Global Entrepreneur Programme

GEP is a free programme of the UK Government whereby you are assigned a Dealmaker to help your company go global and scale.

But the Programme is invitation only by application.

The benefits are that you have an experienced Dealmaker to assist your global journey and the Government to assist you too in navigating scaling in the UK and globally as eventually a British company.

You do not have to close operations elsewhere. But we expect a base in the UK which over three years creates jobs and a company with global ambitions including becoming a unicorn.

If this is not you, then there are many other Programmes and resources at .gov.uk which might be more relevant.

Next Steps: See the GEP application form.

See more resources on the GEP and growing your UK business here.

Get in touch with your potential Dealmaker ONLY if you have not already approached another Dealmaker (only one per company allowed). But you can choose which one you want if they're available.

Deep Tech

The company must be a deep tech company, preferably with IP that is patented. AI, quantum, cyber, fintech all fit the bill.

Scaled

The company must have scaled already in it's home country - meeting most of these criteria, but must have 1 and/or 2 below.

1. Revenue Traction

Annual Revenue Threshold:
Typically between $250k and $1 million in the past 12 months.
(This captures strong early-stage performers poised for rapid growth without excluding those slightly below $1 million who show other strong growth indicators.)
Revenue Growth Rate: A minimum of 30% year-on-year growth in revenue or evidence of accelerating monthly recurring revenue (MRR).

2. Investment and Funding History

Raised Investment:
Minimum external investment secured, typically $500k+ in seed or Series A rounds from reputable investors, including angel investors, VCs, or institutional funds.
Commitment from Institutional Partners:
Partnerships, joint ventures, or strategic collaborations with established corporates, government entities, or accelerators/incubators that indicate strong market validation.

3. Market Traction and Customers

Customer Base:
Demonstrable customer traction, such as:
Minimum of 5-10 enterprise customers.
At least 1-2 major corporate accounts (enterprise or government) providing significant recurring revenue.
Customer Retention Rate:
Ideally above 75%, reflecting product-market fit and stability.

4. Team and Leadership Capability

Experienced Management Team:
Senior management with relevant industry experience, previous entrepreneurial success, or demonstrable market expertise.
Team Size:
Typically 5+ employees or full-time equivalents, reflecting readiness for accelerated growth.

5. Technological or Business Innovation

Intellectual Property:
Holds patents or has proprietary technology, unique IP, or innovative business models that present clear differentiation and defensibility.
Recognition and Validation:
Received innovation awards, recognition by industry bodies, or significant media coverage validating their innovative approach.

6. Potential for Rapid Growth and Job Creation

Projected Revenue Growth:
Clear growth pathway, realistically projecting annual revenue exceeding $5 million within 3 years.
Employment Potential:
Capacity and realistic plan to create a minimum of 10-20 jobs in the UK within 36 months of setting up.

UK HQ

Whilst the company is not yet in the UK, it must be willing and able to look at setting up a company in the UK in the near future.

Founder

The founder or co-founder must be willing and able to relocate to the UK. Whilst we endorse innovator visas, if you do not need one, we still use the same high bar in evaluating the founder(s). Are they innovators?

Get in Touch

If you reached this page, you will have done so through one of the Dealmakers and have their details already.