Animoca Brands, Coinbase, Fabric Ventures and Founders Factory have jointly launched a new accelerator programme aimed at supporting early-stage companies working in blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI). The multi-million pound initiative is focused on fostering product-market fit and scaling potential for UK-based startups, aligning with broader goals to stimulate economic growth through innovation in emerging technologies.

Damian Routley, COO at Founders Factory, said: “This is about leveling up the UK’s ability to build and scale frontier technology. Founders in blockchain and AI need more than capital — they need hands-on, specialised support to unlock product-market fit and go global. That’s what this accelerator delivers. By combining deeptech expertise with the power of a world-class network, we’re creating a launchpad for the next generation of breakthrough UK startups.”

Major Tech Firms Launch Web3 Accelerator

$250k Investment

Through the accelerator, founders can apply for up to £250,000 in cash investment. In addition to funding, participants will take part in a 16-week business and growth programme. This includes hands-on support from Founders Factory, covering areas such as business strategy, product development and fundraising. The programme is designed to help startups overcome early-stage challenges and prepare for long-term growth in the rapidly evolving web3, gaming and AI sectors.

Access to Industry Expertise

Founders will also benefit from access to leading global web3 and blockchain companies. Animoca Brands, Coinbase and Fabric Ventures will provide direct support in key areas such as tokenomics, community engagement strategies, and best practices for scaling web3 and AI-driven businesses. The accelerator will conclude with a demo day, offering participants the opportunity to present their progress to venture capital firms and potentially secure seed or Series A funding.

Strategic Vision for UK Innovation

Leaders involved in the initiative have highlighted the strategic importance of supporting UK-based innovation. Keith Grose, CEO of Coinbase UK, noted that the country holds significant advantages including strong talent pools, available capital, and progressive regulation. He stressed that enabling these technologies to be developed within the UK is essential for maintaining competitiveness.

Richard Muirhead, co-founder and managing partner of Fabric Ventures, referenced the Government’s AI Action Plan, which has been positively received across the tech sector. He explained that while the policy framework is important, collaboration across industries will be critical. Muirhead added that the intersection of AI, blockchain and web3 technologies is an area where the UK has existing strengths, and supporting startups in these fields is key to staying competitive globally.

Robby Yung, CEO of Animoca Brands, emphasised the need for the UK to play a proactive role in the web3 industry. He stated: “It is critical that the UK takes advantage of the opportunity of the fast–growing web3 industry, not just as a hub for investment but as a place where innovation is built, owned, and scaled. The UK must be a creator, not just a consumer, of this innovation. The real opportunity lies in developing it here, building intellectual property that leverages the world-class talent base and ecosystem in the UK.”

Major Tech Firms Launch Web3 Accelerator

Supporting the UK’s Digital Growth Agenda

This accelerator initiative aligns with the current Labour Government’s emphasis on digital transformation and innovation as drivers of economic growth. As one of the UK’s fastest-growing sectors, the development of AI and blockchain technologies is seen as central to future economic planning.

By providing structured support to emerging companies, the new accelerator represents a targeted effort to strengthen the UK’s position in the global technology ecosystem. The joint effort by Animoca Brands, Coinbase, Fabric Ventures and Founders Factory underscores the role of collaboration between private sector leaders in creating opportunities for innovation and sustainable growth in the UK’s digital economy.