We are excited to unveil a major amendment to Laidlaw Scholars Ventures (LSV) investment eligibility, a change that opens the door wider for newly graduated Laidlaw Scholars to create impact-driven businesses.

Immediate Funding Opportunities Post-Graduation

From the outset, LSV has dedicated itself to championing businesses that balance profit with purpose and uphold ethical leadership. We have observed that some of our brightest and most innovative minds are those fresh from academia.

Recognising this, we have updated the investment criteria for Laidlaw Scholars from our undergraduate Leadership & Research programme. There is no longer a 2-year work experience requirement. Starting now, all Laidlaw Scholars can receive investment from LSV immediately upon graduation from university.

If you are about to embark on an entrepreneurial path or have already set the wheels in motion, reach out to the LSV team at hello@laidlawscholarsventures.com so we can work together to ensure you are investment-ready by graduation.

The LSV Promise: Unchanged Core Principles

Though we are adapting, our fundamental principles remain steadfast. LSV will continue to invest in businesses that:

• Are founded or led by a Laidlaw Scholar with at least 10% equity.
• Commit wholeheartedly to the Good Business Charter.
• Fit within our key sectors, although we remain open to compelling proposals from other industries. 

Case in Point: The CardiaTec Success Story

Nothing drives home the transformative potential of LSV better than real-world success stories. CardiaTec, co-founded by Laidlaw Scholar Raphael Peralta from the University of York, recently made headlines by being named one of Sifted's top AI-driven drug discovery startups to watch in 2023. The venture aims to revolutionise cardiovascular drug discovery through the power of AI, exemplifying the kind of world-changing businesses LSV aims to support.

Your Time is Now

We are beyond excited to see where this new chapter takes not just the Laidlaw Foundation but each and every one of you who are part of our community.

If you are contemplating venturing into entrepreneurship, we invite you to explore the Laidlaw Scholars Ventures Resource Centre. Packed with expertly curated resources to help you navigate the journey from ideation to realisation, the centre is a treasure trove for anyone serious about starting a business.

Here is to the remarkable journeys ahead!

P.S. If you know of any recent Laidlaw Scholars graduates who might benefit from this update, please share this news. The more we grow our circle, the bigger our collective impact will be.