As society becomes increasingly digital by default, millions risk being left behind, excluded not only from emerging job markets but also from full participation in civic life, creative expression, and economic opportunity. Barriers to digital access and skills disproportionately affect marginalised communities, widening inequalities and limiting potential in a world where digital literacy is essential.

We co-launched the iAMDigital Fund to respond to this urgent challenge, placing creativity, culture, and inclusion at the heart of the digital skills agenda. By supporting ventures that use the power of the creative industries to engage those furthest from digital access, we aimed to unlock new pathways into education, employment, and self-expression.

The fund focused on innovative solutions that made digital skills more relatable, accessible, and empowering, particularly for underrepresented groups and communities.

The iAMDigital Fund was a £1 million impact investment fund, delivered in partnership with Creative UK (formerly Creative England) and Social Tech Trust. It provided a blended finance offer: a mix of low-interest loans and equity investments ranging from £50,000 to £250,000 to support ventures using creativity and culture to drive digital inclusion.

Though the fund is no longer making new investments, its outcomes demonstrate the potential of creative approaches to digital participation:

• All debt investments have been fully repaid

• Equity investments continue to generate positive social and financial returns

• Ventures supported by the fund continue to deliver measurable impact across skills, employment, and engagement

Venture highlights

Bulbshare – A platform connecting global communities with brands to co-create products, campaigns, and ideas that reflect real-world voices. Bulbshare runs high-impact campaigns on climate change, the cost-of-living crisis, and diversity and inclusion, ensuring marginalised voices are heard in decision-making. Their global network of sustainability champions works with major brands to reduce carbon emissions and eliminate plastic packaging.

Northcoders – A leading coding bootcamp offering accessible, intensive training in software development, helping people from diverse backgrounds transition into tech careers.

Turing Lab – A digital platform teaching coding and computational thinking through creative projects, designed to engage students, particularly girls and those underrepresented in STEM, in the foundations of tech.