UK Global Talent Visa for Startup Founders

Can a startup founder apply for the UK Global Talent visa? The answer is yes, but it comes with nuances. The application process for a UK Global talent is different for startup founders compared to other applicants, and it’s essential to use the right strategy. This visa offers flexibility that other routes, like the Startup Visa or Innovator Visa, simply don’t. Below, we’ll explore the challenges and opportunities for startup founders applying for the Global Talent Visa in the UK, along with real-world examples and strategies to strengthen your Global Talent visa application.

If you need personalised guidance and dedicated support, you can work with our team by purchasing a full UK Global Talent visa package. Alternatively, you can get an in-depth evaluation of your case during our 60-min Global Talent consultation

Why the UK Global Talent Visa?

As a startup founder, you might already know about alternative routes, like the Startup Visa or Innovator Visa. While those visas cater to entrepreneurs, they often come with restrictions. The UK Global Talent Visa, on the other hand, allows for far greater flexibility.

Here’s why many startup founders and serial entrepreneurs opt for the UK Global Talent visa:

1. Freedom to pursue multiple ventures. You’re not tied to a single startup or business venture. This means you can continue developing your current business while also engaging in additional activities like consulting, speaking engagements, or mentoring.

2. Flexibility to transition from employment. If you’re currently on a Skilled Worker Visa or similar, the Global Talent Visa allows you to transition into full-time entrepreneurship while retaining flexibility to pursue other professional opportunities.

Requirements for the UK Global Talent Visa

When applying for the UK Global Talent Visa, there are certain criteria that applies to businesses you develop.

The main criteria is that your business should be product-led.

It cannot be a marketing agency working with startups, nor can it be an outsourced software engineering firm servicing tech companies with their products. The key requirement is that your company builds and develops its own product internally. See ineligible categories here.

Your startup doesn’t have to be in the UK. Your business can be based anywhere in the world, but you need to have concrete plans to bring that startup to the UK. This might include expanding operations, entering the UK market, or establishing a physical presence here.

Do you have to bring your own start-up to the UK or continue developing it there? No. If you’re a serial entrepreneur who has already made several exits, you may not need to develop or bring your own startup to the UK. Instead, you could focus on other activities like advisory work, consulting, or mentoring. In such cases, your application should demonstrate how these activities align with your long-term goals in the UK.

Elizaveta Morjan

EP Advisory’s CEO and the expert behind our Global Talent visa packages | Book a free 25min call with Elizaveta

We can help with your Global Talent document pack

Find out more about out services for those who wish to immigrate to the UK under this visa route. With an exceptional success rate of 93%, we know all about the requirements for the Global Talent visa.

Two common scenarios for startup founders

At EP Advisory, we typically work with two types of startup founders applying for the UK Global Talent Visa. Each case requires a tailored approach to ensure the applicant’s story aligns with the visa’s criteria and demonstrates why this visa is the best fit.

1. Serial entrepreneurs or founders of mature startups/scaleups

These applicants are often seasoned professionals who have already developed successful startups or achieved exits. For this group, we position them as multi-dimensional professionals looking to contribute to the UK’s ecosystem in a variety of ways beyond just running a single business.

How we position their case:

  • Expanding on an existing venture: They might have a mature startup or scale-up and want to grow its presence in the UK.
  • Engaging in diverse activities: Many applicants want to go beyond being a founder, taking on roles such as:
    • Building a tech community or running industry events.
    • Joining advisory boards for other UK-based startups.
    • Becoming an interim executive (e.g., CMO, CTO) to support UK-based ventures.
    • Engaging in consulting or mentorship activities in the UK.

For these applicants, the Global Talent Visa offers the freedom to pursue multiple roles and contributions, which would otherwise be restricted by visas like the Startup or Innovator Visa.

2. Employed professionals with a startup on the side

The second common scenario involves applicants who are currently employed in roles such as product managers, engineers, or team leads but have been developing their own startup as a side project.

How we position their case:

  • Highlighting the need for flexibility: These applicants often argue that while they could apply for a Skilled Worker Visa, it would restrict their ability to develop their startup.
  • Demonstrating transition plans: The narrative typically outlines that:
    • They want a visa that allows them to balance employment and entrepreneurial activities.
    • Eventually, they plan to transition into full-time entrepreneurship once their startup reaches a sustainable growth stage.

In your personal statement, in can sound something like that: “I’m currently employed as a product manager, and if I were to apply for a Skilled Worker Visa, I would face significant restrictions on building my startup. I’m applying for the Global Talent Visa because it allows me to maintain my employment while continuing to grow my business. This flexibility is crucial for my long-term goal of becoming a full-time entrepreneur and contributing to the UK’s innovation ecosystem.”

Elizaveta Morjan

EP Advisory’s CEO and the expert behind our Global Talent visa packages | Book a free 25min call with Elizaveta

Want to know your chances? 🤓
Fill in a short free assessment form to understand if you can get a UK Global Talent Visa 🇬🇧
Free assessment 🚀

The challenge with the referees

One of the most common challenges startup founders face is finding referees for their Letters of Recommendation. Tech Nation explicitly states that referees must be senior to the applicant. For founders who are already at the top of their organisations—CEOs, CTOs, or other executives—this can be tricky.

What doesn’t work:

  • Co-founders: Tech Nation views co-founders as equals, so their references are not accepted.
  • Employees: Even if a former employee has become successful (e.g., a C-level executive at a major company), they are still considered subordinate to the founder and unsuitable as referees.

What works:

  • Investors: An investor who has backed your startup and can attest to your leadership.
  • Advisors: A member of your advisory board who knows your work well and can speak to your impact.
  • Clients: For B2B businesses, a client who has directly benefited from your product can provide a strong endorsement.

We can help with your Global Talent document pack

Find out more about out services for those who wish to immigrate to the UK under this visa route. With an exceptional success rate of 93%, we know all about the requirements for the Global Talent visa.

Demonstrating business growth and innovation

As a startup founder, it’s critical to demonstrate that you’ve grown your business and made a measurable impact. The eligibility profiles specifically mention that founders must show “before and after” metrics to illustrate the growth of their venture.

What works:

  • External data and third-party verification:
    • Include screenshots from systems like Stripe (to show revenue) or App Store analytics (for downloads and ratings). These provide independent, verifiable proof of your startup’s performance.
    • If you’ve been featured in press coverage, such as TechCrunch articles about your funding, include these as evidence of external recognition.
    • Avoid relying solely on internal documents—external data is crucial to convince caseworkers of your achievements.
  • Metrics: Highlight revenue growth, user acquisition, or market expansion. For example, one founder showed how their revenue grew from £500,000 to £1.8 million in two years, supported by Stripe analytics and sales records.
  • Awards and press mentions: Include any industry awards, media articles, or recognition that validate your startup’s success.
  • Fundraising: Provide details of investment rounds, including the amount raised and key investors.
  • Innovation: Show how your startup is disrupting the industry. If you’ve developed a proprietary technology or introduced a novel approach, explain its impact.

Tip: Always think of the narrative you’re presenting. Your evidence should tell a story of how you’ve made a difference in your industry and why your work matters.

How can EP Advisory help you obtain UK Global Talent Visa?

We work closely with our legal partners at Sterling Law to maintain the excellent success rate for our clients (93%). We take over document writing whilst Sterling Law check everything from the legal perspective, put their stamp of approval and submit the application for you.

There are three types of services depending on how much support you need:

60-min consultation: Get personalised guidance with a 60-minute consultation from our expert career consultant. We’ll assess your case, offer feedback on your chances, and help you plan evidence collection. We’ll dive into your CV, LinkedIn, and more to uncover ways to enhance your application. Expect advice on awards, mentorship, and outside achievements too.

PRO package: Experience a range of services in one package – an assessment of your case, consultation, and hands-on document support. We’ll craft your CV, LinkedIn, and an outstanding personal statement. Our expert letters of support (3-5, as needed) will be signed by your referees. We guide you through evidence preparation and offer a document review before submission. Count on us for a draft of your Stage 1 application too.

FULL SUPPORT package: Dive into comprehensive assistance – from start to finish. Begin with our assessment and consultation. Let us create your CV, LinkedIn, personal statement, and reference letters. We’ll handcraft all evidence pieces, assemble your documents, and submit your applications for both stages. In case of a refusal, our legal team’s expertise will guide you toward turning it around.

Read more about our services here. If you’re interested in the Global Talent visa, try our short test and find out if you are eligible.

Get endorsed for the UK Global Talent visa with our help

If you wish to immigrate to the UK under the Global Talent visa – we can help. With an exceptional success rate of 93%, we know all about the requirements for the Global Talent visa.

Global Talent visa approved endorsements

How did you like this article?

Average rating 5 / 5. Vote count: 21

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

4.9 98 reviews