Build your innovative business in the UK
Guidance for entrepreneurs — whether you're applying from inside the UK or from your home country — who want to establish, develop and scale an innovative business in the United Kingdom. From the first idea to endorsement, launch and growth, we've walked it ourselves.
What is the Innovator Founder visa?
It's the UK route for founders — from anywhere in the world — with an original business idea that shows real commercial potential. You can apply from your home country or from within the UK. Every business is assessed against three things, and that's exactly where our guidance is sharpest.
Innovation
A genuine, original idea with clear differentiation from competitors and a real market opportunity.
Viability
A commercially realistic model, backed by market research, operational planning and achievable financials.
Scalability
Long-term growth potential, job creation and the ability to expand into national and international markets.
Key eligibility requirements
Understanding these early is the first step. We help you assess your readiness honestly before you invest time and money.
Apply from anywhere — Open to founders applying from their home country or from inside the UK. You must be at least 18.
Business endorsement: An authorised endorsing body must endorse your proposed business.
Founder involvement: You must actively manage, develop and grow the business.
English language: You may need to prove English at the applicable level.
Financial requirement: You must meet the personal maintenance and business funding requirements.
A credible plan: A strong, well-evidenced business plan that stands up to assessment.
From idea to UK business
Our 6-step journey guides you through launching your innovative UK business.
Getting started
Step 1: The idea
Pressure-test your idea against innovation, viability, and scalability.
Step 2: The business plan
We build the numbers and the narrative — a business plan that stands up to scrutiny.
Step 5: Landing in the UK
Company formation, business banking, and settling in — we get you grounded quickly.
Getting approved
Step 3: Endorsement preparation
Prepare your submission and pitch for the endorsing body.
Step 4: The application
The formal visa application is prepared and submitted by our IAA-regulated immigration partners.
Step 6: Building and scaling
Grow with the right people, systems and AI — and hire sponsorship-ready graduate talent as you scale.
Our unique approach to founder relocation
At Throughline Consultants, we believe founders need more than an immigration checklist. We combine deep business strategy expertise with a clear understanding of the endorsement process, offering a singular solution to your relocation.
Integrated expertise
We pair deep business strategy expertise with a clear, practical understanding of what UK endorsing bodies expect. This means you get a stronger business case and hands-on support preparing for endorsement, from one team.
Outcomes, not just hours
Wherever you are in the world, and whatever stage you're at, a free call tells you exactly where you stand and what comes next.
Costs to plan for
Government fees are set by the Home Office and can change. These are indicative figures to help you budget — not a quote.
Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,035 per year for adults, £776 per year for children under 18.
Throughline consultancy: Business plan, forecasting and guidance — bespoke, based on your business complexity. Enquire on a free call.
Visa application fees
Indicative Home Office fees, per person (main applicant and each dependant).
Applying from outside the UK
Home Office fee
£1,357
For the main applicant, plus £1,357 per dependant.
Applying from inside the UK
Home Office fee
£1,693
For the main applicant, plus £1,693 per dependant.
Why us
We've walked the path: We understand the route first-hand — including exactly where founders get stuck.
Plans that stand up: Detailed business plans, financial forecasting and pitch support that strengthen your case.
Honest from the start: Clear guidance at every stage, so you always know where you stand — even when the answer is 'not yet'.
Trusted partners: Formal applications handled by our IAA-regulated immigration partners.
Beyond the visa: Ongoing support to grow — people, systems, AI — and hire sponsorship-ready talent.
One partner, whole journey: From the idea, through the plan, to launch and scale — all in one place.
Frequently asked questions
Address
Manchester, United Kingdom
Opening Hours
Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm
Sat - Sun: Closed