Build your mission-led business with Zinc
Zinc is the ideal place to build a mission-led business. We invest in founders who make an impact at scale on the hardest environmental problems and the health of millions.
We have two routes for business-building: The first is to back individuals to build a start-up from scratch, turning insight into an important problem into an innovative and commercial solution.
The second is to commercialise science and technology from other organisations (e.g. universities and corporates) and build new businesses around this deep tech.
We back a diverse range of founders and our businesses often address underserved needs and overlooked challenges in the health of people and the planet.
Zinc Backs Three Types of Founders
Mission Area Experts
You have deep insight into an important problem in health and environment, with early ideas on potential solutions, and you have the credibility to build and grow an innovative solution in this space. You are looking for a co-founder (or two) with the commercial, product and/or technical skills and experience to help you turn your insights into an innovative product and a successful business.
Business & Technical Leaders
You are ready to apply your experience and expertise to build and scale a mission-led startup in health or environment. You are looking for a co-founder who is a domain expert with insight into a big problem to address. You want to use your commercial, product or technical skills to develop the right solution for customers and to grow an ambitious business.
Entrepreneurial Scientists
You have developed innovative science or technology in another organisation (e.g. in your research job in a university, clinical or corporate setting) and are now ready to commercialise it. You want to build an ambitious, high-impact deep tech business, and want to attract co-founders with the business or technical skills to develop your science or technology into an innovative commercial product.
Venture Building at Zinc
The Start-Up Route
If you are a Mission Area Expert or Business or Technology Leader, then Zinc’s Start-up Route is designed to help you build an ambitious new business from scratch. You can join the next cohort full-time in January 2025.
Zinc provides you with a tried and tested platform for creating your new business.
Research Commercialisation Route
If you’re an Entrepreneurial Scientist, Zinc’s research commercialisation platform is designed to help you turn your deep tech or deep science innovation into an ambitious new venture. Our first-cheque investment, combined with tailored support, addresses early stage challenges, such as ownership of IP, transitioning from research to a commercial product and building the right team. You can join this route at any time.
Ready to Apply?
Our application process is simple. Fill out the short application form to share some information with us about your mission, experience and plans, and our talent team will be in touch to discuss your entrepreneurial journey and next steps with Zinc.
Not Sure Yet?
Are you interested in venture building at Zinc – but not sure whether now is the right time for you? Get in touch and one of the Zinc team will be happy to discuss your journey and whether Zinc is the right next step for you.
