Calling aspiring startup founders. Nova, a UK venture builder, has opened applications for their summer Tech Startup Programme. The latest cohort of the highly anticipated programme, which has previously seen over 12,000 budding entrepreneurs apply, has been designed to fit the needs of founders who are working on a project alongside their day job. Starting in June, successful founders will receive mentorship and guidance from startup experts and the opportunity to pitch for an investment of upto £300,000.

The 2-month online programme starts on June 13th and works to a flexible part-time schedule designed to fit around participants' existing commitments. Candidates will receive 1-2-1 mentorship, and access to a series of webinars group work sessions. They will learn from start-up experts in disciplines including product development, marketing, finance and business strategy; developing the skills and plan needed to take their concept to the next level.

Nova’s unique model for building businesses has allowed them to successfully create over 40 businesses in the past 5 years. Their portfolio of innovative tech businesses includes a digital veterinary service (VidiVet), a hospital hygiene monitoring system (Hy-genie) and a Dungeons and Dragons inventory app (DLG).

Luke Thomas, head of founder onboarding at Nova said:

“Building tech startups takes time, expertise and financial commitment. And the failure rate is incredibly high, outside of our programme it’s as much as 95%! This can be intimidating for anyone to go through alone, especially whilst working and supporting a family.

We believe our programme can help. We provide the expertise and investment that founders need to reduce these risks. We don’t ask them to put in any of their own cash, and encourage founders to continue working at their day jobs for at least the first 12-months.

We put a team around founders to allow them to learn as much about their business as possible, what works and what doesn’t, before they make the decision to quit their job.”

Nova's startup program is designed for ambitious founders and teams at the pre-seed stage. Including solo-founders with just an idea; small teams with a prototype or MVP; or teams and established companies that are pre-significant funding or traction. Further information and application form can be found via the Nova Tech Startup Programme website. The deadline for applications is Friday 10th June with successful candidates starting the following week.