1st Formations x LSE Generate

1st Formations is proud to officially partner with LSE Generate – the London School of Economics’ flagship global entrepreneurship centre.

This collaboration reinforces our commitment to fostering an inclusive and meaningful startup ecosystem across the UK. Together, we're supporting thousands of visionary student and alumni founders, with a particular focus on sustainability, impact, and innovation.

About LSE Generate

LSE Generate supports the next generation of socially responsible founders through inclusive programmes,
expert mentorship, and tailored support. 

At Generate, we help brilliant LSE humans turn ideas into ventures that make the world better. But we don't do it alone; we partner with people and organisations like 1st Formations that walk the talk when it comes to backing entrepreneurs.
LJ Silverman Head of LSE Generate

The impact of LSE Generate

£5.7m

so far in venture capital funding raised by Generate startups

81%

startups aligned with a UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)

543

hours of coaching and business support delivered

Outdoor signare of the LSE GenDen in London.

How 1st Formations supports LSE Generate

At 1st Formations, empowering entrepreneurs and championing inclusive, impactful business is at the heart of what we do. Partnering with LSE Generate was a natural fit.

We’re proud to sponsor two standout Community Clusters that dismantle barriers overlooked by traditional startup ecosystems.
Graeme Donnelly CEO & Founder
Colour Cluster supports black and ethnic monitory founders.

Founder of Colour Cluster

This cluster supports Black and ethnic minority founders - key contributors to the UK economy who receive just 1.7% of venture funding - by tackling systemic barriers and driving equitable access.

Neurodiversity Cluster

Focused on neurodivergent founders who often lead innovation but get overlooked, this cluster creates space for some of the UK's most innovative and underrepresented talent to thrive.

Man and woman in discussion about neurodiversity.
Two woman in discussion at a stall talking about supporting inclusivity and innovation.

Supporting inclusivity and innovation

We're actively working with LSE Generate to:

  • Host events for Founders of Colour: Facilitating investor matchmaking, expert panels, and funding workshops.
  • Deliver Funding Readiness Bootcamp: Helping underrepresented founders with pitching and scaling.
  • Create a Reverse Mentorship Program: Elevating diverse voices and launching an Inclusive Innovation Showcase.
  • Launch a Neurodiverse Startup Toolkit: Offering tailored AI tools, funding models, and pitch coaching.
  • Pilot a Neuro-Inclusive Workspace: Building a Neurodiverse Founder & Investor Network.
  • Train investors via a Neurodivergent Readiness Program: Sharing best practices with the help of a Cognitive Diversity Playbook.

Sponsoring the LSE Startup Competition

This competition puts aspiring founders centre stage, giving them five minutes to pitch their ventures to a panel of expert judges. Finalists present their problem, solution, and growth strategy. The winner receives direct funding from 1st Formations for their business.

Graeme holding a cheque for LSE.
My focus has always been women and the environment - menstrual hygiene stood out as a powerful intersection of both.
Haja Isatu Bah Founder of Uman4Uman