Frequently Asked Questions
Have Questions? We Have Answers!
Section 1- About ECI Venture
What exactly is ECI Venture?
ECI Venture is the innovation and entrepreneurship arm of Edge Concept International. We help you design, refine, and package a strong, innovative business concept that meets UK Innovator Founder Visa requirements and prepares you for successful endorsement.
Who do you support?
We support international students, Graduate Route holders, professionals switching visas, entrepreneurs abroad, and anyone serious about using the Innovator Founder route to build a real business in the UK.
Are you an endorsement body?
No. We are not an endorsing body. We prepare your business, documentation, and pitch so that you are fully ready to apply to an authorised endorsing body.
What makes ECI Venture different from immigration advisers?
We focus on the business and innovation side: idea creation, business plans, financials, pitch decks, and interview coaching. Immigration advisers or solicitors handle your visa application.
Section 2- About the Business Idea
I don’t have a business idea yet — can you still help me?
Yes. Most clients come to us without a clear idea. We create a tailored concept based on your background, skills, interests, and UK market opportunities, shaping it to meet the Innovation, Viability, and Scalability (IVS) criteria.
What makes a business “innovative” for the Innovator Founder Visa?
It must offer something new, better, or smarter than what already exists — for example, using technology, AI, data, or a new model to solve a problem in a clearly improved way.
What if my idea is basic or traditional?
We specialise in turning simple concepts into scalable, tech-enabled, or process-innovative businesses. We incorporate digital tools, automation, platforms, or unique models to ensure your idea is ready for endorsement.
Section 3 - Business Plan & Documents
What documents will you create for me?
Depending on your package, you may receive a Home Office–compliant business plan, pitch deck, financial forecasts, founder narrative, innovation strategy, market research, mockups or wireframes, technical diagrams, IP/trademark suggestions, and supporting evidence.
Do you help with pitch decks?
Yes. We create 12–15-slide pitch decks that align with your business plan and clearly highlight innovation, scalability, and viability.
Do you provide financial projections?
Yes. We build 3–5-year projections (revenue, costs, profit, cash flow, and break-even) based on your business model, pricing, and realistic UK assumptions.
Can you improve an existing business plan I already wrote?
Yes. We can review, correct, restructure, and enhance an existing plan, or advise if it needs to be rebuilt from scratch.
Section 4 - Business Plan & Documents
What do I need to provide to ECI Venture?
We typically request your CV, passport copy, current visa, a completed onboarding questionnaire, and any existing ideas or notes. If you have none, we still proceed and gather the necessary information during the consultation.
Do you help with pitch decks?
Not always. It helps, but we can align your idea with your transferable skills and learning capacity if you do not have direct industry experience.
Do I need money to start the business?
There is no fixed minimum investment, but endorsing bodies expect a realistic understanding of costs and access to basic start-up resources.
Will I need to run the business myself?
Yes. The Innovator Founder Visa is for founders who actively lead and manage their business.
Section 5 — Expectations from ECI Venture
What does ECI Venture guarantee?
We guarantee professional, tailored business documentation, IVS-aligned idea development, strong written presentation of innovation and viability, and thorough interview preparation within the scope of your chosen package.
What will ECI Venture not do?
We do not guarantee endorsement, provide immigration advice, submit your visa application, create fake experience, or use generic copy-paste plans.
Section 6 — Endorsement Agencies
Who are the approved Innovator Founder endorsement agencies?
Current authorised endorsers include: Envestors Limited, UK Endorsement Services (UKES), Innovator International, and the Global Entrepreneurs Programme (GEP).
Do different endorsers prefer different types of businesses?
Yes. Envestors tends to favour high-growth, investor-ready tech and SaaS; UKES accepts a broad mix of tech and digital innovations; Innovator International often prefers social impact and ethical ventures; and GEP focuses on IP-heavy, research-led, and science-based innovations. ECI Venture helps align your idea with the most suitable body.
Will I have an endorsement interview?
Usually, yes. The interview confirms that you understand your business, the market, your financials, and how you will scale. We provide mock interviews and coaching.
Most agencies respond within 2–6 weeks, depending on their backlog and the complexity of the case.
Usually, yes. The interview confirms that you understand your business, the market, your financials, and how you will scale. We provide mock interviews and coaching.
Section 7 — Student & Graduate Switch Questions
Can a Student Visa holder switch to the Innovator Founder Visa?
Yes, if you meet the eligibility requirements and have a credible business idea. You can switch from inside the UK.
What about Graduate Route holders?
Graduate Route holders can also switch to the Innovator Founder Visa. This has become a popular pathway.
Do students need money to switch to this visa?
There is no minimum investment requirement, but you must show that your business is realistic and that you can progress it.
What type of business ideas are good for students?
Ideas that are digital, tech-enabled, scalable, low-capital, and aligned with your skills or studies. We design many of these from scratch for student clients.
Section 8 — Company Setup & UK Business Side
Do I need to register a UK company before endorsement?
No, it is not mandatory, but having a proposed name and structure can strengthen your case. We assist with company registration once you are ready.
Will ECI Venture help me open a UK bank account?
We provide guidance on bank options and typical requirements, especially under higher-tier packages.
Can I have partners?
Yes, but each essential founder normally needs their own endorsement and visa route.
Section 9 — Payment, Process & Policies
What happens after I receive endorsement?
Yes, for many clients—particularly students and recent graduates—subject to package and agreement.
Can I upgrade my package?
Yes. You can upgrade before final delivery by paying the difference.
Are payments refundable?
No. Work starts quickly after you sign up. However, all agreed deliverables and revisions are honoured in full.
Section 10 — After Endorsement
Do you offer payment plans?
You receive an endorsement letter, then apply for the Innovator Founder Visa. After approval, you run your business and report progress to the endorsing body, usually annually.
Can I apply for ILR after 3 years?
Yes, if you meet the Home Office requirements for business growth, job creation, and other criteria set out for the Innovator Founder route.
Section 11 — Common Questions People Think but Do Not Ask
Will endorsers know I used a consultant like ECI Venture?
Yes, and that is completely normal. They only care that you genuinely understand and can implement your business.
Can I fail the endorsement interview?
Yes, if you don’t understand your own plan. That is why we include mock interviews and coaching.
Is the Innovator Founder route “easier” for students?
It is not easier, but it is more feasible than routes with strict investment thresholds. You still need a strong, innovative plan.
Can I work another job while on the Innovator Founder Visa?
Generally, you must work only in your own business, not in standard employment roles.
Do I need coding skills for tech-focused ideas?
No. You can hire or outsource technical work. We position your role around leadership, strategy, and operations.
If my business changes later, is that allowed?
Yes, as long as the core innovation, scalability, and seriousness remain. You must keep your endorsing body informed and stay aligned with your endorsement conditions.
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