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Virgin StartUp Founder Code of Conduct


At Virgin StartUp, we back founders who are building bold, brilliant businesses with purpose. Whether you're applying for a Start Up Loan, joining an accelerator, attending an event, or getting stuck into our community platform, this Code of Conduct exists to keep our founder network thriving - built on trust, respect, and our shared values.

We’re here to create a space that’s straight up, supportive, and filled with possibility. One that sparks smart disruption, celebrates curiosity, and treats every founder like part of the family.

By engaging with Virgin StartUp, you’re agreeing to play your part.

Where This Code Applies

This Code of Conduct applies across everything we do at Virgin StartUp, including:

  • The Virgin StartUp Community Platform

  • Startup Loan applications and support

  • Accelerator programmes, including Empower100

  • Mentoring, group sessions, workshops, and 1:1 interactions

  • Founder events, webinars, meet-ups (in-person and online)

  • Email and chat communications, and interactions on social media

Our Shared Commitments

Here’s what we ask from everyone who takes part in the Virgin StartUp ecosystem:

  • Be straight up: honest, respectful and professional in all interactions

  • Be curious: ask questions, listen generously, and share what you know

  • Show heartfelt service: support your fellow founders with empathy and encouragement

  • Bring the energy: show up, contribute, and engage with red hot relevance

  • Respect the rules: honour confidentiality, protect privacy, and follow the law

  • Surprise us (in the best way): bring bold ideas, positive energy and creativity

  • Act like family: treat others with kindness, fairness and integrity

When You're Applying for a Start Up Loan

We know starting a business takes guts. We're here to help—but that works best when it’s built on trust.

  • Be open, honest, and transparent in your application

  • Treat the Virgin StartUp team with respect (we’re here to support you)

  • Understand that not every loan can be approved, and accept outcomes professionally

When You're on an Accelerator

Being part of a Virgin StartUp programme is a team effort. We expect you to:

  • Be present and on time

  • Respect the time, ideas and input of others

  • Keep anything shared in the group confidential

  • Ask questions, challenge ideas constructively, and contribute with generosity

  • Celebrate each other’s wins and support each other through challenges

When Attending Our In-Person Events

Our events are designed to spark meaningful connections, fire up your curiosity, and leave you feeling inspired. To keep things running smoothly and respectfully for everyone involved, here’s what we ask:

  • Be on time – but not too early: We love enthusiasm, but please don’t arrive too far ahead of schedule. We’re a working office, and some of us will still be clearing away our meal or finishing a call!

  • Bring your whole self: The best conversations happen when we’re open, curious, and not afraid to be a little vulnerable. Don’t be shy about sharing your story - it might just spark something for someone else.

  • Say hello: Introduce yourself to someone new, especially if they look like they’ve come alone. This is a community, not a clique.

  • Keep questions thoughtful (and brief!): We want everyone to have the opportunity to ask something, so please keep your questions concise and relevant to the room so we can include as many questions as possible.

  • Be mindful after talks: We know our speakers are brilliant, and a quick selfie or chat is part of the magic - but try not to monopolise their time. Others will be keen to connect too.

Let’s keep our events welcoming, energising and worth showing up for, because when we respect each other’s time, space and stories, great things happen.

Behaviours We Don’t Tolerate

We want to keep this community safe, relevant and inspiring. These behaviours have no place at Virgin StartUp - online, offline, or anywhere in between:

  • Bullying, harassment, intimidation, or discrimination of any kind

  • Hate speech or offensive language

  • Dishonesty, misrepresentation or unethical conduct

  • Sharing someone else’s ideas, content or information without permission

  • Spamming, excessive self-promotion or disruptive behaviour

  • Any behaviour that’s unlawful, unsafe or undermines the integrity of our community

That includes:

  • Discrimination or abuse based on race, gender, religion, disability, sexuality, or background

  • Sexual harassment or exploitation

  • Encouraging violence, self-harm or hate

  • Fraud, financial misconduct, or misuse of confidential information

  • Promoting drugs, weapons, extremist views or criminal activity

Digital Interactions:

Our Do’s and Don’ts

Do:

  • Show up as your best self

  • Be supportive, collaborative, and generous with your insights

  • Ask questions and challenge ideas respectfully

  • Respect boundaries and keep things professional

  • Report concerns or misconduct so we can act quickly

Don’t:

  • Post anything harmful, offensive or misleading

  • Share private or confidential information without consent

  • Use our platforms to sell, pitch, or spam

  • Speak over others or dominate conversations

  • Breach anyone’s trust, time, or intellectual property

If Something Goes Wrong

We hope it never comes to this, but if a founder seriously breaches the Code, or repeatedly ignores the guidelines- we’ll step in. Depending on the circumstances, we may:

  • Send a warning

  • Remove access to specific events, programmes or platforms

  • Exclude individuals from future Virgin StartUp opportunities

  • Escalate to external authorities if required by law

To report a concern or breach, drop us a confidential line at community@virginstartup.org.

We're in This Together

We believe in founders. That means holding space for boldness and vulnerability, ambition and respect. When we all bring our best selves - kind, curious, straight up, and full of ideas - we build a community where real growth happens.

Thanks for being part of something bigger than business.

Let’s keep it safe, smart, and seriously supportive. Thank you.

Last updated: 1st May 2025