Help with Structuring Evidence for Exceptional Talent (Business) Application

Stage 1
1

Hi everyone,

I’d be super grateful for advice on structuring my evidence for a Tech Nation application.

About me:
I’m applying as a lead founder (majority equity) of a digital health startup (pre-revenue) that uses an innovative care model and specialised med-AI to expand access to a breakthrough treatment. This solution addresses a major unresolved condition costing the UK economy up to 3% of GDP annually.

Before founding this startup, I held C-level roles at 7 startups (since 2012), including two that achieved: * A $500M+ exit and * 0-to-global leadership in their segments, with me as a lead contributor.

I’m also working (early-stage) with UCL’s Global Business School for Health to build a network that empowers patient-led healthtech innovations.

My storyline:
Former growth-focused operator in international startups turned founder, building a scalable, innovative solution to tackle a massive societal and economic problem, while developing a network of patient innovators.

Key Achievements (Evidence):

  1. Accelerators & Programs:
  • Techstars London: Investment secured (major equity).
  • Techstars Demo Day: Presented to 200+ high-profile attendees; public praise from MD.
  • UCL EdTech Lab Accelerator: Selected as 1 of 20 global startups.
  • SETsquared HealthTech Accelerator: Currently on fast-track.
  • Direct inbound invites to platforms:
    • Plug and Play,
    • Dell for Startups,
    • Microsoft for Startups.
  1. Awards & Press:
  • Featured in industry media outlets
  • Named among “Healthtech CEOs of the Year” by a UK-based niche publication.
  1. Experience (Beyond Current Startup):
  • C-level at an innovative mobile platform I took from 0 to industry leadership.
  • Co-founder of an early-stage non-profit healthtech initiative in collaboration with UCL.
  • C-level/business lead roles at 7 startups, including two with standout results:
    • $500M+ exit (that was longer that 5 years ago)
    • 0-to-segment leadership growth.

Ask:

  1. Can I split the accelerators/programs (Techstars, UCL EdTech, SETsquared, invites) as standalone pieces across MC, OC1, and OC3?
  2. Would description of innovation (converging edtech and healthtech) + selection for accelerator be strong enough OC1?

Letters of Recommendation (all UK-based and not directly affiliated):

  • A top UK/Europe tech editor/reporter.
  • A leading bio/life sciences VC.
  • An judge, author & mentor in 5 UK accelerators.
  • The CEO of a deep tech startup backed by a top-tier VC (can be used for one of OCs)

I’d truly appreciate your thoughts and suggestions to ensure my evidence is structured effectively and hits the mark!

Thanks so much in advance!
Best regards,
Maria

2

Selection in accelerators does not demonstrate your role in innovation or any industry-impact through it. it is not valid as a standalone evidence.

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3

Thanks for your answer!

I’ve seen an endorsed case here on the forum where the applicant used an admission letter from Carbon13 (an accelerator from the fast-track Tech Nation list) as evidence for the MC.

My idea is to go further by using it as supporting evidence to argue that I’ve applied an innovative approach to digital technology, which has also been recognized and led to my admission to the accelerator.

4

In my opinion it’s not a valid evidence of innovation. They need a product or digital innovation - have seen many rejections on this.

But ofc it’s your application and if you are convinced about it, go for it!

5

Yeah, in the startup I founded, we have an innovative product. I’m using the accelerator as external validation of that innovation since we’re still early-stage (closed beta, pre-revenue).

6

It is possible thing have changed since the person applied. Just being selected for an accelerator doesn’t show innovation. Also, do you you have patebts for your health tech,? Do you have evidence of revenue generated?

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