Applications for the 2022 UnFound Accelerator are now open.
We’re offering the chance to help turn ideas for an ethical digital business into a successful platform co‑op – owned and run by the people that depend on it most.

Do you have a clear and compelling idea for an ethical digital business? Are you interested in setting it up as a co‑operative? Then we’d love to hear from you!

What is a platform co-op?
Platform co‑ops are democratically owned and controlled businesses that use an online platform or mobile app to trade, connect people and pool resources or data.

A platform co‑op is built on co‑operative principles and values which ensure the business:

Truly responds to the needs of its community
Embeds equity and social purpose from day one
Is not controlled by external profit‑driven investors
About the UnFound Accelerator

About the UnFound Accelerator?
The UnFound Accelerator is a business support programme for founders at the early stage of setting up their platform co‑op. Participants will:

Receive guidance on how to set-up their business through weekly expert-led workshops and tailored one-to-one sessions
Share the journey with other platform co‑op founders
Showcase their business idea at a public pitch event with the chance to win a share of a £10,000 prize fund, provided by The Co-operative Bank
Who is it for?
The Accelerator is open to applications for businesses planning to incorporate in the UK where:

Teams applying have two or more members, at least one of whom is resident in the UK
All team members participating are 18 or older
Key dates
The UnFound Accelerator will run from 27 April to 29 June 2022 with the pitch event on 13 July 2022 (TBC).

Key dates for the applications process:

6 March 2022, midnight: Application DEADLINE
28-31 March 2022: Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an online interview
Where do I start?
Read the application guidance
The guidance provides more details on the UnFound Accelerator programme and how to apply
The application form link is on the last page of the guidance. We strongly recommend preparing your answers in advance before starting your application.
You can save your application at any stage – simply follow the instructions.
Unsure whether to apply?
Join a webinar about the Accelerator and ask questions relevant to your platform idea: 1 February, 12-12.30pm | 22 February, 12-12.30pm
Book a call with our UnFound programme manager before applying: book a call
Explore www.unfound.coop to learn more about platform co-ops and the UnFound programme
Keep up to date on the Accelerator or other opportunities relating to platform co-operatives by signing up to the UnFound newsletter.