Day Zero Founders
2 × £25k for Day-Zero Founders
You might be stepping out of the lab, wrapping a research contract, or leaving an industry role. If you’re tackling a fundamental problem with venture-scale potential, we want to hear from you.
Avonmore invests £50k-£200k+ as part of syndicates in larger pre-seed and seed rounds. This new 2025 initiative formalises a carve-out for the earliest stage: £25k for UK-based, day-zero founders under the Avonmore umbrella (our portfolio includes successful companies such as Ventrata and Shop Circle, both of which grew from our first-cheque funding).
How it works
We’ll invest £25k via a founder-friendly ASA (UK SAFE) with a generous longstop valuation of £4M to prevent this being a sticking point. As the investment is small, this valuation is unlikely to anchor a priced round.
If you raise a qualifying equity round before the longstop date, our investment will convert at that round’s valuation with a small 10% discount. The assumption is that we will be first cheque/solo investor but we are also happy to be part of larger syndicate.
Eligibility
- UK-based founders - non-London encouraged
- No prior external equity raised - grants are fine
- Tackling a fundamental problem with venture-scale ambition
- Deep-tech or B2B SAAS is our focus. This is not for feature apps or productivity tools
- The aim is for 50% of these investments go to majority female-founded teams
Selection process
- 6-question application, response within 10 working days
- 30-minute intro call with those who pass the screen
- Due diligence and offer to successful applicants within 2 weeks
FAQ
Does this set my valuation?
No. The ASA converts either at the longstop valuation of £4M or, if you raise a qualifying equity round before then, at that round’s valuation with a 10% discount. The £25k cheque size means it’s unlikely to anchor your next priced round.
Are you targeting % equity ownership with this?
No. This isn’t about maximising our equity stake, it’s about giving day-zero founders quick first funding to get moving.
Is this SEIS compatible?
Yes. The ASA is structured to be SEIS-friendly by default.
How many founders will you fund?
Last year we invested circa £400k into early-stage businesses and the aim is for one quarter of our investments per year to go towards this initiative. Of course this depends on application qaulity.
What additional support will you provide?
Alongside funding, you’ll get direct support from Simon Blakey, including help with finance, operations and fundraising and introductions to networks like Cambridge Angels and Playfair Capital.
Apply now
Six quick questions. Attach a short deck or a 2-minute Loom if you have one.
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“Simon is an incredible font of knowledge in the start-up space, and has been a brilliant source of support from day one of his angel investment”