FastForward Pre-Accelerator Programme

FastForward, the UK’s Pre-Accelerator Programme (FFWD for short) is an initiative backed by The Accelerator Network and Capital Enterprise to prepare startup teams for first funding and successful application and entry to leading accelerators.

Delivered in one-day sprints, over a 6-week period, this interactive, hands-on programme is designed to cover key topics such as Tech, Marketing, Finance, and much more, using a blend of expert speakers and professional industry mentors.

The programme runs twice a year, with a spring and summer intake, participating teams will come together once a week for an action-packed day of learning and doing. Over the course of the programme, participating teams will complete weekly business sprint sessions to fast track their ideas into viable startup ventures.

The programme’s approach comprises of an eclectic toolkit which combines the best aspects of Lean Startup, Design Thinking, “MBA” analysis, common sense and street smarts. Ultimately, investors prefer evidence to talk, and the programme will help you to build your credibility as a team by making sure you can show investors as much as the opportunity as possible instead of merely telling them.

From 2019 FastForward is part of the OneTech initiative with support from founding sponsor JP Morgan.

The Fast Forward programme has been designed for entrepreneurs building high growth potential tech startups, who are at the launch / pre-launch phase.

As a part time programme, they are not restricted to entrepreneurs who are working full time on their startup but they do expect that they intend to within 3-6 months. One of the outputs of Fast Forward UK is a possible place in one of the UK’ s leading accelerators. Almost all accelerators require co-founders. As such, they favour teams of at least 2 applying.

The programme will deliver support around business planning, Minimum Viable Product, identifying first sales, and preparing for the next stage of growth support; whether via one of the Top 20 UK accelerators, initial seed funding or non-equity based finance (grants and loans).

The programme does not take equity in your fledgling business, and provides all of the support, workspace, coaching and industry introductions for the selected teams, on a small contribution basis (£600+vat per team).  They subsidise the delivery cost in order to help you begin to achieve the greatness you aspire too. However, competition for a place at Fast Forward UK is fierce, and they want to support the most ambitious entrepreneurs.

For the Spring 2021 cohort, deadline is 9th December 2020 – the cohort will run from 17th Februray 2021 to 24th March 2021.