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Innovator Founder endorsement, built on an idea that is yours
Before you can apply for the Innovator Founder visa, an approved endorsing body must assess your business idea. Tier 1 Global Talent Visa, led by founder Mihir Thaker, helps you test the idea, choose an endorsing body that is taking new applications and build a business plan from your own idea, words and figures. We work only on the endorsement stage.
Your Innovator Founder case plan
- Idea tested against the four requirements
- Competitor scan with named alternatives
- Endorsing body chosen from those taking new applications
- Business plan built from your idea, words and figures
- CV and plan checked against each other before you submit
What we build with you, step by step
What the endorsing body checks
Four tests your idea must pass
Innovative
An original idea, different from anything else on the market. A named competitor comparison shows it best.
Viable
Potential for growth, and you have, or are developing, the skills, knowledge, experience and market awareness to run it.
Scalable
Plans that include creating jobs and growing into national and international markets.
The Immigration Rules also require that you generated or made a significant contribution to the ideas in your business plan. Read what each test means.
Endorsing bodies and fees
Where to apply, and what it costs
Taking new applications
- UK Endorsing Services
- Innovator International
- Envestors Limited
- Global Entrepreneurs Programme, by invitation only
Fees paid to the endorsing body
- Endorsement: £1,000 per person
- Contact point meetings: £500 each, at least two
- Visa fee and healthcare surcharge are separate
Checked on GOV.UK on 22 October 2026. See the official endorsing bodies list.
Is it for you?
Who we work with
We help
- Founders starting a new business in the UK
- Professionals whose idea comes from problems they have seen in their own work
- Founders who want an honest view of their idea before paying an endorsement fee
- Founders choosing between the Innovator Founder and Global Talent routes
We do not cover
- The visa application to the Home Office, or any immigration advice
- Writing your business plan for you, or giving you a ready-made idea
- Joining or buying a business that is already trading
- Anyone expecting a guaranteed outcome
We are experts in the endorsement stage for the UK Global Talent Visa and the Innovator Founder visa. For immigration advice, please seek the services of an immigration solicitor.
Guides
Read before you apply
- Innovator Founder endorsement, step by step
- Innovative, viable, scalable: what each test means
- What to put in the business plan
- Endorsing bodies taking new applications
- Global Talent or Innovator Founder?
Your Innovator Founder endorsement checklist22 checks for your idea, business plan and funding. Tick them off here, or print the PDF.
Questions
About Innovator Founder support
Who can help me with an Innovator Founder endorsement application?
Tier 1 Global Talent Visa, led by founder Mihir Thaker, works only on the endorsement stage. For the Innovator Founder route, we test your idea against the four requirements, help you choose an endorsing body that takes new applications, and help you build a business plan that is your own, from your idea, your words and your figures. We do not write the plan for you and we do not give immigration advice. The first call is free and lasts 30 minutes.
Do you write the business plan?
No. The Immigration Rules require that you generated or made a significant contribution to the ideas in your business plan. We help with structure, market and competitor research, and checking your figures and your CV against the plan. The idea, the choices and the numbers stay yours, so that you can explain and defend them on your own.
Can you give me a business idea?
No. An idea handed to you puts the endorsement at risk. We help you find and test ideas drawn from your own experience, and you choose and shape the one you take forward.
Which endorsing bodies are accepting new applications?
UK Endorsing Services, Innovator International and Envestors Limited, according to the GOV.UK list last updated on 7 August 2026. The Global Entrepreneurs Programme endorses only founders it has invited. Checked on 22 October 2026.
How much does the endorsement cost?
GOV.UK states £1,000 per person for the endorsement, paid to the endorsing body, and £500 for each contact point meeting, with at least two meetings during your permission. The visa fee and the healthcare surcharge are separate. Checked on 22 October 2026.
Do you help with the visa application?
No. We work only on the endorsement stage. For advice on the visa application itself, please speak to an immigration solicitor.
Can you guarantee endorsement?
No. The endorsing body makes the decision. We help you prepare a clear, honest application, but no one can promise an outcome.
Start with the free call
30 minutes, one to one. We look at your idea against the four tests and tell you plainly what is missing.