Collective Impact
The investment readiness accelerator for purpose-driven startups looking to scale.
In collaboration with Virgin StartUp, the programme will support the next generation of founders in building businesses for good.
Crowdcube has partnered with an experienced network of purpose-led investors, including Holly Branson, who bring capital and expertise to co-invest in opportunities alongside the crowd.
If your business is driving change – Collective Impact is for you.
Scale your impact
Collective Impact has been designed to accelerate growth and impact for businesses that want to create positive change in the world.
Consumer demands are changing and people want to work for, buy from, and invest in businesses they believe in, and businesses that have a clear purpose.
Businesses applying to participate in the Collective Impact programme must be focused on scaling change in one or more of the following verticals:
Our 50:50 pledge
We are committed to improving access to early-stage funding for all founders. Both Crowdcube and Virgin Startup are committed to driving industry change and are proactively addressing the barriers faced by women starting up their own businesses to help work towards solution-led change.
The Collective Impact programme
Take your impact to the next level and get crowdfunding ready, in just five weeks. During the five-week programme, you’ll join other founders as you cover the essentials to launch a successful campaign:
The fundraising journey with Crowdcube
Please note as a regulated platform, Crowdcube must conduct due diligence checks on every pitch before launching. The Collective Impact Programme is designed to ensure that you are ready to raise on Crowdcube and while we expect that all companies that go through the programme will be ready to list, Crowdcube has to reserve the final decision on due diligence.
Collective Impact: The investors
Purpose driven start-ups need purpose lead investors, which is why Crowdcube has partnered with an experienced network of investors, including Holly Branson, who bring capital and expertise to co-invest in opportunities alongside the crowd.
Among the potential investors are leaders and entrepreneurs who’ve founded, built, and managed businesses that range from kitchen-table start-ups to leading global brands. Their aim is to build supportive, and aligned partnerships with founders, using their knowledge and networks to help them achieve their goals.
The Collective Impact investors are looking to support those purpose-driven founders who are on a mission to build impactful businesses with a focus on solving some of our society’s greatest challenges.
The investors have backed the likes of Beryl, Denzel’s, Carv, Airly, Pharmacy2u, Fundamental VR and Map of Ag.
About Virgin StartUp
Virgin StartUp is helping the next generation of founders build sustainable, thriving businesses. Virgin StartUp offer access to funding through the Start-Up Loans scheme, support, mentoring, advice, and run regular events with their community online.
Founded by Sir Richard Branson in 2013 and supported by the Virgin Group, Virgin StartUp has worked with thousands of founders to launch and grow companies, from startup to scale.
Your fundraising journey with Crowdcube
Crowdcube's team of experts will help you raise investment, that’s what we do, but it’s much more than that, it’s about taking your business to the next level by engaging and growing your community, who will help fuel and fund your long-term growth.
You’ll receive expert advice on campaign planning, strategy and optimisation to maximise success and a dedicated Campaign Manager throughout your campaign.
To get in touch with the team, please contact [email protected]
FAQs
The programme will start in February 2021, and will be delivered digitally and include online workshops and 1-2-1 online meetings, such as:
- Workshops - 4-5 hour sessions (with scheduled breaks) one day a week
- 1-2-1 Meetings – At scheduled times of convenience during the week
- Crowdcube's online Investor Round-Table & Pitching Event – Week 5 onwards
Applicants need to be aware that raising funds is a time-consuming process and must be willing to put in the time and work required.
Candidates need to be available to attend the session held one day a week and be prepared to work in their own time on the deliverables they will be set each week.
To apply to join the programme you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Your business should be looking to raise a minimum of £150,000
- It must be EIS or SEIS eligible
- Your campaign will need to be accepted by Crowdcube
- You need to have proven early traction e.g. existing customer base, revenue-generating
- You must be ready to commence a fundraising campaign within 12 months of the programme’s start date
- You must be willing to commit to finding at least 30% of your total raise through your own networks
- You must be eligible to qualify for SEIS / EIS pre-approval
- You must provide financial forecasts and company valuation upon request – prepared by/or reviewed by a chartered accountant
If you require support from one of our partners on the above services, we have negotiated discounted rates. Please note that these are separate to and over and above the programme fees below and neither Crowdcube nor Virgin StartUp make money from these additional services.
Yes, the programme is in partnership with Crowdcube to provide candidates with special rates, mentoring and other exclusive support.
Applicants need to be committed to raising a minimum of £150,000 in a fundraising campaign that must begin within 12 months of the programme’s start date.
Subject to meeting the qualifying criteria and accepting your place on the programme, £4,000 (excluding VAT) must be paid in 2 installments to Virgin StartUp:
- The first fee installment of £2,000 (excluding VAT) to be paid to Virgin StartUp upon entering into the Virgin StartUp agreement when accepting your place on the programme; and
- the second fee installment of £2,000 (excluding VAT) to be paid during week three of the programme
Following a successful raise that reaches a minimum of £150,000 on the Crowdcube platform, Crowdcube will reduce their commission by £2,000.
Crowdcube will charge their standard 7% on all capital raised.
Following a successful raise that reaches a minimum of £150,000 on the Crowdcube platform, Crowdcube will reduce their commission by £2,000.
Additional to this fee, there will be the Stripe charge (average 0.5% - 1%) and the completion fee charge of 0.25% on all funds
All fees set out in Crowdcube’s “Company Terms” available at https://www.crowdcube.com/explore/company-terms will also be payable.
No, Crowdcube is a regulated platform and must conduct due diligence checks on every pitch before you go live. While the Collective Impact Programme is one of the best ways to make sure that you are ready to raise on Crowdcube and while we expect that all companies that go through the programme will benefit from the programme and be ready to list, Crowdcube has to reserve the final decision on due diligence.
Applications close on 15th January 2021