Leo
Built for space founders that have already validated their solution and are now focused on gaining commercial traction and preparing for scale.
Accelerate with confidence.
Leo is a 4-month accelerator programme for space ventures that have already validated their solution and are ready to build commercial traction. Designed for founders at proof-of-concept stage and beyond, the programme supports teams in refining their business model, engaging customers, and preparing for growth.
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Refine and Scale Your Business
With access to expert mentors, pitch coaching, and business growth guidance, Leo helps you sharpen your value proposition and accelerate your venture’s growth.
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Connect with the Right People
Gain tailored support from industry experts across finance, legal, IP, export and marketing, plus access to a vibrant alumni network.
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Validate and Prepare for Market
Test your solution in real-world scenarios with product simulation support and export guidance. Build confidence and move your venture forward with measurable progress.
Is Leo right for you?
Discover everything you need to know about the Leo Programme in this in-depth overview, presented by Ashleigh Dinter.
If you’re unsure whether the programme is the right fit after watching the video, join our office hours to discuss your venture with the team.
Why join Leo?
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Develop the personal resilience and leadership skills you need to build a sustainable business in the demanding space sector. You'll receive tailored coaching to sharpen your focus, mindset, and ability to lead under pressure.
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Refine your value proposition, strengthen your messaging, and gain confidence in communicating your business. From market access and export guidance to IP support and product simulation, Leo helps you make measurable progress and accelerate your venture’s growth.
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Tap into a panel of specialists across finance, marketing, legal, technology, and more. You'll get 1:1 advice and feedback throughout the programme to help you make better decisions and avoid common pitfalls.
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Join a cohort of ambitious founders and gain access to a growing alumni network. Leo also helps raise your profile through brand, storytelling, and visibility support so you stand out where it matters.
Our Criteria
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Be headquartered and operating in the UK, and be intending to operate in the UK Space Sector.
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At validation or proof-of-concept stage, with a prototype or clear progress toward technical, product, or market validation.
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Building a strong, backable team, with founder(s) committed full-time or with a clear plan to do so.
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Demonstrating early traction (e.g. customer discovery, pilots, LOIs, or early revenue) and a clear problem–solution fit within the space ecosystem.
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Intent to build a scalable venture, aligned with one funding profile: pre-investment, post-raise execution, or bootstrapped/grant-funded.
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Willing to actively participate, apply feedback, and able to deliver measurable progress during the programme (4-6h week dedication).
How to Apply
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Complete the Online Application
Applications open 13th April - 17th May.
Approx. 15 mins
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Virtual Interview
If you are eligible, we will send you an invitation to book an interview.
Approx. 30 mins
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Panel Review Applications
Our panel will review all applications to decide cohort members.
Week commencing 25th May 2026.
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You're In!
We’ll welcome you onboard and see you at our Boot Camp (compulsory) on the 10th and 11th June 2026.
Week commencing 8th of June 2026.
FAQs about Leo
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Leo is designed for early-stage ventures operating in or enabling the space sector that are moving beyond initial validation and ready to build momentum.
It’s ideal for founders who:
Have a proof of concept or early validation in place
Are working towards product, market, or commercial validation
Want support to refine their market approach and accelerate growth
Are ready to commit, take on feedback, and actively engage in the programme
LEO is particularly valuable for founders looking to strengthen both their business strategy and leadership capability as they scale.
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Post-proof of concept means the idea has been validated. Business validation is the process of proving that your business idea is viable; that there is a real demand, people are willing to pay for it.
You may be able to demonstrate validation through early customer engagement, funding received (either grant or private investment), you may have started to generate revenue. -
Yes, as the programme is funded by the UK Space Agency and focused on ventures contributing to the UK space ecosystem, as well as having some compulsory in-person elements, this programme is only open to applicants based in the UK.
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This programme is fully funded by the UK Space Agency, so there is no cost to you directly to participate.
As your place represents a significant investment from the UK Space Agency, we ask that all participants commit fully and actively engage throughout the programme.
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Yes. Leo complements other programmes by focusing specifically on the space sector and providing tailored support to help ventures transition from proof of concept to commercial readiness.
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Applications can be submitted through our official website. Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria and provide all required information to strengthen your application.
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Most of the programme is delivered remotely and is designed to be flexible around the demands of building a business. However, there are a few key touchpoints that require dedicated time, including workshops, expert sessions, and the Boot Camp (compulsory, 10th–11th June 2026).
We ask that you commit a minimum of 4–6 hours per week to the accelerator programme. This includes time spent participating in scheduled sessions as well as working on your business each week.
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Our LEO programme is designed to accelerate business growth through a comprehensive support package, guided by a network of leading partners. At the forefront, E-Spark brings global expertise in the entrepreneurial mindset, helping founders break out of their comfort zone and fulfil their potential to drive growth across their venture. Exotopic provides commercialisation expertise within space and defence, translating capability into opportunity, while Cowe Communications supports ventures with brand and messaging strategies that resonate with customers, investors, and stakeholders. Harper Macleod offers specialist legal advice in innovation, investment, and commercial law, and Marks & Clerk helps protect and maximise the value of your technology through patents, trademarks, and strategic IP guidance. Technia brings technical depth and sector expertise in engineering and defence innovation, and MATLAB provides a powerful platform for numerical analysis, data visualisation, and engineering problem-solving.
Throughout the programme, you’ll benefit from tailored 1:1 growth enablement sessions, regular market access meetings, and access to a diverse mentor pool covering areas such as IP, marketing, business development, finance, and public speaking. You’ll also take part in an immersive 2-day bootcamp focused on practical, action-oriented strategies to kick-start your growth journey. As part of the LEO community, you’ll have access to a network of entrepreneurs ready to support each other, along with regular community events to share insights and experiences.
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No we do not develop your technology. However, through our delivery partner, Technia, we are able to provide some members of our cohort support with technology simulations. You will also have access to a mentor pool that can assist you with product road mapping, technology feasibility assessments and project management guidance.
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We focus on developing exceptional people who go on to build exceptional businesses. Our approach challenges and strengthens your mindset, entrepreneurial skills, and capabilities, underpinned by deep sector expertise.
Through a trusted network of delivery partners, we offer holistic business growth support — from technical development and IP strategy to sales, marketing, mindset, and market access.
No other accelerator is as deeply embedded in the UK space sector, nor offers the same depth of mindset development to maximise your chances of building a sustainable, scalable business.
Still have questions? Join our office hours and get the answers you need from the team.