Funding the next generation of businesses
Welcome to ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ Seed Fund
The ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ Seed Fund is a philanthropic investment fund that provides early-stage capital to promising businesses. It supports entrepreneurial initiatives led by ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ students, alumni and staff, as well as businesses connected to the University.
The fund is made possible through the generous donations of ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ alumni who believe in giving back to their alma mater and supporting the next generation of innovative thinkers.
Starting a new business can be challenging, and securing initial investment is often a significant barrier. The Seed Fund enables eligible businesses to pursue innovative ideas and advance their development.
The Seed Fund builds on a successful pilot established in 2016, which awarded grants to very early-stage businesses founded within the University or by ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ alumni. The fund made its first investment under its current model in 2022 and has since helped several businesses accelerate their growth, win industry awards and secure further investment.
Investment details
The ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ Seed Fund invests in selected businesses to help them develop and grow. The level of investment will depend on the nature and scope of the business, with a maximum investment of £25,000 in each successful business through a convertible loan.
In addition to investment, successful businesses may have opportunities to participate in research projects, connect with other entrepreneurs and investors, and engage with the wider ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Martin Rigby, Managing Director of ET Capital Ltd, who has been involved in founding the fund, and supported it financially as an MBA alumnus, said:
“I'm delighted that the Seed Fund has been launched. It will not only provide much needed growth capital for promising young businesses but give their founders the benefit of insight and wisdom from the Bettany Centre and ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥'s vibrant and diverse entrepreneurship community.”
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible to apply, the business must:
- Be registered in the United Kingdom
- Be at the pre-seed or seed stage of development
- Have an innovative and scalable business idea with the potential to attract further investment
- Have a well-defined business plan outlining its goals, objectives, and strategies
Please note that international students with Student visa immigration permission are not permitted to engage in business activity in the UK while studying on a Student visa. Please refer to the relevant guidance on the .
Testimonials
Application process
- Register your interest by filling your details in the form below
- You will receive an email containing a detailed application form. You will need to complete and return the form together with a business presentation and financial projections.
- Shortlisted applicants will be invited to present their business idea to a panel.
- Selected businesses will receive an investment through a convertible loan, subject to due diligence and agreement of the relevant terms.
Thank you for your interest in the ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ Seed Fund. If you have any questions about the fund or the application process, please contact us at seed@cranfield.ac.uk