£100 million and counting: Virgin StartUp unlocks £20 million more in Start Up Loans for UK founders.

Virgin StartUp has officially distributed more than £100 million in Start Up Loan funding, with another £20 million available to fund UK founders.

This £100m milestone isn’t just about capital deployed. It represents over 7,000 founders across the UK who have received funding and support to turn bold ideas into real businesses, strengthening local communities and delivering long-term economic impact.

Some of the most notable brands that received a share of that £100 million include:

• UpCircle – the responsible skincare brand

• DASH Water – the environmental and health conscious drinks brand

• Magic AI – the innovative AI fitness brand

• Oddbox – the sustainable food subscription service.

Curious to know how funding through Virgin StartUp could help your business? Here’s what you need to know about applying for a Start Up Loan.

A milestone moment for UK entrepreneurship

Since becoming a national Business Support Partner for the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme in 2013, Virgin StartUp has helped founders launch and grow businesses in every corner of the UK.

From tech startups and AI scale-ups to independent retailers, food brands and purpose-led ventures, the £100 million milestone reflects more than a decade of backing ambitious entrepreneurs who are building the future of the UK economy.

“Surpassing £100 million in Start Up Loan funding is a huge milestone for us, but more importantly, it represents over 7,000 founders across the UK who have taken the leap to build something of their own. Behind the figures are real people realising their dreams, building something from nothing, creating jobs, and proving what’s possible when ambition is backed with the right support.

This milestone comes at a time when access to early-stage funding is under real pressure, which is why Start Up Loans matters more than ever. Funding gives founders momentum, but support gives them staying power, which is reflected in the strength and survival of the businesses we back.

With over £20 million to distribute this year, our focus is simple: to back even more founders across the UK. We believe entrepreneurship should be within reach for anyone with the drive and ambition to make it happen.”

– Andy Fishburn, Managing Director at Virgin StartUp

What has £100 Million in Start Up Loan funding achieved?

We’ll let the numbers speak for themselves:

• Over 7,000 loans delivered to UK founders

• £550 million generated for the UK economy

• 69% of Start Up Loan funded businesses still trading after five years - compared to 43% national average survival rate

• 60% more likely to survive their first five years when supported by Virgin StartUp.

But, it’s also important to remember, behind every statistic is a person who had a vision and brought it to life.

One of those founders is Rachel Munro, founder of The Rebel Baker, a food manufacturing business based in Ayrshire, Scotland. Rachel secured a £25,000 Start Up Loan through Virgin StartUp to launch the business:

“The Start Up Loan was the catalyst that turned an idea into a real manufacturing business. It allowed me to invest in equipment, ingredients and the foundations needed to build The Rebel Baker properly. Since then we’ve grown into a production bakery supplying major foodservice distributors across the UK with our frozen cookie dough range, which is free from all 14 major allergens. The support and mentorship from the Start Up Loans programme gave me both the confidence and the practical guidance to scale the business and keep pushing forward.”

Rachel is also an ambassador for the Start Up Loans programme, helping inspire other founders who are considering taking the first step.

Another founder taking the next step in her journey is Louise Duncum, founder of Weiz Styles, a London-based personal styling and colour consultancy. Louise secured a £20,000 Start Up Loan through Virgin StartUp to support the next phase of growth for her business:

“I’m two years into my business journey and this loan is enabling me to take the next step in elevating Weiz Styles. I’ve recently secured my first commercial space to create a premium personal style studio in SW London, which will allow me to expand my services and offer an even more valuable experience for my clients. It feels like a really exciting new chapter of growth for both myself and the business, and I can’t wait to see where the next few months take me.

Virgin StartUp has been invaluable in supporting both my business growth and confidence as a founder over the past few months. I joined the community at the end of 2025 and quickly realised the potential of the Start Up Loan and how it could help me take the next step in scaling my business. I’ve also benefited hugely from the incredible mentors within the Virgin StartUp Community, who have helped me gain clarity on areas of growth and stability during this new chapter. They’ve also given me brilliant ideas on how to make the most of my new studio, along with inspiration for some exciting opportunities ahead.”

These stories reflect what access to startup funding can unlock when founders are given both capital and confidence.

How do Start Up Loans improve business survival?

Businesses funded by Virgin StartUp through the Start Up Loans programme are significantly more likely to survive their first five years. That is not by chance. A Start Up Loan through Virgin StartUp is about more than money. Founders receive:

• A dedicated business advisor throughout the application process

• 12 months of post-loan support, including access to 1-1 mentoring

• Free access to one of the UK’s largest founder communities

• Workshops and events

“The Start Up Loans team at Virgin StartUp works closely with every founder to refine their idea and build a clear business plan, making sure they understand the key costs and considerations involved. It’s never a one size fits all approach, we tailor all our support to suit the founder behind the business. That support doesn’t stop once the funding is approved, with the option for 12 months of post-loan mentoring and guidance.

This holistic approach is a key reason why businesses backed by the Start Up Loans scheme have significantly higher survival rates than many others starting out. With £20 million available to lend this financial year, Virgin StartUp is here to support the next wave of founders. If you have a business idea or early-stage venture and are ready to take the leap, now is a fantastic time to apply."

– Chloe Fenn, Start Up Loans Lead, Virgin StartUp

Starting a business can feel isolating. Having someone in your corner makes a difference. That’s why 69% of funded businesses are still trading after five years. Support matters.

£20 Million Now Available for UK Founders

Thanks to our success with funding founders, Virgin StartUp has received a further £20 million in Start Up Loan funding to distribute between April 2026 and March 2027.

Start Up Loans provides:

• Personal loans of between £500 and £25,000 per founder

• Fixed interest rate of 7.5% per annum

• Repayment terms of one to five years

• Access to mentoring and ongoing business support

The funding can be used to cover start up costs, invest in equipment, manage cashflow, support marketing activity or help scale an existing early-stage business trading for up to five years.

For founders who are searching for government backed funding to start or scale an early-stage business, this is an excellent moment to act.

Championing Equal Access Through the 50:50 Pledge

Access to funding has not always been equal. That’s why, in 2019, Virgin StartUp launched our 50:50 pledge, committing to support and fund an equal number of men and women through the Start Up Loans programme.

We’re proud to say that over the last year, 46% of the founders who applied to Virgin StartUp and went on to get funding were woman. And in the last six months, that figure has reached 50%!

This commitment reflects a broader belief that entrepreneurship should be open to everyone, regardless of gender, background or postcode.

Supporting diverse founders is not a side initiative. It’s central to our mission to level the playing field and widen access to early-stage finance.

After all, when more people can start businesses, the whole economy benefits.

Ready to Start Your Business?

If you have an idea you believe in, or a business trading for up to five years that needs funding to grow, this is your opportunity. Virgin StartUp has £20 million in capital for UK founders to make that dream a reality.

Apply for a Start Up Loan today and turn your idea into action.

If you would prefer to speak to someone first, you can also book a call with our Founder Support team to explore your options and get clear on what comes next.

Your business starts right here.