Black Founders Programme 2025

Opportunity for creative industry deep tech startups led by Black founders

Applications are now open for the Black Founders Programme 2025, a 14-week accelerator supporting early-stage Black-founded startups in the UK’s creative industries.

Run by Digital Catapult in partnership with Sony Music UK, Sony Music Publishing, and Channel 4, the programme offers up to 15 startups access to:

• business and investment health scans
• potential funding opportunities
• connections with investors and industry leaders

The programme helps pre-seed and seed companies become investment ready through expert-led masterclasses, mentoring, coaching, and networking opportunities. Applicants must have at least one founder that is Black or of mixed ethnic background with Black heritage.

Applicants must also be:

• currently working in the creative industries – eg music, film, TV, gaming, advertising, and design
• focused on using advanced digital technologies – eg artificial intelligence, immersive tech, blockchain, and quantum computing
• planning to raise investment within 12 months

Applications close on 5 October 2025.

Drop-in Q&A sessions for interested businesses run throughout September and early October.

For details and to apply, visit the Digital Catapult website.

First published 16 September 2025