About this programme
Bethnal Green Ventures (BGV) is a London-based early-stage venture capital firm that invests exclusively in "tech for good" startups — companies using technology to tackle significant social and environmental problems. Founded in 2012, BGV describes itself as Europe's leading early-stage tech for good VC and was the first UK venture capital firm to become a certified B Corp.
BGV invests through a structured Tech For Good Programme: selected ventures receive upfront cash investment plus roughly six weeks of intensive learning, mentoring from experienced tech for good founders and operators, and access to BGV's founder community and investor network. Programmes run in cycles (recent ones include Autumn and Spring cohorts) rather than on a rolling basis.
The firm's stated impact focus spans three areas: a sustainable planet, healthy lives, and an inclusive society. BGV says it does not rely on warm introductions and runs what it describes as a fair but rigorous application process open to founders from any background.
Beyond the initial investment, BGV runs a separate follow-on fund that reinvests in its strongest portfolio companies at later stages — BGV's site describes follow-on cheques of roughly £250,000–£300,000 at pre-seed, £500,000–£750,000 at seed, and around £500,000 at Series A/B, across 10–15 portfolio companies a year.
How it works
Successful applicants receive £60,000 in upfront investment in return for 7% equity, structured as part of a cohort — all companies in a given cohort enter on the same, non-negotiable terms.
The programme itself runs as six weeks of intensive learning followed by a further six weeks of coaching tailored to the venture (roughly 8–10 hours a week), delivered in hybrid format (a mix of online sessions and in-person time at BGV's London offices), plus access to the BGV Platform of curated resources and partner discounts.
BGV also runs a separate follow-on fund that reinvests in 10–15 of its strongest portfolio companies a year, at later stages from pre-seed through to Series A/B — cheques described on BGV's site as roughly £250,000–£300,000 at pre-seed, £500,000–£750,000 at seed, and around £500,000 at Series A/B; this is discretionary and not guaranteed to any individual company.
BGV runs its own for-profit fund and takes the equity stake directly — it is a straight equity investment, not a grant, loan or non-dilutive award.
Who can apply
BGV looks for ventures making an innovative application of technology to solve a problem at scale, with a credible path to significant enterprise value (BGV's site references £100–200m within 8–10 years) and a genuine, evidenced hypothesis for social or environmental impact — not just intent.
Ventures should be for-profit companies limited by shares (BGV does not invest in CICs), either already incorporated in the UK or willing to incorporate in the UK, with the right to work in the UK. BGV notes it is no longer an endorsing body for any UK Government visa route.
Applicants are typically pre-seed or early-stage: BGV's site states over 70% of applicants have at least a prototype or MVP, and around 80% of applicants have not previously raised outside investment — though prior funding does not disqualify a venture.
Solo founders can apply, but BGV states that ventures with a co-founding team are more likely to receive investment, and a full-time commitment from the founding team is expected.
How to apply
- Watch for an open application window — BGV runs the Tech For Good Programme in cycles (e.g. Spring, Autumn) rather than accepting applications year-round; the site lets founders sign up for notification of the next opening.
- Submit the online application during the open window, describing the venture, the team, the technology and the social/environmental impact hypothesis.
- Shortlisted applicants are invited to an online interview.
- BGV extends investment offers to successful applicants on standard, non-negotiable cohort terms (£60,000 for 7% equity).
- The selected cohort begins the hybrid programme — six weeks of intensive learning plus six weeks of coaching, mixing online sessions with in-person time at BGV's London offices — followed by ongoing mentoring and platform support.
Frequently asked
How much does Bethnal Green Ventures invest, and for what equity stake?
BGV invests £60,000 in successful ventures in return for 7% equity. Terms are standard across a cohort and are not negotiated on a company-by-company basis.
Can BGV follow on with more funding later?
Yes, through a separate follow-on fund that reinvests in 10–15 of BGV's strongest portfolio companies a year. BGV's site describes cheque sizes of roughly £250,000–£300,000 at pre-seed, £500,000–£750,000 at seed, and around £500,000 at Series A/B. This is discretionary, not a guaranteed second round.
What stage does my venture need to be at to apply?
Most successful applicants have at least a prototype or MVP — BGV's site states this is true of over 70% of applicants — but earlier-stage ideas with a strong team and clear impact hypothesis can also apply. About 80% of applicants have not previously raised outside investment.
Can I apply as a solo founder?
Yes, solo founders can apply, but BGV states that investment is more likely for ventures with a co-founding team, and expects a full-time commitment from the founders who do apply.
Does BGV only invest in registered charities or non-profits?
No. BGV invests in for-profit companies limited by shares. It does not invest in Community Interest Companies (CICs) or non-profit structures.
Can a non-UK founder apply?
Ventures need to be incorporated in the UK, or willing to incorporate there, and founders need the right to work in the UK. BGV notes it is no longer an endorsing body for any UK Government visa scheme, so it cannot sponsor a visa route itself.
What does the programme actually involve after investment?
Six weeks of intensive learning followed by six weeks of coaching tailored to the venture, roughly 8–10 hours a week, delivered hybrid — online sessions plus in-person time at BGV's London offices — with ongoing access to the BGV Platform, mentor network and founder community afterward.
How competitive is the process?
BGV describes its selection process as fair but rigorous and does not rely on warm introductions to source deals; it is a competitive, cohort-based selection rather than rolling or guaranteed acceptance.
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.