Apply Now for Impact Investment with Venture Studio from Crisis

At Venture Studio from Crisis, we are committed to investing in startups that actively contribute to preventing or ending homelessness. We seek innovative businesses that drive meaningful change in tackling the root causes of homelessness. If your venture aligns with our mission, we encourage you to apply.

Key Application Details

• Closing Date: 17 April 2025
• Rolling Review Process: Early applications are encouraged
• Application Time Estimate: 15-30 minutes

For queries regarding your eligibility, contact our team at venture.studio@crisis.org.uk.

Investment Criteria

We invest in UK-registered companies limited by shares that directly address one or more of the following areas:

• Enabling the Supply of Affordable Housing: Innovations in construction, property development tools, and scalable business models that increase the availability of social and affordable housing.
• Improving Access to Social Housing: Marketplaces and platforms that connect people to social housing efficiently, as well as financial products that facilitate homeownership or rental pathways for low-income individuals.
• Supporting Tenancy Stability and Financial Security: Solutions that help tenants maintain stable housing, including risk reduction products for vulnerable renters.
• Direct Impact on Crisis Members: Businesses that demonstrate tangible impact on people at risk of homelessness. We do not invest in solutions that only manage homelessness without contributing to its eradication.

Additional Requirements:

• Ventures must be willing to introduce a mission lock into their articles of association to safeguard their social impact objectives.
• The business model should include valid financial projections that indicate a path to sustainability.
• Applicants should have a working product generating revenue or successfully piloted, positioning them as pre-Series A in their funding strategy.
• The founding team must align with our mission, with a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

How We Invest

We prioritize standard equity investments and consider Convertible Loan Notes and Simple Agreements for Future Equity where appropriate. Our investment includes cash funding alongside a tailored growth programme designed to leverage Crisis’ brand, networks, and expertise.

The Application Process

1. Application & Discovery Call: If your venture aligns with our mission, we will schedule an initial call to learn more about your business model and impact.
2. Deep Dive & Due Diligence: Shortlisted applicants will undergo an in-depth evaluation, including validation of their impact with experts and a lived experience panel.
3. Investment Committee & Growth Programme: If approved, we finalize due diligence and tailor a growth support programme to accelerate your venture’s success.
4. Closing: Legal agreements are finalized, and we officially welcome you to our portfolio, initiating the partnership.

What We Look For

• Mission Focus: A business model committed to social impact and ending homelessness.
• Traction: A revenue-generating venture with a market-ready product.
• Scalability: The potential to make a lasting impact at scale.
• Co-Design: Commitment to embedding lived experience of homelessness into decision-making.
• Diversity & Inclusion: A leadership team dedicated to equitable and inclusive practices.

Benefits of Joining Venture Studio from Crisis

• Investment & Follow-On Funding: Equity investment with access to future funding opportunities.
• Co-Production & Collaboration: A direct connection to thousands of individuals experiencing homelessness, providing a natural testing ground for solutions.
• Expertise & Tailored Support: Access to 50 years of Crisis’ experience, industry insights, and a bespoke growth support programme.
• Mentors & Coaches: Guidance from experienced entrepreneurs balancing profit and purpose.
• Extensive Network: Direct access to private and public sector partners to accelerate growth.

If your venture is ready to make a lasting impact, apply today and join us in our mission to end homelessness.

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