Startup 54 brings together ambitious people to form teams, build prototypes and launch new businesses.

The program is open to Lambeth residents with an idea – you don’t need previous business experience, just a drive to turn an idea into reality with support from expert speakers, mentors and new team members.

Registration now open for our next two cohorts.​

Cohort 1: June 19th – June 21st 2020 (Apply Here)

Cohort 2: July 24th to July 26th 2020

What happens at Startup 54?

Day 1: Ideate & Connect

You meet your new co-founders, generate ideas, form teams, hear from established founders and start work on your business model.

Day 2: Build & Grow

You get to work on your business idea, receiving expert mentoring and access to the training you need to find customers and build your product.

Day 3: Refine & Pitch

You pitch in front of a panel of expert judges, win prizes and celebrate your achievements! You also network and mingle with judges and mentors.

Over the course of the weekend you’ll be challenged to create a prototype of your MVP, or minimum viable product, that fits the needs of your target customer. You’ll get feedback, iterate, and likely pivot your approach entirely!

The program is delivered completely virtual. You will need access to a laptop and internet connection in order to participate.

Is the program right for you?

• Are you passionate about starting a business with an idea that can solve a real problem?

• Are you a Lambeth resident with a business idea you want to test?

• Do you want to get hands on and learn by doing about business design, market research and developing a prototype?

• Do you want to get mentoring from industry experts, business advisors, technological experts and peers?

If the answer is ‘Yes’ to all of this – Startup 54 is right for you. Startup 54 is a powerful community to find a team, create a prototype of your idea, validate your new venture, and receive feedback from experienced entrepreneurs, all in one weekend.

What do you need to bring?

Lots of energy! You’ll pitch your own idea or listen to others, then vote on the most interesting ideas and form teams with diverse skill sets. You can come with friends, but you’ll get the full experience if you participate in separate teams. Remember, it’s all about the team.

The idea you pitch and the problem you set out to solve can span a range of business sectors. Over the course of the weekend you’ll be challenged to create a prototype of your MVP, or minimum viable product, that fits the needs of your target customer. You’ll get feedback, iterate, and likely pivot your approach entirely!

Here are some quotes from some our previous participants:

“Startup 54 broke many common misconceptions I had around Business, allowed me to network and collaborate with a number of incredible like-minded individuals, gave me a real drive to continue pursuing my business ideas and made it feel possible again based on how much we achieved and what we learned across the two days.”

“Thanks to Foundervine for organising a hackathon like no other. The modules were insightful, we learnt so much. We couldn’t have done it without the mentors who used their vast knowledge and expertise to guide and challenge us!”

Startup 54 is a full weekend long experience. Your ticket includes:

• A series of masterclasses by expert business advisors
• 1-2-1 and group mentoring sessions with brilliant mentors
• Internet access and lots of space to work
• Membership of the Foundervine Community and access to a network of professionals, game-changers and ambitious future leaders like you

Can’t attend the July cohort? Apply for the June cohort.

FAQs

What are the full event timings?

Day 1: 17:30* – 21:00

Day 2: 09:00 – 17:30

Day 3: 10:00 – 18:00

*Please note that registration is from 5:30pm – 6pm. We will kick off promptly at 6pm. Please log in early to test your connection. If you will be late, no problem – just email us at [email protected] letting us know what time you will be coming.

We advise joining at the latest by 7pm on Friday.

Please note that you must be available all three days. If you will not be able to make part of the event, please email us in advance at [email protected]

Do I need to be a Lambeth resident to apply?

Yes. This learning program is funded and quality assured by Lambeth Council’s Adult Learning Service for Lambeth residents with support from the Mayor of London

Are there any age requirements to enter the event?

No. Startup 54 is open to all Lambeth residents.

Do I need to have an idea or be running a business to take part in the event?

No. Just have a passion for making a difference! Please note that your idea should be something you have not previously spent significant time working on.

Do I need to have tech skills?

No, not essential. We welcome multi-disciplinary teams. Whether you have a background in business, tech, social development, charity or education, your skills can make a great contribution to a team.

Is the program free to attend?

Yes. The program is free to attend due to funding from the Mayor of London. If you are eligible to participate in the program, you will be sent joining instructions for the program.