The Black Founders Programme is an accelerator targeted at early stage startups and pre-seed, Black-founded companies whose product or service is solving a problem in the UK’s creative economy. The Black Founders Programme is delivered in partnership with Sony Music UK and Sony Music Publishing, and in 2025 in collaboration with Channel 4.
Black Founders Programme
Supporting startups to get investment ready
Programme benefits
With only 0.89% of investment in the UK going to Black founders in the ten years between 2013-2023, and just 0.14% of investment going to Black female entrepreneurs, the Black Founders Programme provides investment-readiness support, peer-to-peer mentoring and business strategy advice to refine founders’ solutions. Participants receive hands-on access to deep tech expertise and technological consultancy in areas including artificial intelligence and immersive technologies to strengthen their business models and help raise investment in the long-term.
Support Black founders become investment ready
Masterclasses, mentoring and coaching from industry experts
Peer-to-peer support
Potential for funding opportunities
Access to state-of-the-art facilities & deep tech expertise
Access to potential partners, investors and customers
£1.5m
investment and grants raised
30+
founders participated
55+
workshops delivered
Case studies
Alumni videos
Discover more about those behind the programme
Discover the partners and people supporting our Black Founders programme. From consultants, mentors to supporters and partners.
Get involved
If you are interested in updates and news about the Black Founders Programme, fill out the short form below.Latest News and Events
Mar 5 Black Founders Programme Showcase
Event
Join Digital Catapult, Sony Music UK, Sony Music Publishing UK, and Channel 4 on Thursday 5 March for an inspiring…
12 Black pioneers to catalyse the UK’s creative output with leading initiative
Press Release
Introducing the 2025 Black Founders Programme cohort!
Sony Music Group and Channel 4 team up with Digital Catapult to launch Black Founders Programme 2025
Press Release
Sony Music Group and Channel 4 team up with Digital Catapult to launch Black Founders Programme 2025


























































