Why Every Startup Deserves Equal Access to Funding
Our partner, Capital Pilot, is removing bias from the funding process to improve access to funding for all
Let’s face it, raising equity investment is hard. All the statistics confirm how hard it can be for startups to access funding.
The numbers get worse if you happen to be a female founder, a founder from an ethnically diverse background or a startup that is based outside of London and the South-East.
Our partner, Capital Pilot, the Startup Investability Ratings Agency, is starting to change that. Three independent assessors look at each startup assessment submitted to Capital Pilot, and individually score the startup. Their scores are then amalgamated to give an overall assessment of how investable the startup is. The detailed 24 page report that is generated is full of positive feedback on progress made and useful insight on where to focus next.
A Capital Pilot assessment has long been a key step on the road to funding on the Funding Accelerator programme. Raising investment is time-consuming so it is important to know your likelihood of success before you launch a funding round.
With the launch of their first Boost Fund, a strong Capital Pilot Investability Rating has also provided access to funding, and could unlock an immediate investment of £50K for an eligible startup.
We’re delighted to report that, based on the investments made by the first fund, Capital Pilot is also starting to remove bias from the investment process to improve access to funding for all.
Of the investments from Capital Pilot’s first Boost Fund:
- 50% of investments went to female founders
- 40% of investments went to startups based outside of London
- 30% of investments went to ethnically diverse founders.
To score a strong investability rating and access Capital Pilot’s Boost Fund, you need to provide a comprehensive long-from pitch deck, a credible financial forecast and a realistic valuation.
Sprint One of Funding Accelerator supports you in preparing exactly what you need to apply to Capital Pilot. During the 4 week programme we show you the level of detail needed in your pitch deck, give you a financial forecast template the Capital Pilot assessors love, give you tools to reach a credible valuation and provide you with 1:1 feedback from our expert mentors. We’ll even pay your Capital Pilot application fee. We have a strong track record of supporting founders in accessing a high enough score to receive funding too. We had a 50% success rate in supporting founders in accessing funding from the first Boost Fund.
Once you are fully prepared, it takes less than 30 minutes to complete an application for an Investability Rating. You’ll receive a detailed report giving feedback on your startup within 7 days and, based on your rating, you will be told immediately if you qualify for investment. Funds are transferred immediately on completion of a simple advance subscription agreement (ASA).
For startups that don’t make the grade initially the report provides clear guidance on the areas to focus on and, once addressed, startups can reapply to the Fund.
If you are unsure whether your startup is ready for investment take the Startup Investment Scorecard or attend a free Funding Strategy Workshop to gain advice on how to prepare for a funding round.
FAQs
What is Capital Pilot and how does it help startups secure funding?
Capital Pilot is the Startup Investability Ratings Agency. It provides an independent assessment of how investable your startup is, removing bias from the funding process. The rating not only highlights areas to improve but can also unlock direct investment through Capital Pilot’s Boost Fund.
How does Capital Pilot’s Investability Rating work?
Each application is reviewed by three independent assessors who individually score the business. Their scores are combined to give an overall rating, supported by a detailed 24-page report with feedback and next steps. This rating helps founders understand their chances of success before starting a funding round.
What is the Capital Pilot Boost Fund and who can apply?
The Boost Fund provides eligible startups with an immediate investment of £50,000 if they achieve a strong Investability Rating. Applications are open to startups that submit a comprehensive pitch deck, credible financial forecast, and realistic valuation.
How can founders from underrepresented backgrounds access startup funding?
Capital Pilot is helping to improve access by reducing bias in the investment process. In the first Boost Fund, 50% of investments went to female founders, 40% to startups outside London, and 30% to ethnically diverse founders.
What do you need to prepare for a Capital Pilot application?
To achieve a strong score, startups need a detailed long-form pitch deck, a credible financial forecast, and a realistic valuation. Funding Accelerator’s Sprint One programme provides templates, expert feedback, and covers the Capital Pilot application fee to help founders prepare.
How long does it take to get a Capital Pilot Investability Rating?
Once an application is submitted, it takes less than 30 minutes to complete. Startups receive a detailed feedback report within 7 days and are told immediately if they qualify for investment.
What happens if my startup doesn’t qualify for funding through Capital Pilot?
If a business doesn’t achieve the required score, the report includes clear guidance on where to improve. Founders can then reapply once changes have been made.
How does Funding Accelerator support startups applying to Capital Pilot?
Funding Accelerator helps founders prepare the pitch deck, forecast, and valuation needed to apply. Participants also receive one-to-one mentoring, tools to strengthen their application, and support in securing a qualifying score.
- Funding Accelerator FAQs - March 27, 2026
- Creating calm to bolster founder creativity: practical tools that work with Olivia Greenberg - February 9, 2026
- Ten Funding Lessons From Just Move In’s Tom Old: How Founders Can Build Momentum and Close Rounds - January 12, 2026
