About this programme
The Female Founder Accelerator is a nine-week programme run by Barclays Eagle Labs in partnership with AccelerateHER, for UK-based female founders or senior decision-makers leading tech- or innovation-driven businesses that are past MVP stage and scaling.
Each cohort takes up to 100 founders through weekly online masterclasses covering marketing, sales and negotiation, pitching, procurement, finance and team-building, alongside one-to-one mentoring from founders and angel investors, peer accountability groups, and in-person networking events.
It is a support and skills programme, not a funding or grant scheme — Barclays does not disburse capital or make equity investments through it.
The 2026 cohort's application window has closed. On the official programmes page it is currently listed under "future programmes / registration of interest" rather than "open for applications," which matches the record's closed-for-year status pending the next intake.
How it works
Nine weekly components delivered online on Fridays, 10am–12noon: an introductory session, seven expert-led masterclasses, and a midpoint Q&A/"Big Connect" networking session around week six.
Masterclass topics: scaling smart / maximising marketing, sales and negotiation, pitching for success, an introduction to procurement, finance success, growing a team, and how to scale your business.
Alongside the masterclasses, founders get one-to-one mentoring from founders and angel investors, peer-to-peer accountability groups, and access to the Barclays Eagle Labs and AccelerateHER founder networks.
The programme also includes in-person networking events in London and Scotland for the cohort.
Who can apply
Open to female founders or senior decision-makers leading a UK-based business.
The business must use digital technology or innovation, be past MVP/first-product stage (not pre-idea), and be looking to scale.
Applicants must be able to commit to all nine weeks of Friday masterclasses (two hours each, 10am–12noon), plus time for mentoring and networking activity. Spots are limited to 100 per cohort and are competitive.
How to apply
- Applications for the 2026 cohort opened in May 2026 via the official programme page and have since closed.
- Barclays and AccelerateHER review applications against the eligibility criteria and notify applicants of the outcome ahead of the cohort start.
- Selected founders join the nine-week programme, which begins in September 2026 for the 2026 cohort.
- Outside the application window, interested founders can register for updates on the next cohort via the "future programmes" listing on the official programmes page.
Frequently asked
Is the Female Founder Accelerator a grant or investment programme?
No. It is a skills, mentoring and networking programme run by Barclays Eagle Labs with AccelerateHER. Barclays does not provide funding, equity investment or a cash prize through this programme.
Who can apply?
Female founders or senior decision-makers leading a UK-based technology- or innovation-driven business that is past MVP/first-product stage and looking to scale.
How long does the programme run and what does it involve?
Nine weeks, with online Friday masterclasses (10am–12noon) on topics like marketing, sales, finance and team-building, plus one-to-one mentoring, peer accountability groups and in-person networking events.
Is the current cohort still accepting applications?
No. The 2026 cohort's application window has closed. The official programmes page currently lists the Female Founder Accelerator under future programmes / registration of interest rather than open applications.
Do I need to be based in a particular part of the UK to apply?
The programme is delivered online for the masterclasses, so it is open UK-wide; the 2026 cohort also held in-person networking events in London and Scotland for participants who could attend.
What time commitment does the programme require?
Applicants need to be able to attend all nine weekly masterclasses (two hours each, 10am–12noon), in addition to time for mentoring sessions and optional networking events. Only 100 competitive spots are available per cohort.
Reviewed 2026-08-16. Programmes change — confirm current eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private consultancy and is not affiliated with any government authority.