Inclusive Innovation Catalyst raises £30m to build 50 startups for West Midlands
This article covers Inclusive Innovation Catalyst's £30m venture studio, a collaboration to build 50+ startups and unlock co-investment in the West Midlands. It aims to generate £40m+ in portfolio revenues and attract corporate and institutional capital.
New Venture Studio Aims to Unlock £30M for Diverse Founders in the West Midlands
A new initiative, the Inclusive Innovation Catalyst, has been launched to establish the West Midlands as a hub for inclusive innovation. This collaboration among several organisations aims to unlock £30 million in co-investment, develop over 50 startups, and generate more than £40 million in portfolio revenues over the next three years.
In the funding announcement, Rupert Lyle, Regional Manager at Future Planet Capital, explained:
“The West Midlands has world-class entrepreneurs, but too many face systemic barriers to accessing finance. With this venture studio, we’re creating a pipeline of ventures that investors can trust and communities can believe in. It’s the future of co-investment in action.”
Key Organisations Driving Inclusive Innovation in the West Midlands
The Inclusive Innovation Catalyst is a partnership involving several key organisations:
- Future Planet Capital Regional
- Greater Things
- The 51% Club
- The Black Business Collective
- TIN Ventures
- The Open University
- Innovation Alliance for West Midlands
This diverse group will implement a “Think, Learn, Do” venture studio model aimed at developing investor-ready companies while showcasing diverse entrepreneurial talent.
Tara Attfield-Tomes, founder of The 51% Club, noted:
“I truly believe that the rich history and diversity that makes this region unique has the firepower to really drive economic prosperity. This venture studio sits at the heart of that ambition; representing untapped communities and providing the access to networks, opportunities and, most importantly, capital that founders need to scale.”
Alignment with National Initiatives
The Catalyst aligns with several national initiatives, including the UK’s Dormant Assets Scheme and the British Business Bank’s £500 million Diverse Fund Managers Package. It is positioned as a policy demonstrator, showcasing how inclusive venture building can achieve both commercial success and social impact.
Alex Cole from the Black Business Collective remarked:
“The launch of this venture studio marks a turning point. We’re proving that inclusive innovation can deliver both equity and strong commercial outcomes for the West Midlands.”
Opportunities for Investors and Founders
The Inclusive Innovation Catalyst is currently seeking participation from investors interested in co-investing alongside the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and accessing a diverse deal flow. It also invites policymakers and corporate partners to contribute to building an inclusive innovation ecosystem, as well as founders looking for support to develop investor-ready businesses.
Jof Walters from Greater Things added:
“A venture studio’s power is in turning bold ideas into investable realities. By embedding inclusive innovation into every proof-of-concept, we de-risk ventures for investors while opening doors for underrepresented founders.”
These insights highlight the diverse perspectives and expectations surrounding the initiative, showcasing the collaborative spirit essential for its success.
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