Head Start Pathway
What is the Head Start Pathway?
The Head Start Pathway offers solo developers and early stage companies (registered with Companies House and actively trading) the unique opportunity to access commercial funding via the Starter Fund.
The Head Start Pathway is specifically for solo developers and early stage companies that are ready to work on their concept, validate their audience, and work independently towards securing grant support from the Prototype Fund. The end goal of the Starter Fund, regardless of entry point, is to pitch to the UK Games Fund for a Prototype Fund grant for the continued commercial development of the same own-IP project worked on during the Starter Fund.
What does the Head Start Pathway involve?
Securing an award from the Starter Fund via the Head Start Pathway is essentially a pre-cursor to applying to the Prototype Fund. Awards are intended to allow the applicant an opportunity to continue their early development work in the context of validating a potential audience, a development and growth plan, development team formation, and a game concept. Applicants who meet the Head Start Pathway criteria are ready to work independently on their own-IP games with check-ins with the Starter Fund team (key dates and more information to be shared soon).
Who is the Head Start Pathway for?
The Head Start Pathway is for solo developers and early stage studios with some professional experience but are new to self enterprise and need time to validate the audience for their game.
Essential Criteria
The same criteria applies across the Starter Fund for both the Head and Fresh Start Pathways. In addition, Head Start Pathway applicants must consider the following:
- You will have an idea for an exciting, innovative game and may have some early concept work. You may have an early demo or other visual pre-production work.
- You may have experience developing games IP in previous employment roles.
- Have a minimum of one founder or director and a good understanding of the roles needed to progress development.
- Be working with at least one contractor, collaborator, or employee (even if part-time or freelance).
- Be based in the UK and have a UK company bank account.
- Be able to demonstrate a clear intention to grow your business.
Preferred Traits
It’s a bonus if you:
- Show strong drive and initiative – you make things happen.
- Are already thinking about how to grow (new markets, clients, products, income streams, etc.).
- Have experience working with others (freelancers, collaborators, small teams).
- Are curious and adaptable – open to new ideas and ways of working.
- Have a sense of where you want to take your business long-term.
