Introducing Cohort 3: The 11 New Innovators of the GoodTech Ventures Accelerator

A further 11 ventures have been selected for the third cohort to participate in the GoodTech Ventures Accelerator, an accelerator programme supporting impact-led start-ups.

Our accelerator, GoodTech Ventures, is proud to announce the launch of its third accelerator cohort, an evolution of the programme designed to support earlier-stage ventures with a more intensive, in-person experience.

Co-hosted with Techspace at their new Goswell Road location, this 6-week programme offers earlier-stage founders the chance to immerse themselves in a dynamic, collaborative environment that fosters connection, creativity, and growth.

The third cohort of GoodTech Ventures attracted a record number of applications, with only 11 ventures advancing to this stage. Each of the selected ventures receives a £3,000 grant to help implement their learning outcomes from the accelerator.

The participating ventures in Cohort 3 are:

• Maxim - Reimagining mental health support with an immersive VR space to help young people understand and regulate their emotions.

• Pillow - A digital platform to help survivors thrive after abuse by providing essential support and resources.

• Securium - Developing advanced cyber-intelligence software and services to protect individuals and businesses, ensuring a safer internet.

• Libra.Law - An AI legal assistant bringing access to justice for the 3.5 million people in the UK with unmet legal needs.

• Voda - Providing culturally competent, affirming mental health support through an LGBTQIA+ app aimed at addressing queer-specific issues like gender dysphoria and queer shame.

• Aposto - Improving safety at events through a tech platform that schedules and informs staff, saving money and enhancing security for major events and clubs.

• Kind. - Redefining mental health improvement by fostering collective wellbeing through human connection.

• Flank - Building AI-driven conflict resolution tools to help individuals improve relationships and resolve disputes with friends, family, and colleagues.

• BERRI - A clinical evaluation tool for tracking and improving the mental health, behavior, and neurodiversity outcomes of children with complex needs.

• Socialheads - Streamlining digital tools for social workers to effectively engage with young people in their care, particularly those aged 16 to 24.

• Autsera - Enabling children to develop social communication skills independently, at their own pace, in a fun and safe environment.

The third GoodTech accelerator provides tailored support across key venture development areas, including sales, finance, investment, impact strategy, product development, and pitch performance.

This immersive experience enables founders to not only gain valuable insights from expert-led workshops but also to build meaningful relationships with fellow founders, mentors, and coaches.

“We’ve evolved our approach to better support earlier-stage ventures,” said Emma Williams, Community Manager at GoodTech Ventures. “By grounding our founders in one central space for the entire 6 weeks, we can help them focus and get the full benefit of a collaborative, high-energy environment. It’s also a great opportunity for founders to catch a break from their WFH environments.”

The programme kicked off on November 5th and will run through to the pitch showcase on January 23rd, 2025, at Techspace in Shoreditch.

Expert pitch trainer and founder of PitchCraft, Emma Zangs, who has been a part of GoodTech Ventures for the past year, returns to support the cohort. “Working on pitch training with early-stage startups is a much-needed skill that will boost their investment readiness. But it is much more than that; it gives the founders the confidence to communicate in front of future investors, as well as any audience, and inspire their team. Confident communication takes time to acquire as a skill and the GoodTech Ventures Programme provides that time,” said Emma.

Daniel Wardle, founder of Rampart and Founder Sales Club, also returns to help founders perfect their sales strategies. “The GoodTech team are a dream to work with and I love working with founders who are passionate about social change. I am always astounded by their drive and purpose and it’s fantastic to help founders realise that you can build a profitable high-growth business and do good in the world at the same time. Any GoodTech venture is welcome as a member of The Founder Sales Club,” said Daniel.

The programme is delivered by Catch22 in partnership with Social Tech Trust and Unity Ventures with funding and support from Ufi VocTech Trust, Microsoft and the UK government through the Greater London Authority and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Photograph by Caitlin Lock