For too long, the world of start-ups has been a cut-throat race, a perilous journey across a “valley of death” where most new businesses fail, and value is extracted rather than shared. This model is fundamentally at odds with our co-operative values of solidarity, equity, and community. We believe there is a better way.

That is why I have started Venture.Community, a co-operative of entrepreneurs dedicated to accelerating start-ups. Based in South Yorkshire it aims to channel $10m and $30m into start-ups within the next three to five years, built on a co-operative foundation.

The co-operative, founded on principles of fairness and open collaboration, aims to enable start-ups and investors to negotiate on equal terms, sidestepping the traditional dominance of venture capital houses.

By uniting ambitious founders, experienced mentors, and community-minded investors into regional ecosystems that operate for the collective good, we provide the support and guidance needed to build resilient, impactful enterprises.

Start-up firms are already benefiting, with the first co-operative accelerator cohort including AddParts, Future Greens, Gold Standard Phantoms, Tickets for Good and TUBR.

Our model proves that financial success and social value are not mutually exclusive. By championing choice in supporting both traditional ventures and our new pioneering enterprise.coop models, we are anchoring high-value jobs and innovation within our local economies. Members contribute to and share in the success, creating local wealth building.

This is social capitalism in action. We are demonstrating that the most successful, sustainable, and impactful businesses of the future can, and should, be built on co-operative principles. Together, we are building stronger regional economies, one successful start-up at a time.