Innovator Founder Visa — Build Your Business in the UK

The route for experienced entrepreneurs with an innovative, viable and scalable business idea — endorsed by an approved UK endorsing body.

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"Endorsement is the gate — the application is the path."

Innovator Founder

What the Innovator Founder Route Is

The Innovator Founder visa replaced the old Innovator and Start-up routes for new applicants, with a sharper focus on genuinely innovative businesses and more flexibility in how founders run them.

Unlike sponsored routes, no employer is needed — but an approved endorsing body must assess and endorse your business idea before you can apply. The idea must be innovative, viable and scalable.

Founders can now work outside their endorsed business to support themselves, and the old minimum investment requirement was removed — though you must still show a credible path to delivery.

Discuss Your Situation

The Endorsement Hurdle

Innovative, Viable, Scalable

Endorsing bodies apply these three tests rigorously. We help you prepare a business plan that answers them directly.

Innovative — genuinely different
Viable — realistic & achievable
Scalable — growth potential
Founder credibility & experience
Credible delivery plan

Assess Your Idea

Endorsement is not a rubber stamp

Endorsing bodies see hundreds of e-commerce dropshipping plans and generic app ideas. They endorse businesses with a defensible edge — new technology, genuine research, or a clearly differentiated model.

We give you an honest read on endorsement prospects before you invest heavily — and if the idea needs strengthening, we say so.

How It Works

The Process, Step by Step

Idea Assessment

An honest review of your concept against the three endorsement tests.

Business Plan & Evidence

We help you structure the plan, financials and supporting documents.

Endorsement Application

Preparation of your endorsing body submission and interview readiness.

Visa Application

Once endorsed, your visa application is prepared and submitted.

Our Fees

Innovator Founder Fees

Innovator Founder work is quoted individually, reflecting the complexity of the business and the endorsement stage.

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Initial ConsultationHonest assessment of your idea and endorsement prospects. From £100
Endorsement StageBusiness plan support and endorsement application preparation. POA
Visa ApplicationPreparation and submission of the visa application after endorsement. POA

"POA" means price on application — quoted in writing before work begins. Endorsing body fees and Home Office fees apply separately. No endorsement or visa outcome is ever guaranteed.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Innovator Founder last?

The visa is granted for three years, with the possibility of extension. Innovator Founders may qualify for settlement after three years — faster than most routes — subject to meeting the requirements.

Is there a minimum investment?

The old £50,000 minimum investment requirement was removed under Innovator Founder. However, you must still demonstrate a credible plan and the means to deliver it — weak financials still fail.

Can I work another job while on Innovator Founder?

Yes — Innovator Founders can undertake work outside their endorsed business, including employment, to support themselves.

What businesses qualify as innovative?

The idea must be genuinely new or significantly better than what's on the market, with evidence. Generic ideas — another delivery app, another online shop — rarely pass. We assess your edge honestly.

What are contact point meetings?

Endorsing bodies hold periodic check-ins with endorsed founders, typically at 12 and 24 months. Failing to engage can cost you your endorsement — and your visa.

Can I bring my family?

Yes — partners and dependent children can apply to join or accompany you.

Have a Business Idea Worth Building?

Book a consultation for an honest assessment of your concept's endorsement prospects — before you spend money on the wrong route.