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Virgin StartUp has initiated a groundbreaking accelerator programme aimed at assisting dyslexic entrepreneurs in expanding their businesses, underscoring the increasing economic input of founders with Dyslexic Thinking capabilities.
Recent research from international charity Made By Dyslexia reveals that dyslexic entrepreneurs contribute at least £4.6 billion to the UK’s GDP annually and support over 60,000 jobs. The study also indicates that one in three business founders possess dyslexia, with attributes like creativity, problem-solving, visualization, and holistic thinking being particularly advantageous for entrepreneurship.
The new initiative, named Momentum, stands as an eight-week accelerator tailored to enhance those strengths via customized workshops, personal mentoring, and access to specialized resources. Virgin StartUp has additionally established a dedicated Dyslexic Thinking area within its online platform for founders. Applications are open until 30 September 2025, with the programme commencing on 14 October.
Elle Upshall, Scale Up Lead at Virgin StartUp, stated that the initiative aims to empower founders to embrace the unique qualities that distinguish them.
“Momentum has been crafted to assist dyslexic founders in acknowledging the strengths that differentiate them,” she remarked. “We recognize that Dyslexic Thinking offers abundant creative problem-solving and vision, and this programme focuses on providing entrepreneurs with the support, tools, and confidence necessary to leverage these strengths to grow their businesses.”
To mark the launch, Made By Dyslexia, Virgin StartUp, and Virgin Unite have implemented a nationwide awareness campaign across 46 towns and cities in the UK. The campaign showcases world-altering inventions produced by Dyslexic Thinkers – such as the automobile, lightbulb, and smartphone – and honors global brands established by dyslexic entrepreneurs, including Apple, Ikea, Jo Malone, and Virgin itself.
Sir Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, has long characterized dyslexia as his entrepreneurial “superpower.” He commented: “A significant portion of my triumph as an entrepreneur stems from my Dyslexic Thinking. It’s my superpower. Dyslexic Thinking has allowed me to perceive the world from a unique perspective and discover novel solutions to longstanding issues. The world requires dyslexic entrepreneurs now more than ever, so I am thrilled to endorse this campaign and look forward to hearing the narratives of the dyslexic founders participating in the Virgin StartUp programme.”
Kate Griggs, founder of Made By Dyslexia, emphasized that the UK economy relies on the strengths of dyslexic founders.
“Entrepreneurs are the driving force of the British economy – and research indicates Dyslexic Thinking fuels at least one in three of them. To enhance growth, generate jobs, and propel the nation forward, the UK has never needed Dyslexic Thinking more,” she stated.
While Dyslexic Thinking has recently gained recognition as both a dictionary term and a skill on LinkedIn following advocacy efforts, numerous entrepreneurs continue to encounter outdated stereotypes and a lack of tailored support. Momentum is intended to bridge that gap.
One founder who has gained from early-stage assistance from Virgin StartUp is Alex Wright, co-founder of DASH Water, the no-sugar soft drinks brand that is set to distribute 50 million cans across 20 countries in 2025.
“It does not astonish me that Dyslexic Thinkers are over-represented as entrepreneurs,” remarked Wright. “While dyslexia seemed like a hurdle during my schooling, it has become one of my greatest assets as a founder. It has enabled me to identify market gaps, view challenges as opportunities, dream ambitiously, and establish a successful, disruptive business.”
With applications now available, Virgin StartUp aspires that Momentum will motivate and prepare the next generation of dyslexic founders to enhance their businesses and fortify their position as a crucial contributor to the UK economy.
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