Founder in Residence

About the Programme

This opportunity is a six-week residency program specifically designed for Muslim founders who have already launched a product with a user base or initial revenue. The residency takes place in London and includes accommodation with nine other founders, focusing on developing a robust go-to-market strategy culminating in a demo day attended by potential buyers and investors.

Positive Action Statement: This programme operates under the positive action guidelines of the Equality Act 2010 (Section 158), addressing the underrepresentation of Muslim founders in UK venture capital. Only 3% of UK venture deals are made with Muslim founders compared to 5–7% of the population. This initiative aims to correct this imbalance and is open to Muslim founders operating in the UK, Europe, and North America.

Programme Benefits

• A fully mapped list of 100 target accounts and 30 potential dream buyers developed within the first week.
• An active sales pipeline established through pre-arranged buyer meetings during the residency.
• All residency expenses covered, including travel, accommodation, meals, and production costs.
• Access to mentors based in residence as well as visiting industry experts, angels, and weekly angel investor dinners.
• Flexible capital offers ranging from £20,000 to £100,000, adjusted to the stage of your business.
• A London-based demo day with investors and buyers who have observed your progress throughout the residency.
• A tailored personal development experience and lifelong membership in the Saff alumni community.

Candidate Profile

• You have shipped a product that already has real users or early revenue; this is not for conceptual ideas.
• You can commit to living and working in London full-time for the six-week duration.
• You are a Muslim founder or part of a founding team, building businesses across the UK, Europe, or North America.
• You understand your target buyers well and can identify five key customers who would significantly impact your company.