Newly launched next generation business accelerator Moonshot Academy has enrolled Cardiff based University Cribs as its first ‘partner for life’ in its pioneering mentorship scheme.

Founded by Daniel Jefferys, Christian Samuel and Jack Jenkins University Cribs was formed two years ago and has quickly grown to become the UK’s leading student property search engine, listing over 40,000 properties searched for by over 300,000 students a month. The fledgling business aims to revolutionise how students find accommodation, creating a simple and stress free one stop shop to help make houses into homes for the UK student population.

With bold growth ambitions University Cribs has become the first recruit of the newly launched Moonshot Academy to help the company realise its full potential. Leading business personalities; Jim Duffy MBE (co-founder Entrepreneurial Spark), Bill Morrow (Co-founder Angels Den) and Al Walker (Co-founder Siembra Coworking) are behind Moonshot Academy, offering promising start ups like University Cribs guidance from the greatest entrepreneurial minds in the world.

Dan Jefferys, Cofounder of University Cribs said: “We have enjoyed great success since our inception two years ago but like so many successful start-ups, we are facing challenges when it comes to scaling up and securing investment. The experience behind Moonshot Academy is second to none and we are delighted to secure a place on the academy.

“With Moonshot Academy’s guidance and our 30+ years expertise in student marketing, we are well placed for future success and are ready to create something special. Watch this space!”

Bill Morrow, Cofounder of Moonshot Academy adds: “Dan and his team are exactly what we are looking for in a partner. Our unique partner for life approach means we are in this for the long term and we want to work with high-potential, hardworking start-ups that are ready to take the next step but need guidance on how to get there.

“We succeed together and only make a profit when our partners do so we are completely invested in their future success, and we know how to achieve that success. We now only have 19 more spaces left at the Moonshot Academy this year and will shortly be launching a recruitment programme to find more businesses to work with.”

Moonshot Academy offers world class mentorship, a no nonsense approach and promises real cut through for pre-scale businesses to secure investment. Working with a small number of companies in the pre-scale-up stage, the next generation business accelerator will help its partners through three specific investment phases; Launchpad, Orbit and Moonshot.

• Launchpad will nurture start-ups with a validated business idea to develop a clear business plan and establish a strong company structure while raising up to £150,000 seed investment.
• Orbit will support entrepreneurs through pre-scale by perfecting a sound business model and advising on valuation and financial modelling. Leadership development and team building skills are also key components of this stage which will help companies secure up to £350,000 investment.
• The Moonshot will target founders who are ready to scale their business, aiming to raise over £1 million with plans to exit Moonshot Academy.

If you wish to apply to join Moonshot Academy, or to find out more information, visit www.moonshot-academy.com.

Image: Daniel Jefferys, Christian Samuel and Jack Jenkins with the University Cribs team