Media capital also known as media for equity, media for growth, is a financing option that allows founders to accelerate their growth through significant advertising in exchange for an equity stake in the business.

The MFG Fundraising Programme is a free-to-join, 4-week, hybrid programme for growth-stage founders to accelerate the completion of their media capital funding rounds in the UK.

The MFG Fundraising Programme is a specialised programme for growth-stage founders who are serious about brand building and need capital solutions to fund marketing costs. The sessions are two-fold providing both a good foundation into the UK and European mass-media landscape whilst covering key principles about media capital fundraising, what investors look for, how to prepare for DD, and term sheet negotiations.

• This programme is NOT for pre-seed companies aiming to raise a seed round. Read more about what startups we look for in the section below.

• Issuance of equity is not required for participation.

• The programme includes a shorter time commitment than most accelerators. Most accelerators are 10-12 weeks; this programme is 4 weeks.

• Each cohort will only include up to 15 companies allowing for a much more tailored, 1:1 approach, so no one-size-fits-all programming.

• The focus of the programme is to optimise media capital fundraising.

• get access to preferential rates and the ability to influence the campaign planning;  

• preserve cash and extend your runway;

• work with an experienced team that understands both worlds, the online performance, and the offline branding approach

The application process for our investment readiness programme is straightforward. To apply, you will need to:

• Fill out our online application form

• We may request additional documents, such as pitch decks or financial statements, to better assess your startup's potential

• Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview to delve deeper into their business

• Final decision will be communicated to all applicants two weeks before the start of the programme

• Growth-stage founders planning to scale in the UK (including UK-based startups) and who are serious about brand-building

• Revenue-generating (>50% YoY growth), that have a proven business model

• Seeking investment in the next 6-9 months with growing marketing spending

• Relevancy for the end consumer in the mass market or strong niche markets, that we can reach and address via both traditional and digital channels

• Sector-agnostic. Some of the most popular focus areas we cover: Travel, Gen AI, Sports, Femtech, Financial Services, Edtech, e-commerce, consumer goods

The programme lasts for four weeks, with a combination of online workshops, two offline sessions at the start and end of the programme, and in-person networking event at the end of the 4th week, to ensure participants receive comprehensive guidance and support.

MFG Fundraising Programme is a hybrid programme. The kick-off and end of programme sessions, as well as the Investors & Startup Networking Event, take place in London. The rest of the sessions are scheduled virtually and founders don’t need to relocate.

In addition to the two in-person meetings and the Investors and Startups Gathering taking place at the end of the programme, founders can expect three to five hours/per week of scheduled virtual content during the 4 remote weeks. Discussions with the MFG team to scope out potential partnerships will happen ad-hoc throughout the programme.

‍

• 1.5-2h interactive webinars delivered by media investors and industry experts

• Covering the most important topics on the state of the media industry in the UK and Europe, as well as the fundraising mechanics of media capital

• Live AMA with seasonal founders who raised media capital

• Investors' presentations where we delve deeper into their investment thesis and media properties

Make sure to explore the timeline and curriculum for a better understanding of the diverse topics covered throughout the programme.

• Meet Decision-Makers: Engage with top-tier media capital investors via expert panels and one-to-one sessions who have the influence and ability to fund ambitious marketing campaigns. Some of the world’s largest media companies are our partners including RTL, ITV, Channel 4, Daily Mail Group, and UKTV among others.

• Tailored Investment: Expect to meet investors whose investment criteria align with your startup's stage and sector.

• Media & Investment Masterclasses: Attend sessions focused on leveraging media capital to maximize market penetration and customer acquisition.

• Industry Insights & Feedback: Gain valuable insights into current market trends and investor expectations, helping you to tailor your fundraising documents accordingly.

• Peer Exchange: Network with fellow entrepreneurs who raised media capital to learn from their experience, share strategies, and possibly form partnerships.

• Opportunity to present and connect live at the MFG Event in front of 100+ investors and founders.

• The programme is free to join.

Unlike other similar programmes and startup accelerators that charge up to $40,000 and take up to 10% equity to attend, MCIRP doesn’t charge founders a fee to join. The programme charges a standard service fee of 3-5% of the capital that the startups raised from programme investors. The fee is due only if they raise the capital. Depending on the company's situation, we provide the option to convert the commission fee into stock options.

No, we don’t take any equity for participation in the programme, although our goal is to help growth-stage founders secure media capital lead investors, and co-investors and accelerate the completion of their media capital round.

Selection criteria may include factors such as the viability of the business model, growth potential, traction, team expertise, and alignment with the programme's goals. Therefore, after completing the application form, the shortlisted companies will be invited for a short interview where we look to understand more about your business and your fundraising goals.

Yes, the programme is designed to help startups enhance their investment readiness and increase their chances of securing funding. While funding cannot be guaranteed, we equip startups with valuable knowledge, skills, and connections to attract potential investors. Our programme focuses on providing startups with the tools they need to raise media capital effectively, achieve a higher capital runway, amplify their reach, and gain specialized advertising expertise, all of which contribute to their fundraising efforts.

The programme provides a range of resources and support, including mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and media experts, access to workshops and educational materials, networking opportunities with industry professionals, and potential introductions to relevant investors.

‍

The number of startups accepted into the programme may vary based on capacity and our programme requirements. However, we strive to maintain a manageable cohort size of 15-20 to ensure personalised attention and meaningful interactions.

We welcome startups at different stages of funding, including those who are bootstrapping. Apply and our selection process will consider these factors.