NatWest has agreed to a partnership with four universities that will see it provide targeted support to early-stage businesses, student entrepreneurs and university spinouts.
The global bank will work with the University of Manchester, University of Brighton and University of York as well as the Equinox economic growth programme spearheaded by the University of Oxford.
Through its partnership NatWest will bring its startup accelerator programme to the university campuses, working with students, staff and alumni. The bank will establish onsite accelerator hubs where spinouts can run their businesses from.
The deal is in line with NatWest’s university manifesto commitment made in March, with further plans to agree partnerships with an additional six universities by the end of 2027.
“Our Accelerator community has always been about empowering entrepreneurs to scale and succeed,” said Robert Begbie, chief executive of commercial and institutional banking at NatWest Group.
“By partnering with leading universities and surpassing our 2025 ambition, we’re showing how collaboration can drive sustainable growth across every region of the UK. In turn, this will create opportunities that align with national priorities and help build a stronger economy for all.”
NatWest said in March that it plans to grow its accelerator community to 10,000 members this year. Through these partnerships, the bank has today surpassed that goal.
“We’re bringing students, staff, regional founders, and scale-ups into a connected ecosystem that gives entrepreneurs the space to test bold ideas, while enabling our world-class academics to advance their commercial potential,” said Prof. Kiran Trehan, pro-vice-chancellor for enterprise, partnerships and engagement at the University of York.
“NatWest’s in-person programmes will deepen the ambition, leadership, and entrepreneurial capability that sustain a competitive regional economy, while the University’s expanding international partnerships ensure that the ideas developed here can create impact on a global stage.”
NatWest accelerator launched in 2015 and currently has 12 hubs, not including those to be established through its new partnership.
