Zinc Venture Builder Cohort

When former No.10 policy advisor Paul Kirby, experienced entrepreneurs Ella Goldner and Saul Klein and pro director for research at the LSE Julia Black launched Zinc in 2017, they weren't interested in building just another startup accelerator. Based in central London, Zinc stands apart by assembling ambitious individuals—often without a team or even an idea—around some of society’s toughest challenges. From women’s mental health and economic inequality to sustainable aging and climate resilience, Zinc’s cohorts are built on clear, compelling missions rather than simply backing commercial potential.

The Zinc approach is distinctive for its blend of social impact and commercial scale. Co-founder Goldner sums it up neatly: “The talent follows the mission.” Each cohort attracts roughly 50 participants who’ve abandoned secure jobs, moved across countries, or left prestigious institutions, motivated by the opportunity to tackle big, systemic issues. Unlike typical startup accelerators, Zinc operates at what it calls the “inception phase,” actively pairing diverse professionals—scientists, doctors, engineers, designers—into cohesive teams who then create their startups from scratch.

It’s a challenging model. Participants have six months to identify a viable idea, build a product prototype, find a compatible co-founder, and persuade Zinc’s panel their venture deserves funding. The intensity is matched by support: founders receive a monthly stipend to ease living costs, access to seasoned mentors from academia, industry, and government, and bespoke coaching to navigate the early hurdles of entrepreneurship. Those who pass muster receive around £150,000 in initial investment, with potential follow-on funding, and Zinc takes approximately 15% equity, positioning itself as a supportive but significant minority shareholder.

The resulting portfolio has produced notable success stories. Vira Health, creator of menopause care app Stella, secured backing from leading UK investors like LocalGlobe and Octopus Ventures, raising around $14 million. RideTandem built a sustainable transport network linking isolated communities to jobs and opportunities, while femtech startup Parla was acquired by retail giant Holland & Barrett in 2022, marking Zinc’s first notable exit.

Founders considering Zinc should know that the bar is high. Competition for entry is intense, and applicants must clearly demonstrate commitment to the cohort’s mission, resilience under pressure, and a readiness to rethink ideas continuously. Founders describe the experience as transformative but intense: Zinc provides structure, resources, and networks, yet it demands personal flexibility and stamina.

Zinc’s unique selling point lies in its ability to transform societal concerns into viable businesses that have genuine scale potential. For mission-driven founders eager to pair impact with profitability, it's a truly distinctive programme.