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Accelerate Ventures is a venture capital fund based in London, founded in late 2023. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage companies within the sports, technology, and culture sectors. With a focus on supporting and accelerating the growth of startups, Accelerate Ventures aims to fill market gaps by partnering with founders who have a clear vision for rapid growth.
The organization currently manages a portfolio of eight companies and is actively deploying capital in the early stages of business development, specifically targeting pre-seed, seed, and seed-plus rounds. The firm leverages its industry expertise and strategic partnerships to provide valuable resources to its portfolio companies.
Accelerate Ventures is strategically located in London, a hub for innovation and investment in technology and sports. The firm has established connections with notable sports organizations, including Wigan Athletic FC and Wigan Warriors, which enhance its deal flow and provide unique insights into the sports industry.
Accelerate Ventures invests primarily in early-stage companies operating within the sports, technology, and culture sectors. The firm seeks to partner with founders who demonstrate a clear vision for rapid growth and have identified specific market gaps. Their investment strategy includes direct capital investment, strategic guidance, and access to a network of industry experts, which collectively assist portfolio companies in achieving their goals.
The firm focuses on pre-seed, seed, and seed-plus investment stages, with check sizes typically ranging from £1 million to £2 million. Accelerate Ventures has a global geographic focus, with particular emphasis on opportunities in Europe and the United Kingdom. Their thesis emphasizes the importance of innovation in sports and technology, aiming to support startups that can drive impactful change in these sectors.
Accelerate Ventures has built a diverse portfolio of eight companies, each contributing to its focus on sports, technology, and culture. Notable portfolio companies include:
This portfolio reflects Accelerate Ventures' commitment to investing in companies that not only excel in their respective fields but also contribute to the overall growth of the sports and technology sectors.
Lucas Danson: CEO & Founder. Lucas has a background in sports management and is also a Director at Wigan Athletic FC. His expertise lies in identifying market opportunities within the sports sector.
Nick Ford: Investment Director. Nick has extensive experience in venture capital and has led multiple successful investments in early-stage companies.
Raef Jackson: Associate. Raef brings a strong analytical background and has worked on various investment projects within the technology sector.
Daniel Bacon: Associate. Daniel focuses on sourcing new investment opportunities and conducting due diligence on potential portfolio companies.
Joash Cheong: Analyst. Joash supports the investment team with market research and analysis, contributing to the firm's strategic decision-making.
To pitch to Accelerate Ventures, founders should use the preferred channel available on their website at accelerateventures.co.uk. A comprehensive pitch deck is essential, including details about the business model, market opportunity, and growth strategy. Founders should expect a response time of approximately 2-4 weeks after submission.
In January 2025, Accelerate Ventures led a £1.6 million Series A investment in Betmate, a social betting platform based in Liverpool. This investment highlights the firm's active engagement in the sports technology sector.
Recent blog posts from Accelerate Ventures cover topics such as the evolution of sports video and insights into their portfolio companies like Jump and Padel Social Club, indicating their commitment to sharing knowledge and engaging with industry trends.
In February 2025, Sportcal reported on a trio of investments made by Accelerate Ventures, showcasing their active deployment pace and interest in innovative startups within the sports and technology sectors.
What are Accelerate Ventures' investment criteria?
Accelerate Ventures focuses on early-stage companies in the sports, technology, and culture sectors. They look for founders with a clear vision for growth and identified market gaps.
How can I apply or pitch to Accelerate Ventures?
Founders can pitch their ideas through the firm's website at accelerateventures.co.uk. A detailed pitch deck outlining the business model, market opportunity, and growth strategy is recommended.
What makes Accelerate Ventures different from other VC firms?
Accelerate Ventures has strong ties to the sports industry, particularly through partnerships with Wigan Athletic FC and Wigan Warriors. This provides unique insights and deal flow opportunities.
What is the geographic scope of Accelerate Ventures?
The firm has a global investment focus, with a particular emphasis on opportunities in Europe and the United Kingdom.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Accelerate Ventures typically invests between £1 million and £2 million in early-stage companies.
What kind of post-investment involvement can founders expect?
Accelerate Ventures provides strategic guidance and access to a network of industry experts to help portfolio companies navigate challenges and accelerate growth.
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