightforward lack of the financial means to start or grow a business.
Why this matters
Every disadvantaged founder who never starts, or never grows past a certain point, is lost potential – for them, and for the wider economy. People who are shut out of work, through no fault of their own, often carry real skills, experience and ambition; geography-disadvantaged communities often have real ideas and real demand, just not the access. Backing them properly isn’t only about individual outcomes – it’s about the growth, resilience and reduced dependency on state support that comes from a fuller range of people being able to build something. On a personal level, the ability to build and run something of your own brings financial stability, purpose and social connection that matter well beyond the business itself.
Implementation follows Investigation
Take part – If you work with disadvantaged founders, or have insight to share, we’d love to hear from you – click on our Get Involved page
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