As a serial entrepreneur with experience spanning continents and disciplines, I’ve had the privilege of being involved in numerous accelerator programs, both as a participant and observer. That’s why NatWest’s recent announcement to bring its Accelerator programme to four UK universities caught my attention. This move isn’t just about student entrepreneurs, it represents a tectonic shift in how banks, academia, and innovation ecosystems collaborate to drive meaningful, lasting regional growth.
Banks engaging directly with universities is a trend that’s gaining momentum globally, but few programs demonstrate impact as clearly as NatWest's Accelerator. The data speaks volumes: participants experience an average annual turnover growth of 104%, with 90% of businesses still trading three years post-programme, a stark improvement compared to typical survival rates of just 40%. These results aren’t just statistics; they’re lifelines for entrepreneurs navigating the infamous ‘valley of death’ in the startup lifecycle.
What Makes NatWest’s Accelerator Stand Out?
From my vantage point as an entrepreneur, the NatWest Accelerator programme represents a near-ideal model for how corporate-backed initiatives can genuinely foster innovation. Here are the standout features:
1. University Collaboration
The inclusion of universities such as the University of Manchester, University of Brighton, and University of York adds unparalleled depth to the program. Universities bring access to cutting-edge research and a pipeline of eager, innovative minds, a fertile ground for spinoffs and scalable innovations. For instance, at the University of York, NatWest is providing an onsite hub for startups, blending top-tier research and student-driven ingenuity with real-world entrepreneurial support.
2. Diverse Coverage Across the UK
NatWest didn’t limit its partnerships to London-centric hubs. By engaging institutions across different regions, the program is fostering innovation where it’s needed most, be that in Northern cities like York or coastal disruptors like Brighton. This geographical diversity underscores the program’s commitment to national rather than metropolitan growth.
3. Demonstrated Impact Through Real Data
As entrepreneurs, we often demand evidence before committing to programs. And rightly so. Precise data like a 104% turnover increase isn’t just encouraging, it’s proof that NatWest’s strategy works. Such figures are well above the industry average, strengthening trust among founders.
4. Industry Trends: From Fintech to Sustainability
Another standout feature is sectoral focus. While fintech and life sciences remain staples, the program has embraced niche yet high-growth domains like HealthTech and sustainability. This aligns with broader industry and government priorities, particularly focusing on research-backed businesses to not just survive but thrive consistently.
How Entrepreneurs Can Benefit From This Program
If you’re a founder or aspiring entrepreneur, here’s how you can make the most of an opportunity like NatWest’s Accelerator:
1. Apply Early
Programs like this typically have multiple application rounds. Even if you’re not accepted immediately, note the requirements, strengthen your pitch, and reapply.
2. Utilize University Partnerships
Don’t underestimate the wealth of resources at your disposal. Universities involved in such partnerships usually offer access to research labs, mentorships, and even legal advisory services that could normally cost thousands. Collaborate with researchers, professors, and fellow startups to leverage cross-disciplinary expertise.
3. Take Advantage of the Physical Hubs
Nothing beats face-to-face collaboration, especially when there’s a physical space designed explicitly for brainstorming, testing ideas, and network-building. Use these hubs for prototyping, investor meetings, and building your co-founder network.
4. Focus on Growth Metrics
Participants in this accelerator see annual turnover growth well above industry average, and this isn’t by accident. Use the tools provided, such as mentorship and workshops, to fine-tune revenue strategies.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
Based on my experience both in accelerator programs and in mentoring startups:
1. Not Building Strong Relationships
Many founders walk into accelerators with a mindset focused solely on their own business. The reality? Success comes far more often when you actively engage with your peers, mentors, and ecosystem managers.
2. Ignoring Regional Strengths
Each university involved in NatWest's program represents unique strengths (e.g., tech innovation at Manchester or sustainability research at Brighton). Ignoring those strengths means missing opportunities to tap into specialized networks.
3. Over-Reliance on Resources
Accelerators provide tools and workshops, but they’re supplementary; you’re still responsible for driving your business forward. Don’t depend entirely on them, approach each session with proactive solutions and a clear agenda.
Where NatWest is Leading the Way
The numbers make their case, but the real magic of this initiative lies in how it connects traditionally disconnected sectors, corporate finance and academic research, for mutual benefit. For a reference, check out how NatWest has worked with institutions like the University of Warwick Accelerator Hub. Warwick has demonstrated that these programs not only support entrepreneurs but act as accelerators for local economies.
Conclusion
In an era where entrepreneurship often feels like navigating a jungle without a map, accelerator programs like NatWest’s provide an essential framework for startups to grow sustainably. This isn’t restricted to tech unicorns but applies equally to local businesses, students turning ideas into reality, and innovators looking to scale globally.
For those questioning whether the effort to apply is 'worth it,' look no further than the impact metrics: 104% turnover growth, 90% survivability, or the regional partnerships that leverage existing academic brilliance toward real-world results. And as an entrepreneur, always remember, an accelerator program isn’t the destination; it’s the launchpad to greater heights.
Finally, if you’ve made it this far, take notes from how NatWest structures programs to engage with innovators and apply them to your own ventures. If banks can adapt to new innovation pipelines, surely entrepreneurs like us can adapt to their systems to make the most of these opportunities. For more information about accelerator programs and eligibility, visit the NatWest Accelerator Resources. It’s one click closer to refining your vision.
Stay ambitious!
FAQ
1. What is NatWest's Accelerator Programme?
NatWest's Accelerator Programme is a business growth initiative designed to support entrepreneurs and business owners by providing resources such as bespoke learning journeys, one-on-one coaching, networking opportunities, and physical space in dedicated hubs. Explore NatWest Accelerator Programme
2. Which universities are partnering with NatWest for the Accelerator Programme?
NatWest has partnered with the University of Manchester, the University of Brighton, and the University of York to bring its Accelerator Programme to these campuses.
3. What are the key benefits of participating in NatWest’s Accelerator Programme?
Participants benefit from 104% average annual turnover growth, dedicated on-campus entrepreneur hubs, mentorship, and support to commercialize research-backed ideas.
4. How successful are businesses after completing the programme?
According to NatWest, 90% of businesses that complete the Accelerator Programme continue trading three years post-programme, outperforming the traditional 40% survivability rate. Discover the impact of NatWest’s Accelerator
5. What industries does the programme target?
The programme focuses on high-growth domains such as Fintech, HealthTech, Life Sciences, and Sustainability, aligning with national innovation priorities.
6. How does the programme leverage university resources?
By partnering with universities, NatWest's Accelerator Programme integrates cutting-edge academic research and innovation with entrepreneurial support, creating onsite hubs that allow student entrepreneurs to test ideas, connect with peers, and develop businesses sustainably.
7. How does the Accelerator support regional growth?
Instead of focusing on metropolitan hubs, NatWest collaborates with universities across diverse UK regions, such as Northern cities like York and coastal hubs like Brighton, to stimulate local economies.
8. What is an example of previous success in the Accelerator Programme?
Carnot Engines, a clean energy start-up supported by NatWest's programme at the University of Warwick, secured £11.5 million in Innovate UK grants alongside new partnerships and investments. Learn more about Carnot Engines
9. What other partnerships does NatWest have with UK universities?
NatWest has also partnered with the University of Warwick for its Accelerator Programme and plans to expand the initiative to six other universities by the end of 2027. Explore the University of Warwick Accelerator
10. What advantages do physical hubs offer participants?
The programme’s onsite hubs provide entrepreneurs with co-working spaces, opportunities for networking, direct mentoring, and a collaborative environment that supports scaling up businesses. Discover University of York-NatWest Partnership
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta Bonenkamp's expertise in CAD sector, IP protection and blockchain
Violetta Bonenkamp is recognized as a multidisciplinary expert with significant achievements in the CAD sector, intellectual property (IP) protection, and blockchain technology.
CAD Sector:
- Violetta is the CEO and co-founder of CADChain, a deep tech startup focused on developing IP management software specifically for CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data. CADChain addresses the lack of industry standards for CAD data protection and sharing, using innovative technology to secure and manage design data.
- She has led the company since its inception in 2018, overseeing R&D, PR, and business development, and driving the creation of products for platforms such as Autodesk Inventor, Blender, and SolidWorks.
- Her leadership has been instrumental in scaling CADChain from a small team to a significant player in the deeptech space, with a diverse, international team.
IP Protection:
- Violetta has built deep expertise in intellectual property, combining academic training with practical startup experience. She has taken specialized courses in IP from institutions like WIPO and the EU IPO.
- She is known for sharing actionable strategies for startup IP protection, leveraging both legal and technological approaches, and has published guides and content on this topic for the entrepreneurial community.
- Her work at CADChain directly addresses the need for robust IP protection in the engineering and design industries, integrating cybersecurity and compliance measures to safeguard digital assets.
Blockchain:
- Violetta’s entry into the blockchain sector began with the founding of CADChain, which uses blockchain as a core technology for securing and managing CAD data.
- She holds several certifications in blockchain and has participated in major hackathons and policy forums, such as the OECD Global Blockchain Policy Forum.
- Her expertise extends to applying blockchain for IP management, ensuring data integrity, traceability, and secure sharing in the CAD industry.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond, launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks and is building MELA AI to help local restaurants in Malta get more visibility online.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.
About the Publication
Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch.
Mission and Purpose
Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.
Key Features
The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:
- Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
- Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
- AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
- SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
- Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
- Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials
Impact and Growth
Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:
- 5,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
- 100+ startup tools built
- 5,000+ pieces of articles and news written
- 1,000 unique business ideas for women created
Partnerships
Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.
Recognition
Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.
