What's included
• Apply for SEIS/EIS AA without waiting for investors - an investor letter to support your application, with no need to have investors before applying.
• Verified badge - signals you've been reviewed and are investment-ready, building credibility and helping your raise stand out.
• Company and founder checks - Companies House status and filings verified, founders screened against PEP and sanctions lists, and cap table reconciled and aligned.
• The Startup Foundry pitch feedback - expert review of your pitch deck and financial model through The Startup Foundry, with detailed feedback and actionable recommendations to strengthen your fundraising materials.
• Free FundMyPitch listing - get listed at no upfront cost, with a success-fee-only model. Gain exposure to active angel investors on FundMyPitch
• Sources of funding guide - a complete directory of UK angel networks, angel search engines, matching platforms and crowdfunding platforms, including exclusive discounts. Access the directory here
• FounderCatalyst Boost page - a dedicated page to showcase your funding round, share across social, email and direct outreach, and track investor interest in real time. Click here for more information on Boost.
How to apply for FounderCatalyst Verified
To apply for FounderCatalyst Verified, follow the steps below:
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Log in to your FounderCatalyst account.
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Ensure you have an active funding round in progress.
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Navigate to 'Verified' in the left-hand menu.
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Click 'Apply now'.
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Create your account with The Startup Foundry by clicking on the 'get expert pitch feedback' button. You will need to create a password and upload your pitch deck. This should only take a few minutes.
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We'll receive your application and a member of our team will carry out the required checks. We may follow up via your ticket if we need to confirm any additional information.
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Once they have written their report, our colleagues at The Startup Foundry will send it over to us on your application ticket.
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Receive your verification. If you meet the required criteria, your FounderCatalyst Verified status will be confirmed shortly afterwards.
What’s next
Now that you’re FounderCatalyst Verified, there are a few ways you can make the most of your verification:
• Share your verification on LinkedIn - Raise awareness that you’re Verified and let your network know you’re ready to raise. You can share your FounderCatalyst Verified platform link directly from your account.
• Add the Verified badge to your pitch deck - Include the badge in your investor-facing materials to highlight that your business has completed the FounderCatalyst Verified process.
• List on FundMyPitch - Take advantage of your complimentary listing to put your funding round in front of potential angel investors on FundMyPitch.
• Create your Boost page - Use your dedicated Boost page to promote your raise and share it directly with your network and potential investors.
Need help?
If you encounter any issues during the application process, please contact us via your ticket and a member of our team will be happy to help.
Frequently asked questions
1. Does FounderCatalyst Verified guarantee Advance Assurance?
No. HMRC makes the final decision. FounderCatalyst Verified strengthens your application with supporting evidence, including a verification letter designed to satisfy the usual requirement for prospective investor details, but approval is not guaranteed.
2. What are the investability reports, and how many are included?
Investability Reports are investor-focused reviews of your pitch deck by The Startup Foundry, highlighting potential barriers to investor interest and providing actionable recommendations. Each FounderCatalyst Verified application includes three complimentary reports.
3. Can I use the FounderCatalyst Verified badge publicly?
Yes. You can display the badge across investor-facing materials, including your pitch deck, LinkedIn profile, website and other promotional content.
