Virgin StartUp: A New Company Launched By Richard Branson

Last week in London mega entrepreneur Richard Branson not only celebrated the 40th anniversary of the oldest Virgin company, Virgin Records, he also launched his newest Virgin StartUp.

Virgin StartUp will offer one-to-one mentorship to young business people as well as business loans for successful applicants.

What else can we expect from this new Virgin company and visionary Richard Branson?

Virgin StartUp: Richard Branson Helping Young Entrepreneurs

Virgin StartUp is a not-for-profit organization that helps entrepreneurs aged 18-30 in England with the funding, resources and advice they’ll need to make their business idea a reality.

Their main focus is to help you get the support you need to turn your great idea in to a successful and sustainable business.

People between 18-30 years old and a British citizen or legal UK resident who wants to start or expand a new business that’s less than a year old in England then you may be eligible for a start-up loan.

Virgin StartUp will help you develop your business plan and your application for funding. Business advisors will help you with your marketing plans and financial projections.

If you are successful in securing your start up loan Virgin StartUp will continue to provide you with support in the form of training, workshops, master classes, peer-to-peer networking and one-to-one mentoring.

Virgin StartUp has developed a mentoring platform to help match you with an experienced business mentor, both in the short and long term.

My Opinion

I love the fact that Richard Branson is sharing his success and is giving back to society.

Virgin StartUp certainly looks like collective ecosystem, not EGOsystem and I applaud Branson for launching it.

However, there is one startup ecosystem which is even more brilliant: H-farm.

H-farm Italy, with Diesel founder Renzo Rosso and Bertelsmann on board as “soul” investors is the most complete and best one I have ever been so far.

What About You?
How do you like the launch of Virgin StartUp? Let us know in the comments below.

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About the Author
Igor Beuker is a serial entrepreneur, acclaimed trendwatcher & speaker, marketing consultant and advisory board member at several disruptive media, technology and entertainment firms. Book Igor as keynote speaker, follow Igor on Twitter or contact him via LinkedIn.