Frequently asked questions

1. What is the Global Entrepreneur Programme (GEP)?

The Global Entrepreneur Programme (GEP) is the UK government’s highly selective initiative designed to support ambitious international scale‑ups. It helps founders establish a UK headquarters or R&D presence and use the UK as a launchpad for global expansion.

2. Who delivers the support within the GEP?

The programme is delivered by 2 key teams who offer hands‑on support from entry to successful UK scaling:

• GEP Dealmakers who are our experienced entrepreneurs and industry leaders who provide strategic, peer‑level mentoring and tailored commercial insights.
• The GEP Team who guide companies through onboarding, endorsement for the Innovator Founder Visaopens www.gov.uk in a new tab, and integration into the UK ecosystem.

3. What are the benefits of joining the GEP?

Companies accepted onto the programme gain:

• strategic mentoring from experienced dealmakers
• guidance on UK expansion strategy
• support with a one-time endorsement for the Innovator Founder Visaopens www.gov.uk in a new tab and UK market entry
• access to high‑value connections, including investors, research partners and commercial networks
• opportunities to grow globally from a UK base

4. How selective is the GEP?

The GEP is highly selective. It has supported over 1,400 entrepreneurs across 20 years, and only companies with strong international scaling potential and a clear UK expansion plan are accepted onto the programme.

5. What type of companies is the GEP looking for?

The GEP supports ambitious, innovative, internationally-mobile, scaling businesses that intend to establish a UK headquarters or R&D centre.

Companies should meet the following criteria:

Location

• Not currently based in the UK and are looking to establish an international HQ, subsidary or R&D centre in the UK

Growing revenue

• From £250,000 (sector dependent) to over £10 million revenue generated
• High Growth Potential – over 20% growth (over 3 years) or meet the OECD high-growth definitionopens www.gov.uk in a new tab
• Successful equity raise
• Highly innovative with registered IP
• Founders are also assessed against the Innovator Founder Visaopens www.gov.uk in a new tab criteria

Expanding headcount

• Evidence of strong organisational growth and scaling capacity
• Founder/Co-founder to relocate – or senior strategic role created in the UK

6. Do I need to be generating revenue to apply?

Yes. The GEP typically supports companies generating £250,000 to over £10 million in revenue, depending on the stage of the business. Earlier stage companies should demonstrate strong investor backing (typically over £500,000 raised), have registered IP and high-growth potential.

7. Does the GEP take equity or charge fees?

No. The GEP is a UK government programme and does not take equity in participating companies and does not charge for participation.

8. Can the GEP provide me with a visa?

The GEP team provides guidance on visa options.

The GEP is an endorsing body for the Innovator Founder Visaopens www.gov.uk in a new tab and can therefore offer a one-time endorsement for the Innovator Founder Visa to founders who are accepted onto the GEP. The Innovator Founder Visa gives a founder and their eligible family members the right to stay in the UK for 3 years. Find out more about UK visa options here.

9. How do I apply to the GEP?

Please refer to the ‘How we work’ section on our website to check whether your business meets the GEP criteria. If you believe your company is a good fit, follow the instructions provided to submit the required information.

Once your information has been submitted, a member of the GEP team will review it and contact you. If, following this initial assessment, we consider that you meet our criteria, we will refer your company to one of our dealmakers. They may request additional information and will conduct their own due diligence checks.

If the dealmaker concludes that your business is a strong fit for the GEP, they will progress you to the application stage and you will be supported by one of our Senior Relationship Managers within the GEP team.

10. I have reviewed the criteria, but I am still not sure if I meet the criteria, what should I do?

If you are unsure whether your business meets the GEP criteria, we encourage you to submit your information to us. A member of the GEP team will carry out an initial assessment and let you know whether your company is suitable to progress further.

11. What happens if my business does not meet the GEP criteria because it is too early stage?

If your business is still in the early stages of development and does not yet meet the GEP criteria, you are welcome to re‑engage with us as your company grows.

In the meantime, you may wish to explore other forms of support available across the UK’s innovation and startup ecosystem, which may be better suited to early-stage companies. These can help you build the foundations needed to meet the GEP’s criteria in the future.