Get investment-ready in 10 weeks
For technical founders building early-stage companies
You've built something. Now you need to convince investors it's worth backing. In our experience, that’s usually where momentum stalls.
In 10 weeks, we'll help you break through – with focused coaching, pitch refinement and direct introductions to investors who back companies at your stage.
Access up to
£250k in funding
Opportunity to pitch to the Conception X Angel Syndicate and our partner XTX Ventures
10 weeks of
tailored coaching
Sessions focused on your startup's specific needs
Pitch training and deck refinement
Translate complex research into compelling investor stories
Optional co-building sessions
Join expert-led workshops designed to accelerate your fundraising journey
Investment readiness guidance
Learn how to structure your raise and approach investors
Introductions to 700+ investor network
Connections to deeptech investors when you're ready
Built for founders ready to move fast
CX Raise is right for you if:
You're a PhD, postdoc or early-career researcher
Currently or recently in academia
Your company is incorporated
Or will be by March 2026
Your tech has moved beyond basic research
Working MVP, clear IP strategy or
patents filed
You know what you’re building
Clear product vision and early market hypotheses
You’re ready to commit and raise
Full-time team commitment and can raise within 6-12 months
If this feels too soon
We've helped them raise
Rahko becomes the world’s first Quantum Machine Learning company to exit.
The Conception X team has helped us massively to recruit the right people, build our network and get access to early funding – the first £1.3 million from Balderton Capital.
Invenire X raises £500k to disrupt the PCR market (DSW Ventures, XTX Ventures).
It all sounded too good to be true, but these guys are the real deal. Listen to everything they say and put every word into practice – it works. You need to get comfortable being uncomfortable, but you'll come out better as a result. In 12 months, I went from a team of one to six people and raised £500k pre-seed.
Mater-AI raises first £100k for thermoelectric materials discovery (XTX Ventures).
The Conception X team offered invaluable advice in our earliest days of building, and opened doors to their strong VC network, including XTX Ventures, who invested at idea stage and changed our path.
TurinTech raises $20 million Series A (IQ Capital, Oxford Capital).
Before the programme, we weren’t funded; after, we were – one can draw their own conclusions from that.
FAQ
How is CX Raise different from the Conception X programme?
CX Raise is a faster-paced, investment-focused track designed to get your company ready to receive funding within 10 weeks. It's for more advanced early-stage startups that have moved beyond basic research and are ready to commit full-time.
Do I need to pay for the programme?
No, but you'll need to agree to our terms and conditions before starting.
How much time will I need?
Expect at least 30 hours over 10 weeks for coaching, pitch training and workshops. You may spend extra time meeting with mentors or experts as opportunities arise.
Do I need to attend in person?
We have a hybrid model, and you'll be expected to join all in-person sessions and events that we have planned for you. We're happy to support with travel – reach out to our team for more information.
Do I need a team?
No team required – solo founders are welcome!
Does the whole team need to participate?
Just one person from the team needs to attend.
Where do I need to be based?
CX Raise is open to PhD students, postdocs and researchers from any UK or European university. You'll need to travel to London for in-person events and sessions.
Do I need to be incorporated?
Yes, your company must be incorporated before the programme begins. We cannot offer investment opportunities to unincorporated companies.
How developed should my startup be?
We're looking for early-stage companies, but you need to be ready to move fast. We want individuals and teams who are serious about launching their company. By the end of the programme, you'll be in a position to secure investment for your startup.
What TRL level does my technology need to be?
We accept varying TRL levels, typically TRL 4-TRL 6.
