Where we come from

In 2015 a couple LSE students had an idea. We’ve seen campus innovation thrive at each university in London, but what if we brought together all the talent? Kickstart was launched as the first cross-university, student-run entrepreneurship programme in the UK aiming to create a truly connected community of student entrepreneurs.

First cohorts launched focusing on universities in London. Since then we have expanded our reach across the UK and have started programmes globally. Working with over 100 professionals we have helped 75+ startups through the earliest stages of building a company.

What we do

We run startup programmes for students. Supporting them from the moment they consider starting a business, by running cross-campus events that allow students meet like-minded people from all around the world and help them find co-founders. Programmes are made from a series of workshops and mentoring sessions with heavy involvement from the industry.

These are made possible by our partners firms ranging from BIG4 companies to well-known VCs.

Diversity

Kickstart strives on diversity. Since our establishment we have been a cross-campus organisation, bringing people together. We’ve seen how successful diverse team can be and are constantly going to great lengths to support them. We are proud to have and work with diverse teams. Our last cohort came from 17 different universities, over 60% identify as BAME and 42% as women. We are aware that we have a long way to go and are constantly looking for opportunities to do better, in an industry which is known to be male-dominated.