Bethnal Green Ventures (BGV) operates as a leading early-stage venture capital firm in Europe, specifically dedicated to "tech for good" startups. The BGV Tech for Good Programme is designed to support ambitious founders who leverage technology to address significant social and environmental challenges. By providing a combination of financial investment, intensive mentorship, and access to an extensive network of impact-driven professionals, the program helps early-stage ventures refine their business models and scale their positive impact. The initiative focuses on three core thematic areas: A Sustainable Planet, Healthy Lives, and An Inclusive Society, ensuring that the technology developed serves the interests of both people and the planet.
Program Investment and Equity Terms
- Standard Investment: Successful applicants receive an investment of £60,000 to help kickstart their venture's growth.
- Equity Stake: In exchange for the investment and participation in the intensive program, BGV typically takes a 7% equity stake in the company.
- Follow-on Funding: Beyond the initial program, BGV provides opportunities for follow-on investment of up to £1 million for high-performing portfolio companies as they scale.
- Investment Readiness: The program includes specific modules designed to prepare founders for future institutional fundraising rounds.
Curriculum and Support Structure
- Six-Week Intensive: The program begins with an intensive six-week period featuring workshops, 1:1 sessions, and peer-learning opportunities.
- Hybrid Delivery: The curriculum is delivered through a blend of online sessions and in-person events hosted in London to facilitate deep networking.
- Expert Mentorship: Founders are matched with a network of over 100 mentors, including experienced entrepreneurs, industry specialists, and impact investors.
- Product and Impact Strategy: Specialized support is provided to help founders align their product development with measurable social or environmental outcomes.
- Lifelong Community: Upon completion of the intensive phase, founders join a permanent community of over 100 tech-for-good startups for ongoing peer support and collaboration.
Thematic Focus Areas
- A Sustainable Planet: Seeking ventures focused on climate action, circular economy, biodiversity, and sustainable consumption.
- Healthy Lives: Targeting startups improving mental and physical health, healthcare accessibility, and wellbeing across various demographics.
- An Inclusive Society: Supporting solutions that promote financial inclusion, education, fair work, and the reduction of inequalities.
Eligibility and Selection Criteria
- Company Stage: The program is primarily aimed at early-stage startups that have at least a working prototype or a Minimum Viable Product (MVP).
- Legal Structure: Applicants must be incorporated as a for-profit company limited by shares.
- Geographic Focus: While open to international founders, companies must be incorporated in the UK or be willing to incorporate in the UK to receive investment.
- Team Requirements: BGV strongly prefers teams of two or more founders with complementary technical and commercial skills.
- Impact Intent: Founders must demonstrate a clear commitment to generating a positive impact alongside financial returns.
Application and Important Dates
- Application Deadline: The current call for the Spring 2026 cohort closes on January 4, 2026.
- Selection Process: The process involves an initial written application, followed by video interviews and a final selection day with the BGV investment committee.
- Program Start Date: The Spring 2026 cohort is scheduled to commence in early March 2026.
- Q&A Sessions: Prospective applicants can participate in scheduled "Ask Me Anything" (AMA) sessions to clarify program details and application requirements.
The Bethnal Green Ventures Tech for Good Programme offers a specialized platform for entrepreneurs who believe that profit and purpose are mutually inclusive. By combining the rigor of a traditional venture capital accelerator with a deep focus on social and environmental impact, BGV provides the essential tools for early-stage founders to build sustainable and scalable businesses. This program is a significant opportunity for tech innovators to gain the credibility, capital, and community needed to navigate the challenges of the impact investment landscape. Founders who meet the eligibility criteria and are driven by a mission to solve global challenges are encouraged to submit their applications through the official BGV portal before the upcoming deadline.