Thank you all the member here. I have learn alot from this forum. I want to share my experiece as a reference in case someone in a similar potition would find it useful.
I submited on 9th of Nov and received Global Talent endorsement on 22nd of Nov after two edits.
My background is a tech startup co-founder and lead data scientist. To cover different aspects, I anchored my LoRs in three groups:
- C-level person in digital tech startup,
- Super senior person in my previous companies
- Established data scientists
I got in touch with many of each group. Furtunately got three letters from these three groups each.
Personal statement
I would suggest leave personal statement as the last step after gathering all the evidences. In the statement, only mention the contributions that can be proven with supporting evidences.
I made a mistake starting the process from this piece. It can diverge and sounded loose without other evidences. It’s so painful. I made more than five versions of it and all in vain.
Everyone is in different circumstance when applying GTV. I have been in the UK for around 5 year (on and off) when I apply. Therefore, I put focuses on:
- Why I am want to stay in the UK/London. 25%
- My contributions so far. 30%
- My future plans 30%
I also briefly mention my initial jourey to the UK(5%) and my professional background (15%) (Mater degree ad the relevent paper and patent) to add some credibility showing I am competent for what I am planing.
MC
Evidence 1: reference letter from another CEO of a matual startup. Explain how he sees my leadership and prefesional skills shape this company.
Evidence 2: 2 incubator invitations + reference letter from one of the program director
Evidence 3: Innovate UK grants proof (an email)
Evidence 4: co-founder agreement + option valuation.
I chose the OC1 and OC3 to showcase my two roles, co-founder and lead data scientist.
OC1 “How do I demonstrate that I have a proven track record or examples of innovation in the digital technology sector as a founder or senior executive of a product-led digital technology company or an employee working in a new digital field or concept?”
— These three peices focus on innovation and market traction.
Evidence 5: Doc. Detailling the current problems in the market and how I address these issues differently with machine learning tech. Also, show the impact the the industry. + some screenshots of my solutions.
Evidence 6: contract of the solutions and the value sum. Showing the market really needs this solution
Evidence 7: One client testimony. explain what are the unique differences between my solution to other solutions in the market and how these uniqueness benefit her comapny.
OC3
“How do I demonstrate that I have made a significant technical, commercial or entrepreneurial contributions to the field as a founder, senior executive, board member or employee of a product-led digital technology company*?”***
— Focus on tech development impact and leadership (team & biz)
Evidence 8: Dev record including tech stack structure, screenshots of AI modelling and menagment and how a lead team member to work on different projects.
Evidence 9: letter from current CEO, my cofounder. From her view, explain my tech dev contribution and how these tech become powerful solutions and how they impact biz strategy.
Evidence 10: the conference paper in the previous company (2014 I still put in), the patent in another previous company.
Some takeaways:
- Always explain why put it evidence in the beginning of the doc.
- Each the evidence should stick to 1-2 highlights of the section and try to prove them from different views.
- Personal statement should wrap all the evidence nicely including contribution, plans, soft skils and proof of track.
- Hyperlink to person, company, or details info. Make it easier for panels to verify or get more info.
I hope it’s helpful. good luck with everyone’s application!
I am now waiting for the decision on stage 2. wish me luck :”)