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Getting started

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This guide helps new users begin using the platform and understand how to move through the startup preparation workflow.

The platform is designed to help founders validate their startup idea, collect evidence, and prepare for the Innovator Founder Visa endorsement process. It provides a structured environment where founders can document their progress and gradually build a credible startup proposal.

This guide explains the first steps needed to start using the platform effectively.

Step 1 — Create Your Founder Workspace

After accessing the platform, the first step is creating your founder workspace.

The workspace acts as the central area where all information related to your startup will be stored.

Inside your workspace you will:

  • describe your startup idea
  • define your target customer
  • collect validation evidence
  • track readiness progress
  • prepare submission documents

Think of the workspace as the operational dashboard for your startup preparation.

Step 2 — Define Your Startup Idea

Once the workspace is created, the next step is describing your startup concept.

You will typically define:

  • the problem your startup solves
  • the proposed solution
  • the target customers
  • the market context

This information forms the foundation of the entire workflow.

It does not need to be perfect at the beginning. The idea will evolve as validation progresses.

Step 3 — Identify Your Target Customer

A clear target customer segment is required before running validation experiments.

Instead of defining a broad audience, focus on a specific group of people who experience the problem you want to solve.

For example:

  • small logistics companies managing manual inventory systems
  • international students seeking visa support services
  • small retail businesses needing automation tools

A clearly defined customer segment improves validation accuracy and evidence quality.

Step 4 — Begin Idea Validation

Once the startup concept and target customer are defined, founders begin validation activities.

Validation focuses on testing assumptions through real-world interaction.

Typical validation activities include:

  • customer interviews
  • early product demonstrations
  • landing page tests
  • prototype feedback sessions

The platform records these interactions as validation signals, which later become structured evidence.

Step 5 — Collect Evidence

Every validation activity should produce evidence.

Examples of evidence include:

  • interview summaries
  • user feedback
  • prototype test results
  • early sign-ups or interest signals

Evidence is stored in the Evidence Vault, where it can later support endorsement preparation.

Strong evidence significantly improves the credibility of a startup proposal.

Step 6 — Monitor Readiness

As evidence accumulates, the platform evaluates startup progress using the Readiness Engine.

This system analyzes:

  • validation signals
  • founder credibility
  • execution planning
  • market interaction

The Readiness Engine provides an estimate of how prepared the startup appears for endorsement.

It also highlights potential gaps that founders may want to address before submitting their proposal.

Step 7 — Prepare the Submission Pack

When sufficient validation evidence has been collected, founders can begin preparing the Submission Pack.

This structured package includes:

  • startup overview
  • innovation explanation
  • validation evidence
  • execution plan
  • founder profile

The submission pack is the document that will later be presented to endorsing bodies.

Step 8 — Apply for Endorsement

After preparing the submission pack, founders may begin contacting endorsing bodies that evaluate startups for the Innovator Founder Visa.

Endorsing bodies review whether the startup meets three main criteria:

  • innovation
  • viability
  • scalability

If the proposal meets these requirements, the founder may receive an endorsement letter, which allows them to apply for the visa.

Step 9 — Submit the Visa Application

After endorsement is granted, founders can proceed with the Innovator Founder Visa application through the official UK immigration system.

The platform helps founders organize documentation and track this stage of the process.

Learning While You Build

Startup development is rarely a linear process.

During validation you may discover that:

  • the target customer needs adjustment
  • the product idea requires refinement
  • the problem is different than initially expected

This is a normal part of building innovative startups.

The platform is designed to support continuous learning and improvement as founders refine their ideas.

Next Steps

After completing the basic setup, you may want to explore the following documentation sections:

  • Core Concepts – understand the philosophy behind the platform
  • Platform Workflow – learn how all stages connect together
  • Stage Guides – detailed explanations for each step in the startup preparation process
  • Evidence System – how validation signals are collected and evaluated

These guides will help you use the platform more effectively as you develop your startup.