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Momentum: The UK’s First Accelerator Programme for Dyslexic Founders
Back to News1 in 3 entrepreneurs are dyslexic - yet too often, support isn’t designed for the way they think.
At Virgin StartUp, we believe dyslexic thinking is an entrepreneurial superpower. Some of the world’s most innovative businesses from Virgin and Apple, to IKEA and Jo Malone - were built by founders who see the world differently.
And here’s the thing: 1 in 3 entrepreneurs are thought to be dyslexic, compared with 1 in 5 of the general population. Dyslexic founders are not the exception; they’re a driving force behind innovation, creativity, and problem-solving.
Yet, while dyslexic entrepreneurs contribute £4.6 billion to the UK economy every year and support more than 60,000 jobs, too many still face outdated misconceptions and a lack of support tailored to their strengths. That’s why we’re proud to launch Momentum, an eight-week accelerator designed specifically for dyslexic founders.
Why Momentum?
Momentum is the first programme of its kind in the world. Backed by Virgin Unite and supported by our partners at Made By Dyslexia, it’s here to help founders harness their unique way of thinking and grow with confidence.
We know that dyslexic entrepreneurs bring huge value to the UK economy. But behind the statistics are thousands of founders who need a different kind of support: one that builds on creativity, big-picture thinking, and problem-solving.
Momentum is that support. Offering tailored mentoring, workshops, and a community to help dyslexic founders unlock growth with confidence.
What you’ll get
Over eight weeks, Momentum gives founders the tools, clarity, and confidence to unlock their next stage of growth:
8 themed weeks of live evening workshops, built around how dyslexic thinkers learn
1:1 mentoring from experts trained in neuro-inclusivity
A supportive founder community, sharing the journey together
Visual-first materials and flexible learning spaces, designed for how you work best
And the best part? It’s completely free to apply and join.
Who it’s for
Momentum is open to:
UK-based founders
Running a business for at least 3 months
Dyslexic thinkers with big ambition to grow
Ready to build Momentum?
📅 Applications close: Tuesday 30 September
🚀 Programme starts: Tuesday 14 October
✅ Free to apply and take part
If you’re ready to unlock the next stage of your founder journey with Momentum, we’d love to hear from you.