Launchpad 2026
Baltic Ventures supports game-changing founding teams who are building the solutions and businesses of tomorrow.
Launchpad is Liverpool City Region’s cohort-based programme for ambitious founders ready to scale their early-stage digital tech businesses.
Through our 8-week programme, you will learn to validate your product, connect with customers, craft a standout value proposition and tell your story with confidence. You will also have an opportunity to pitch for up to £25k in equity-free cash funding.
Applications for Launchpad 2026 are now CLOSED.
Applications for our Accelerator 2026 programme will open on 29th April.
What Launchpad includes
Workshops
Interactive and practical workshops and masterclasses designed to support founders with their most pressing challenges.
Coaching
Group and 1-2-1 coaching designed to accelerate founders and their business.
Drop-in mentoring sessions
Throughout Launchpad we curate unique events for founders to connect with and learn from the people who have been there and done it.
Ecosystem and networking events
Baltic Ventures and our partners deliver a number of exciting ecosystem events throughout the year. Launchpad companies are encouraged to attend all of these events for their wider learning and networking opportunities.
A strong peer-to-peer community
Launchpad supports founders to learn from and build relationships with others on the founder’s journey
An opportunity to pitch for an equity-free cash prize
Each of the companies on Launchpad have an opportunity to pitch for the opportunity to win an equity-free cash prize of up to £25k
The Program
05
May
Kick-Off Day and Masterclass #1
Founder Toolkit & Mindset: introduction to lean startup and experiments, what investors expect to see, and founder wellbeing
12
May
Virtual Drop-in Session
To discuss Session #1
19
May
Masterclass #2
Understanding Your Customer & Target Market: customer discovery, personas, research methods, problem-solution fit
26
May
Virtual Drop-in Session
To discuss Session #2
02
Jun
Masterclass #3
Making Sales: value proposition, go-to-market strategy, storytelling & sales techniques.
09
Jun
Virtual Drop-in Session
To discuss Session #3
16
Jun
Masterclass #4
Pitch Practice with Sam Malone: deck structure, delivery coaching, peer and deck feedback
23
Jun
Virtual Drop-in Session
To discuss Session #4
25
Jun
Cohort Pitch Day
In-person pitch and Q&A to a panel to decide cash prize winners
Launchpad is for founders ...
Who are based in the Liverpool City Region.
Who are looking to upskill as a founder, and avoid the common startup pitfalls.
Who are looking to refine their value proposition, understand their customers better, and prepare for growth.
Who recognise the power and value of networks and want to build connections to support their growth.
Who are committed to building a business that makes a positive impact and is adaptable, sustainable and resilient in the face of changing times.
Who are prepared to commit to a transformative in-person programme in Liverpool that can help them take their business to the next level.
Launchpad Alumni
FAQs
How many companies take part in the Launchpad programme?
Launchpad supports up to 10 founding teams
Does my company need to be based in the Liverpool City Region to apply ?
Launchpad is designed to support founders based in the Liverpool City Region. We may make exceptions for founders based in the wider North West, but applications outside of this region will not be considered.
Where does Launchpad take place?
Launchpad takes place in person in the Baltic Ventures HQ, in the Baltic Triangle area of Liverpool.
Am I eligible to apply?
Launchpad is open to digital tech startups based in the Liverpool City Region. Companies applying must have an MVP, and be willing to engage in an 8-week programme.
What does the programme include?
The programme includes Masterclasses, group and 1-2-1 coaching, guidance and support to help you grow your startup.
