The Varsity Pitch has a new supporter we would like to introduce you to - Catalyst Founders.

Catalyst Founders, based in Oxford, has an ambitious target; to invest in 50 young founders over the next 3 years. CF seeks to invest in innate entrepreneurial talent, providing investment, a support structure and a strong network to enable young would-be founders to achieve their entrepreneurial potential.   Stephen Barnett, the founder of CF, is passionate about providing an alternative to traditional graduate careers: “When I left university, my commercial options were limited largely to ever-present corporates; there were few alternatives for graduates with a great eye for spotting opportunity and a willingness to take a risk. CF aims to provide a credible alternative to traditional professions by providing an elite, fast- track to entrepreneurial success”.   CF doesn’t have an ‘ideal type’ founder profile. There are no education requirements, nor is there any one particular job that marks one founder out from the next. Instead CF looks for innate entrepreneurial ability, using a variety of innovative methods to discover the best young talent from across the country.  

This is the first of CF’s two unique approaches to investing. CF well and truly backs the jockey over the horse; spending structured, in depth time with each prospective Catalyst Founder over a prolonged period of time prior to investment. “We call it ‘empathy due diligence’”, says Stephen; “It’s really important that we take an analytical and structured approach to finding the best individuals; the best ideas will naturally follow”. As part of this approach, CF spend a lot of time working through the business plan with each young founder, bringing it to a commercially viable stage.   Secondly, CF are dedicated to supporting a network of amazing young founders. Be this through their network of great young founders and mentors, or through their startup ‘toolkit’; a range of products and services that aim to be cost effective, hassle free and appropriate for young start ups.   CF are looking to support the next generation of makers, creators and retailers from across the UK, backing founders that have a passion for their idea and a drive to build a large company. If you have a great idea, an instinct for business and unbridled ambition, you are the right fit for CF. We have no specific sector or geographic focus, believing that a diverse set of founders and ideas result in creative destruction across the network.   CF are hosting a pitching competition on the 31^st of August for all young founders who believe that they just might have the next world-changing idea. There’s GBP500 up for grabs for the winner, along with a fast-track to CF’s final discovery day; go to www.catalystfounders.com/pitch to find out more.