Reflections from my UK Immersion Experience
17 December - Nuno Taveira, CEO of ENFASYS and Investor at CENTUM Research and Technology reflects on his experience vising the UK during the Desafia Londres Cleantech Programme, and shares his advice for startups looking to explore UK markets during CISL’s accelerator and immersion programmes.
Immersion or accelerator programmes are mentor and educational-based programmes that provide intensive guidance and support for startups over a short period, usually between 3-6 months, and an immersion programme will also try to introduce a startup to a specific market. They are a really important resource for startups to utilise.
When I was accepted to join the Desafía Londres Cleantech Programme, I was delighted and knew this would be an excellent opportunity to visit London, Oxford and Cambridge and learn about the UK market.
This programmes’ educational content and agenda was designed the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) Innovation team. The education and support provided were key in shaping the future of my project at the time, a cleantech startup focused on developing and commercialising energy management systems, with a special focus on energy storage.
Reflecting on the months since the programme, I’m reminded of the transformative impact this experience had - not just on my business, but also on me as a leader. Here are my four key takeaways for startups considering a similar journey:
1. Prepare thoroughly before your visit
"Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity."
As Seneca (Stoic philosopher of Ancient Rome said, preparation is everything! Before arriving in the UK, I learned that understanding cultural and business differences is crucial. For example:
- Tailoring your communication: In the UK, businesses value clear and concise communication. This starts with a well-crafted one-pager. Mine had to clearly outline my startup’s value proposition and, importantly, the “ask.” What do you want? Finding investors? If yes, how much? Finding a partner for what purpose: pivoting, trial, commercialising the solution/product/service?
- Doing your research: Take time to investigate the UK market - its players, challenges, and opportunities. CISL was instrumental in helping me identify key people to connect with. Use resources like LinkedIn and CISL’s vast network book meetings in advance. Send the emails inviting and don’t get disappointed if they aren’t willing to meet with you. Go for another profile and contact, if this is happening.
The UK is a competitive market but offers significant potential. It has one of the largest pools of investors per business in Europe. This makes your preparation and positioning even more critical.
2. Make the most of your time in the UK
During the programme, I discovered the importance of being proactive and strategic with every interaction:
- Networking and building relationships: The UK business culture is polite but reserved. You must take the initiative—make the first move, schedule meetings, and introduce your product/service/solution with confidence.
- The power of a strong pitch: Investors are busy, during your time in the UK, investor meetings are often limited to 35–45 minutes. This means your elevator pitch must be polished, compelling, and to the point. Practice your “pocket pitch” until it becomes second nature.
- Focus on LinkedIn: A strong LinkedIn profile is essential. Prospective partners and investors will almost always check your profile. Use it to tell a cohesive story about your business and your mission.
- Prepare a strong Q&A: Consider all the scenarios and prepare a good Q&A upfront for all the questions that I might have about your product/service/solution. Your assertive and previously prepared answers will give confidence to the people with whom you are interacting.
One memorable piece of advice from my mentors was to never fear rejection. A “no” is simply an opportunity to refine your approach and move on to the next door.
3. The hard work begins after you leave
Leaving the UK doesn’t mean leaving the connections and momentum behind. In fact, this is when the real work begins:
- Follow up diligently: After the programme, I committed to following up with at least five key people I met. Consistency is vital - many investors and partners are approached by dozens of startups daily, so it’s your responsibility to stay on their radar. I met the CEO of a Venture Fund that receives and analyses approximately 2,000 startup pitches annually, and he only invests in 15 of them.
- Leverage the CISL network: CISL’s ecosystem includes influential investors, mentors, and industry leaders. Their connections were instrumental in helping me position my business in the UK market and beyond.
4. Lessons learned for long-term success
The UK immersion programme didn’t just connect me with potential partners - it taught me invaluable lessons about growth, resilience, and alignment with my values:
- Learning the “language” of a new market: Through feedback from investors and mentors, I refined my pitch to better resonate with UK stakeholders. Although I didn’t secure investment in the UK, this clarity helped me secure funding upon returning to Spain.
- Staying true to your values: Navigating the renewable energy market means facing challenges like greenwashing and investor pressures. My mentor during the programme guided me in developing negotiation skills that balance my business goals with my mission of creating a better planet.
- Investing in support at home: During your time abroad, ensure you have someone managing your operations back home. This allows you to focus entirely on your UK visit and make the most of your immersion experience.
Final thoughts
Six months on from the UK immersion programme, I’ve gained not just knowledge and connections but a renewed sense of purpose. For any startup considering this path, my advice is simple:
- Prepare with precision. Research, practice, and craft your message before setting foot in the UK.
- Network with intention. Be proactive and fearless in seizing opportunities to pitch, connect, and collaborate.
- Sustain the momentum. Follow up and leverage the networks you’ve built to create long-term success.
As a cohort of Japanese startups plan for their upcoming trip to the UK, as part of CISL’s X Hub JETRO Tokyo Accelerator Programme, and a cohort of carbon market entrepreneurs prepare their pitches for a London Demo Day as part of CISL’s Trust in Sustainability II Programme: This is their chance to explore, learn, and grow in one of the most dynamic markets in the world. My advice is to take it seriously, and you’ll be amazed at the doors it can open.
My own journey has been a testament to the power of these programmes. I’m grateful for the opportunities they’ve provided and the lessons I’ve learned - lessons I now carry into the future as I work to create sustainable solutions for a better world.
To meet incredible innovators like Nuno, who are bringing their innovations to the UK markets, and hear about solutions that are tackling our planet's toughest challenges, join CISL in London for two Demo Days in January and February 2025. These events will showcase groundbreaking innovations in sustainability and technology, featuring visionary entrepreneurs from our partner programs with BSI, JETRO, and X-Hub Tokyo.