Growth Forge is back, and it’s more advanced than ever.
The celebrated tech business support programme returns for 2025, with new features including specialist tracks, new investment opportunities, 1-1 mentoring and enhanced tailoring.
Scroll down to learn from Tech South West’s Dan Pritchard all about this unique business accelerator for the region, and how South West-based tech firms can take advantage.
Let’s start with the basics – what makes Growth Forge different from other accelerator programmes?
The real difference lies in its precision.
Growth Forge takes a truly data-driven approach to acceleration, using the PragmaPulse™ diagnostic to create detailed profiles of each company’s strengths and growth opportunities.
This means every business gets support that’s precisely tailored to their needs, rather than a generic programme of support.
The results from 2024 really demonstrate this impact – participating companies secured over £2 million in funding, including £1.6 million in equity investment and £300,000 in grants.
Even more impressive is the 27% average performance improvement across key metrics, showing significant growth in areas like strategy, innovation, and market awareness.
What’s new and exciting about the 2025 programme?
Growth Forge has evolved significantly for 2025, introducing three specialist tracks alongside the successful Core programme.
These new tracks focus on the South West’s key strengths in the green and blue economies, plus the opportunity area of AI.
Each track is strategically centred in different innovation hubs – AI in Bristol, Marine Tech in Plymouth, and CleanTech in Exeter.
This regional approach really capitalises on the South West’s diverse tech ecosystem.
Companies aren’t just getting generic advice; they’re tapping into specific expertise and networks in each sector. It’s about matching innovation with opportunity across the region.
Who is the ideal candidate for Growth Forge?
The programme has been designed to support tech companies at every stage of their journey.
Pre-seed startups can get help perfecting their pitch and securing first-round investment. Scaling companies might focus on enhancing their tech stack and implementing talent strategies. Established businesses benefit from support with market diversification, internationalisation and building board-level connections.
The support is tailored to where each company is in their journey. A pre-seed company might work on building their starter tech toolkit, while an established business could focus on developing full sales capabilities and partnerships.
It’s this flexibility that makes the programme so valuable.
How does the programme work in practice?
The structure combines several key elements: immersive face-to-face Growth Days, monthly peer group meetings in cohorts of ten, and flexible one-to-one expert support. Companies also get access to investment opportunities through the PitchUp Live series in both the South West and London.
The peer group system is also fundamental. Companies are matched with similar founders based on their initial growth assessment, creating valuable opportunities to share challenges and build lasting relationships.
It’s these connections that often prove invaluable long after companies leave the programme
Tell us about the expert support available.
The partner network reads like a who’s who of tech and business expertise – Microsoft, Evo Talent, Bishop Fleming, Program, British Business Bank, Future Space, Ashfords, Howden, and Plymouth and South Devon Freeport, among others.
Companies can access specialists across crucial areas like finance, legal and IP, risk management, talent, marketing, and technology.
There’s also dedicated mentor matching. These mentors, often experienced in building tech brands themselves, act as sounding boards throughout the programme. It’s like having a seasoned tech founder in your corner.
What’s the key takeaway for companies considering the programme?
Growth Forge stands out for its combination of data-driven insights, expert guidance, and peer support. It’s clear that the programme understands successful growth requires both analytical precision and practical experience.
For tech companies in the South West, whether they’re working on artificial intelligence in Bristol, marine technology in Plymouth, or cleantech solutions in Exeter, Growth Forge offers a structured path to sustainable growth.
The combination of local expertise and regional connection makes it a unique proposition in the UK tech ecosystem.
Applications for Growth Forge 2025 are now open to tech companies across the South West, including Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, Bristol, Bath, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire.
To learn more and apply, visit techsouthwest.co.uk/growthforge
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