Unicorn network for Founders
A step-by-step process to spin-out success, supporting academics turned entrepreneurs to achieve maximum impact.
Research makes the world go round - well not quite, academics turned entrepreneurs do!
In order for research to achieve it’s full impact, research needs to be translated and where appropriate, also commercialised.
Persistent, data-driven and passionate about their subject - academics can make great company founders. If you’re looking for inspiration, check out our list of recent academic entrepreneurs.
Do I have to start a business to become an academic entrepreneur?
Academic entrepreneurship takes many forms! From social enterprise to licensing to venture-capital backed company... every spin-out journey is unique.
Who is Unicorn for?
Thinking of turning your research and expertise into a venture?
Looking to create something new to increase your impact?
If the idea of a venture to generate impact excites you, then you’re on a path to becoming an academic entrepreneur!
All levels and disciplines welcome!
At Unicorn we’re passionate about empowering the next generation of academic entrepreneurs... whether you’re a PhD student, a Post-doc or an established researcher.
- MSc and PhD students
- Post-docs
- Early career researchers
- Academics, Professors, Scientists
- Lab technicians
- Professional service staff in universities or research organisations
Is Unicorn Free?
Unicorn services are free at Unicorn member organisations. Get in touch to see if your organisation is already part of Unicorn.
We also provide a limited number of free office hours for independent academic founders.
Unicorn services for Founders
Reach your spin-out goals faster with expert guidance.
Spin-out Ideation
This practical business ideation session helps researchers to develop concepts how they can turn their research into a spin-out venture.
50-60 min online consultation or Small group session (2h)
Investment readiness for spin-out founders
What are angel investors, what’s the role of banks and specialist advisors in the spin-out process? This comprehensive 1day workshop introduces founders to key concepts of venture finance.
1 day in-person workshop
Creating your spin-out strategy and plan
This practical session introduces key options in the spin-out process and commercialisation options. You will create a time-line for your spin-out process including defining validation steps for investment readiness.
60-90 min online consultation or Small group session (2h)
Create your financial model
If you're struggling to create a financial model for your spin-out, Unicorn's expert team is here to support you.
We’ll help you review your business model and investment plans, and work with you to build simple yet effective financial spreadsheet models. These can help you explore strategic options, such as whether to spin out a company or license your innovation.
We'll also guide you in developing cost models to estimate your investment needs, discuss how to prioritise key steps to de-risk your venture, and improve your investment readiness. Plus, we’ll explore suitable fundraising options tailored to your spin-out journey.
MBA Co-Founder Match
Looking for an experienced business co-founder?
Unicorn can match you with an MBA student from Henley Business School to collaborate on a project tailored to support your spin-out. It’s a valuable opportunity to gain strategic input and business expertise from someone who understands both innovation and commercialisation.
Venture cafe - Coffee with an investor
The “Venture Café” is a relaxed one-on-one mentoring session designed to accelerate your spin-out journey.
You'll be matched with a relevant sector expert from the Unicorn network who can share valuable insights, experience, and guidance tailored to your specific challenges. It’s a friendly, supportive space for founders to get expert advice and move forward with clarity.
50-60 min consultation online or in-person
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Unsure how much equity to give up in your venture or how to value your spin-out? Unicorn’s experts can help you navigate these crucial decisions. Whether you're preparing to raise investment or just want clarity on your company’s worth, we’ll guide you through the process with practical advice and expert insight to ensure you're making informed, strategic choices.
2 x 60 min sessions to discuss various valuation methods and assist you with practical valuation methods
Founder Confidential Office Hours
These 1:1 Business clinics are offered to academics wishing to pursue a spin-out project, looking for independent and impartial advice on how to best take their venture forward.
Discuss anything from Co-founder issues to Valuations, to how to navigate spin-out negotiations at your institution.
60 min online consultation
Ready to raise funding? Sign up to our HBA spin-out investment platform
Henley Business Angels (HBA) is one of the UK’s leading business angel networks specialising in raising early-stage funding for spin-out ventures. Apply to present your venture to our investors