Guidance

Growth Pathway Advisory Scheme

Updated 20 November 2025

Raising growth capital is one of the toughest challenges for scale-ups. As businesses move beyond Series A towards larger rounds, the pool of potential investors narrows, due diligence becomes more complex and associated transaction costs rise, all whilst leadership teams remain focused on delivery. ​  

The UK Space Agency’s Growth Pathway Advisory Scheme was established to support ambitious UK space businesses to strengthen investor readiness and unlock the capital required to catalyse their next phase of growth.  

Through tailored, subsidised advisory support and exclusive investor engagement opportunities, the scheme aims to help scale-ups bridge the gap between early investment and sustainable growth.​  

1. How it Works 

The Growth Pathway Advisory Scheme offers a combination of diagnostic, advisory, and investor engagement support to help space businesses prepare for Series A to D investment. 

1.1 Investor Readiness Diagnostic  

Participating businesses begin with a no-cost, no-obligation investor readiness diagnostic under NDA. This process benchmarks businesses against six major investor readiness barriers, identifying strengths, gaps, and areas of focus to improve fundraising outcomes. 

1.2 Specialist Advisory Services 

Businesses can then access a menu of subsidised advisory support from leading advisors and industry experts, including PwC, DLA Piper, alongside experienced space founders and other fundraising specialists.  

Support covers key areas such as: 

• Strategic & Commercial: business model, go-to-market, investor narrative 

• Financial: forecasting, valuation, capital strategy 

• Legal & Risk: IP protection, regulatory readiness, governance 

• Leadership & Organisational: board structure, team development  

Each company can draw down up to £59k of services, with the UK Space Agency covering 80% (up to £47.2k) and businesses contributing 20% (up to £11.8k). 

1.3 Investor Engagement Opportunities  

Participating businesses also gain access to curated pitch events, founder spotlights, and investor roundtables – opportunities designed to refine their pitch and build meaningful connections with growth-stage investors.  

Each participating business is supported by a dedicated Relationship Manager, helping them align objectives and extract maximum value from the support provided. 

2. Who it’s for  

This scheme is designed for UK registered space businesses raising between Series A and Series D and preparing for a significant capital raise within 12 – 18 months. Companies in adjacent sectors with strong relevance to the UK space ecosystem may also be considered.  

3. Why it matters 

The UK space sector contributes £16.4 billion annually to the economy and supports more than 45,000 jobs. But too often, growth is held back by limited access to capital. By equipping scale-ups with the credibility, evidence, and insight investors demand, the Growth Pathway strengthens the sector’s ability to attract capital, accelerate innovation and compete globally. 

4. Applications now closed 

The application window for business eligibility runs is now closed. Participating businesses must formally request selected advisory services before 1 January 2026, otherwise business eligibility will lapse.​ 

All services must be delivered and funding utilised before 31 March 2026. 

Depending on demand and available capacity, a further eligibility window may open in January 2026.​ 

Updates on future eligibility rounds or related initiatives will be shared via the UK Space Agency Platforms and Unlocking Space communications.