Zinc

Zinc is a distinctive London-based venture builder that operates with a unique mission-led approach, focusing on creating scalable commercial businesses designed to address significant societal challenges. Unlike traditional venture capital firms, Zinc doesn't just invest in existing startups; it actively builds them from the ground up through intensive, 9-month programs. These programs bring together talented individuals, often experienced professionals or academics, to form teams and develop solutions around specific "missions" such as improving mental health, tackling environmental issues, or enhancing the future of work.

The core of Zinc's model involves providing a structured environment, expert mentorship, and initial capital to help founders transform ideas into viable companies. Participants receive a stipend during the initial phase, followed by an initial investment into the newly formed company. This hands-on approach ensures that companies are not only commercially sound but also deeply aligned with their impact objectives from inception. Zinc's commitment extends beyond the program, as they continue to support their portfolio companies in securing follow-on funding and scaling their operations.

Zinc typically provides an initial investment of approximately £100,000 (around $125,000 USD, subject to exchange rates) for a 10% equity stake in the newly formed ventures. This pre-seed/seed stage capital is crucial for the nascent companies to develop their minimum viable product and gain initial traction. To date, Zinc has successfully built and backed over 100 companies across its various cohorts, demonstrating a significant track record in fostering early-stage innovation. Their most recent fund, Fund III, closed at £25 million, underscoring their capacity to provide sustained support to their growing portfolio.