Innovator Founder
A founder route for people establishing and running an innovative UK business that has been endorsed by an approved endorsing body.
Business test
The business idea must be new, innovative, viable and scalable. The applicant must have a key role in day-to-day management and development.
Endorsement
An approved endorsing body must assess the business. The visa is normally granted for 3 years, with progress meetings during the grant.
Funding
There is no universal fixed Home Office investment threshold for a new business, but the founder must show the endorsing body there is sufficient funding and where it comes from.
Settlement and citizenship
The route can lead to ILR after 3 years on Innovator Founder/Innovator permission if the separate settlement requirements, including business-growth endorsement criteria and continuous-residence rules, are met. British citizenship is a later, separate application.
Official sources
Immigration Rules — Innovator Founder ↗
Official UK requirements are confirmed against current GOV.UK guidance for each engagement.
Check the facts before choosing the route.
Nationality, immigration history, family structure, English-language position, business/employment facts and intended long-term residence can materially change the answer.