What actually happens from an industry problem being identified to a venture reaching customers and follow-on investment?

Our ventures follow one of two routes, depending on when founder talent is best introduced and how much development is needed before the opportunity is ready to become an independent company.

Identify the opportunity

Industry Partners bring forward high-value challenges and innovation priorities. FTS may also identify opportunities through its own sector insight and venture development work.

Frame and assess the opportunity

We define the required outcomes, user needs, constraints and measures of success, then assess the opportunity's route to adoption, technical complexity and development needs.

Choose the right route

External Track

For most ventures, we define the problem but not the solution. Founders are introduced early and take ownership of developing the proposition and building the company.

Internal Track

Where FTS or our industry partners have developed the initial solution or provided background IP, or where technical, regulatory or commercial complexity requires more work, the opportunity remains studio-led until it is ready to spin out with a founder partner.

Match and accelerate

For External Track opportunities, we match the problem with founders capable of interrogating the brief and developing a credible solution.

Founder teams shape the proposition, build and test an MVP, and present an evidence-backed venture case at Pitch Day.

Select and fund

Our investment panel selects the strongest External Track ventures for seed funding of up to £250,000 and progression into incubation.

Internal Track ventures continue through studio-led development and de-risking before a founder partner is appointed.

Incubate and build

Supported by FTS and our expert advisors, ventures develop the commercial, operational and strategic foundations needed to secure customers, navigate rail and become ready for further investment.

Scale

Once ventures demonstrate adoption potential and investment readiness, downstream VC investors provide the follow-on capital needed to grow and scale.