San Francisco-based venture university launches UK investor accelerator. February 19, 2026 Startup Magazine's editorial team delivers independent, expert-led coverage of the... San Francisco-based Venture University (VU) announced the launch of VU UK, an innovation hub that will bring its Investor Accelerator for Venture Capital (VC), Private Equity (PE), and Angel Investing to the UK market. VU UK's hands-on venture capital investor accelerator combines an Education Program with an Investment Apprenticeship where participants build investment experience and a track record by making up to seven investments per quarter and receive a profit-share in the upside on those investments. This initiative will be led by Jo Goodson, Partner and Head of VU UK, in collaboration with Andy and Remy Goldstein, Partners of VU Europe, who lead VU's Munich, Germany office. Goodson is the former Managing Partner of international technology Mergers & Acquisitions advisory firm Hampleton Partners, working across many sectors from Fintech to Autotech and Digital Commerce. Over her career, Goodson has also founded, led, advised and invested in many tech companies helping them grow into industry disruptors in digital, gaming software, and entertainment. The launch of VU UK comes at a time of increased national focus on improving access to finance and strengthening the UK's investment pipeline. Government initiatives led by HM Treasury, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, and the British Business Bank have sought to unlock more long-term capital for innovation and growth. "The UK produces exceptional founders and technical talent, but structured pathways into venture investing remain limited. As a result, the venture capital ecosystem in the UK does not always keep pace with the scale of innovation being created. Expanding the pool of people who truly understand how to identify and invest in the next generation of high-growth companies is critical to long-term investment growth, job creation, and economic competitiveness," said Jo Goodson, UK Partner at Venture University. "Venture University is designed for professionals, operators, and aspiring investors who want to move from observing venture capital to actively participating in it. Our differentiator is hands-on learning through live investments, real funds, and real economic exposure - including a profit share in any upside on the cohorts investments. We believe this addresses a significant unmet need in the UK market." VU is now open to applications for its first upcoming VU UK cohort in 2026 and welcoming UK cohort members each quarter via reserved seats. Venture University. Launched in San Francisco in 2018, Venture University is a global Investor Accelerator across venture capital, private equity, and angel investing. VU has graduated over 1,000+ alumni over 50+ global cohorts and has offices in the United States, Germany, Bulgaria, Hong Kong, and Brazil. Participants can join in person at one of VU's global office locations or join virtually from anywhere. VU's global venture capital fund, VU Venture Partners, has made 100+ investments across the US, Europe, Asia, Latin America, and Africa, including 10+ unicorns, including SpaceX, OpenAI, FigureAI, Neuralink, Anduril, 1X Technologies, Erebor, Wayflyer, Tyme Group and Flyr Labs. Venture University UK (VU UK). Participants in VU UK who gain a seat in this competitive program join the investment team of VU Venture Partners for 3-12 months, combining a rigorous academic curriculum with high-quality, hands-on investment experience. Working in sector-focused investment teams, they source and evaluate opportunities alongside VU's partners, working on live deal flow across global markets, join and present at weekly Partner Meetings and Investment Committees. Participants make up to seven investments per quarter (up to 28 investments over 12 months), building a track record with real attribution, and receive a profit-sharing agreement that allows cohort members to participate in the upside of their cohort's investments. Venture University Europe (VU Europe). Andy Goldstein, Partner of Venture University Europe & VU Venture Partners, said: "This UK launch, on the back of its recent expansion with VU Switzerland, is part of its commitment to growing a class of highly-qualified European investors who can help grow their national economies, whilst also participating in global deal flows. "With the pace of technological change, there's never been a more exciting time to becoming an investor. Having access to a structured, hands-on end to end investment education process and the support of deeply experienced investment professionals can help make that a reality for many more people."

Hong Kong-based Buyandship raised an additional $6 million in series B funding led by Altara Ventures, with investments from KSK Angels, AVA Angels, and Venture University. This follows a $10 million investment from Cool Japan Fund in September 2023, bringing the total series B capital to $16 million. The company plans to enhance its platform, automate operations, and expand in Southeast Asia.