Scaleup Programme
Powered by Plexal
Applications closed
Helping scaleups navigate their rapid-growth trajectory
Barclays Eagle Labs Scaleup Programme powered by Plexal, funded by the UK Government
The Scaleup Programme, in collaboration with Plexal, supports scaling companies as they navigate their rapid growth trajectory. Plexal creates content that’s tailored to address the unique situations the nation’s fastest-growing scaleups could face. They have a connected, UK-wide ecosystem of founders, mentors, investors and customers. The six-month programme supports scaleups solving society’s biggest challenges using collaboration and innovation to address issues like building healthy communities and enabling sustainable innovation.
Applications open
01 July 2024
Applications close
18 August 2024
Successful applicant(s) notified
w/c 13 September 2024
Programme launch
23 October 2024
Programme ends
March 2025
How is the programme delivered?
The six-month programme focuses on content, coaching, community and connections to deliver impactful sessions tailored to your individual company needs. Primarily delivered online, you’ll have on demand access to your peers, mentors and expert coaches to minimise travel and time away from your company .
We also provide three in-person engagements throughout the programme, giving you the opportunity to build connections with fellow growth-driven leaders.
Why join?
You want to scale to the next level and we want to help you.
You’ll have access to mentors and qualified coaches to tackle your specific business challenges; connect and collaborate with leaders at some of the UK’s fastest growing scaleups; build meaningful relationships with industry, corporate specialists and bodies, potential investors and customers.
Joining the programme will show big business and investors that you are a fast-growth company to watch, through exposure and press across our channels.
We won’t take any equity or intellectual property if you’re selected to be part of the programme.
Who’s it for?
The programme is open to any sector or technology and has been specifically designed for companies demonstrating the greatest potential to grow and flourish. We’re looking for applications from UK companies with more than ten employees, c.£1m and above in turnover or investment and 20% growth in turnover and employees each year for the past three years. Companies would likely display the following characteristics:
- Be considering or experiencing international expansion
- Looking at increasing headcount
- Considering further fundraising
- Increasing market share.
Are you using technology to help solve society’s challenges, from supporting healthy communities to enabling sustainable innovation? We want to hear from you.
Applications closed
About Plexal
Plexal is the innovation company solving society's challenges through collaboration with government, startups and industry. The business is closing the gap between organisations – small and large, local and global, private and public – and working towards a common goal: using science and technology to deliver national security and prosperity.
Our network extends across the UK and we have offices across London, Cheltenham and Manchester. We want to reflect this reach on the programme and hear from scaleups around the country.
Testimonials
Trent Peek, CEO at We Are Fulfilment, the sustainable ecommerce shipping solution, shared:
"The Scaleup Programme was a great experience, providing plenty of insightful guests, tools and days that we learnt a lot from. The life of a startup is fast paced, unknown and in a constant state of flux, so the most powerful element was being in the same position as all the people around us on the programme, while benefitting from their ideas and feedback too. We would definitely be involved in Scaleup Programme again if the opportunity arose and we’ve already started implementing lessons into the business."
Georgie Lynskey, CEO G.Digital, shared:
"Since joining the Scaleup Programme, we’ve grown loads and doubled headcount – we’ve gone from strength to strength. My advice is: apply – it’s amazing, I’ve learnt so much and I’m really sad that it’s over."
Anthony Baker , CEO at Satvu, shared:
"The Plexal Scaleup Programme was a good opportunity to meet other high growth companies and share lessons learned. The curated series of guest speakers and sessions distinguished this programme above others for me and the wider SatVu leadership team."
FAQs
Do you take any equity or IP as part of the programme?
No, we do not take any equity or IP as part of the programme.
Is there a cost to take part in the programme?
No, the programme is funded by UK government and free to take part.
Where is the programme held?
There are three events that will take place in-person in the UK. The kick-off event is scheduled in Manchester and final graduation event is in London. The location of the mid-programme event will be announced closer to date – these events are designed to help foster connections and collaborative opportunities. The six modules of the programme and most content will take place virtually (via Teams or our online platform). There are three mandatory in-person events and six online modules that you are required to attend to participate in the six-month programme.
Is there a limit to the number of scaleups accepted?
It is a competitive programme with 25 programme places.
Can a company apply from any sector?
The programme is sector and tech agnostic, meaning we support companies from any sector, and any business model (B2B, B2C, B2B2C etc.). We focus on digital companies, meaning companies who either provide a digital product or service (including hardware and platforms), or provide a product or service which is reliant on digital technology as their primary revenue source. We do not provide support for consultancies.
What time commitment is expected from me and my team?
We anticipate your time commitment to average around three and a half hours per month. There are three in-person events and six online modules that you are required to attend to participate in the programme. Your participation will also include two hours of mentoring each month: One with your selected coach and one with Plexal. Both can be arranged for a time that works for you. Whilst additional events are not mandatory, we strongly encourage attendees to join and participate as they will provide valuable opportunities to connect and network.
Do you have any information about the mentors and investors taking part?
Once you are accepted onto the programme, we will have an onboarding conversation to understand your business and your needs. You will have the opportunity to select three mentors in the beginning and three mentors at mid-programme, based on your needs and area of focus.
Do I have to be based in the UK?
All companies must be headquartered in the UK. We do encourage businesses from across the UK to apply and aim for 80% non-London participants. Please keep in mind that attendance at in-person events from founders and senior staff is important.
Do I need to submit my business plan?
You do not need to submit your business plan. We do however ask you to complete an online application form which asks for key business metrics and financial information. This is needed to confirm that you meet the criteria to join the programme, allow our judges to fairly review and process applications, and select companies that will benefit the most from this competitive programme.
What happens at the end of the six-month programme?
At the end of the programme, you will become part of our alumni network, where you get access to the wider Barclays Eagle Labs and Plexal network, including participants and alumni from the Product Builder, Product Growth, and ScaleUp programmes. Alumni membership provides additional access to exclusive events, visits, and networking opportunities.