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Innovator Founder Visa — From Idea to Endorsement-Ready Plan

The complete Innovator Founder workflow: business plan generation, financial projections, pitch deck, and endorsement statement — all structured around the three core criteria: innovation, viability, and scalability.

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What the Platform Does

Tools built specifically for Innovator Founder Visa cases

  • Full business plan generation structured around endorsing body assessment criteria
  • Financial projections with 3-year forecasts aligned to viability requirements
  • Pitch deck narrative tailored to the specific endorsing body's focus
  • CV analysis identifying relevant entrepreneurial and business experience
  • Endorsement body selection from 10 approved bodies including Innovate UK
  • Pre-submission audit checking plan against innovation, viability, and scalability criteria
Key Requirements

What applicants must meet

  • Endorsement from one of the approved endorsing bodies confirming the business idea is innovative, viable, and scalable
  • Business must be new or at an early stage — cannot be replicating an existing business
  • Applicant must be the founder or co-founder, actively involved in the business
  • English language at B2 level or above
  • Adequate maintenance funds
What We Check For

Common refusal grounds — caught before submission

Business idea not endorsed — failed to meet innovation, viability, or scalability criteria
Business idea considered a replication of an existing model rather than genuinely innovative
Applicant not demonstrating they will be actively running the business
Switching from a visa category not permitted to switch from
English language evidence below B2 level
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Do I need £50,000 to apply for an Innovator Founder visa?

No — the £50,000 investment requirement was removed. You still need to demonstrate adequate maintenance funds to support yourself, but there is no minimum business investment requirement.

Which bodies can endorse an Innovator Founder application?

There are currently 10 approved endorsing bodies including Innovate UK, various accelerators, and specialist bodies. Each has its own focus area and assessment process. The right body depends on your business sector and stage.

Can I extend my Innovator Founder visa?

Yes. Extensions require a progress review from your endorsing body confirming you have made reasonable progress toward the milestones set at the previous stage.

How long before I can apply for ILR on the Innovator Founder route?

After 3 years on the Innovator Founder route, you may be eligible to apply for ILR, provided your endorsing body confirms you have met the business development criteria.

Can I change my business idea after endorsement?

You need to return to your endorsing body if you make significant changes to your business idea. Continuing with a substantially different business without new endorsement can affect your application.

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