NatWest has formalised collaborations with the University of Manchester, University of Brighton, and University of York, aimed at supporting early-stage founders, student entrepreneurs, and university spinouts. The bank is also working with Equinox, a major economic growth initiative led by the University of Oxford. NatWest plans to establish six more university partnerships by 2027.
These alliances deliver on the bank’s university manifesto commitments made in March and will extend the NatWest Accelerator’s reach to students, faculty, alumni, and local businesses. Partnerships with York and Brighton will also introduce new on-campus Accelerator hubs, offering workspace, mentoring, networking, and export support—adding to NatWest’s existing network of 12 hubs across the UK.
With universities playing a growing role in the government’s industrial strategy, this investment strengthens the link between R&D, innovation, and business growth. NatWest aims to help more entrepreneurs commercialise their ideas while benefiting from the bank’s expertise in scaling high-potential companies.
Robert Begbie, CEO of Commercial & Institutional Banking at NatWest Group, said:
“Our Accelerator community has always focused on helping entrepreneurs grow with confidence. By forming these university partnerships and exceeding our 2025 targets, we’re proving how collaboration can fuel sustainable growth nationwide. This work will open doors for businesses and support a stronger, more resilient UK economy.”
Professor Kiran Trehan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Enterprise, Partnerships and Engagement at the University of York, added:
“York & North Yorkshire is driven by creativity and entrepreneurial ambition. This Accelerator will bring students, staff, and founders together in a powerful ecosystem where bold ideas can thrive. With NatWest’s support and our expanding international collaborations, we’re creating the conditions for regional and global impact.”
Through these partnerships, NatWest aims to support high-growth businesses in sectors such as Technology, Health Tech, Life Sciences, and Fintech—key industries powering the UK’s Innovation Economy.
In March, NatWest announced plans to expand its Accelerator community to 10,000 members by 2025. Today, the bank confirmed it has already surpassed that goal and plans to scale even further in 2026 and beyond.
New NatWest data shows that businesses participating in its Accelerator programme grew turnover by 104% year-on-year—far outperforming a control group average of 20%. Additionally, 9 in 10 Accelerator graduates remain in business after three years, compared to just 4 in 10 in the control group.
NatWest has also opened a new flagship Accelerator hub at 250 Bishopsgate in London, launched by CEO Paul Thwaite, and hosting the Round 2 final of the 2025 NatWest Accelerator Pitch competition, offering entrepreneurs a share of £100,000.
Since 2015, the NatWest Accelerator has supported thousands of founders with coaching, networks, and specialist partnerships—including collaborations with Google and JCDecaux. Today’s announcement reinforces the bank’s commitment to inclusive innovation and entrepreneurial growth.
To join the NatWest Accelerator community, visit natwest.com/accelerator.
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