Pioneer Group coaches entrepreneurship at every stage, from idea to exit. They bring a hands-on, tailored approach to getting businesses off to the best possible start.
For nearly 20 years, Pioneer Group has been supporting and investing in founders to transfer cutting-edge life science technologies into visionary ventures that scale. This expertise has been embedded in the Launch Programme and is delivered as part of ICURe Exploit.
What’s Included?
The Launch Programme is an invitation-only support programme for life science teams moving into spin out ventures. This is a long-term programme delivered over 12 months building on insights and outline business plans that have been established during earlier ICURe phases and helps to prepare teams for investment conversations.
The company is allocated a dedicated life science business coach, supported by the wider Pioneer Expert Network, to consolidate and build on validated findings from customer discovery. There are 2-3 monthly virtual coaching sessions that are tailored to the requirements of the company supporting any stage of spin out or investment activity.
- 1-1 Coaching
- Engagement with Pioneer Group’s Expert Network
- Tailored deep dive SWAT sessions
- Cohort training sessions
- Investment showcase attendance
Companies on the Launch Programme will also benefit from access to Pioneer Group’s Expert Network. This is a database of entrepreneurs and life science experts who have worked in the sector, assembled by Pioneer Group over the last two decades and who are ready to help with challenges faced by the new founders.
Additional in-person training sessions, networking, targeted workshops and investor introduction opportunities provide further wrap-around learning to support the transition from academia to business. In particular, connections to the investor community are a great way to understand how to go about raising finance. The in-person training sessions also cover many aspects of day-to-day business operations and commercial management, complementary to other Exploit training sessions and with a focused life science perspective.
Who is eligible?
The Launch Programme is an invitation-only life science support programme. Life Science teams participating in ICURe Explore will be offered a chance to meet with Launch representatives as they work towards their final Options Roundabout. ICURe teams that are proactive, driven, receptive to feedback and dedicated to pushing to the next commercial stage will rank highly and must also meet the following criteria:
- You must have a defined use case for your product for a specific target market segment, a viable prototype or product.
- You must be on track for spinning out within the next 12-15 months.
- You and your team must have the commitment and bandwidth to fully engage in the programme.
How do I apply?
There is no separate application process. If successful, you will receive a Launch invitation shortly after your Options Roundabout.
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Wider Pioneer Group Ecosystem
Pioneer Group operate funds that invest in young businesses and specialise in Seed to Series A funding. They provide investment to life science companies they have worked with through our Venture Building programmes (which may include Launch teams) or companies based at their sites. That way, they get to know the people, technology, and business before investing.
As well as providing beautiful spaces to work from, Pioneer Group create optimal environments for companies to focus on solving human and planetary health challenges. Their ecosystem includes multiple laboratory and office space across the UK and Ireland. Understanding the space requirements, investment requirements and business processes for startups and scale ups, ideally position Pioneer Group to provide specialist guidance along the entrepreneurial journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
In the below link you’ll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the Pioneer Launch Programme. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.