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Rockstar collaborates with a number of approved endorsing bodies for the UK Start-up and Innovator Visa categories, targeting exceptionally talented non-EEA nationals wishing to set up or invest in a high-growth business in the UK. To qualify for a visa in either category, applicants must first obtain an endorsement from an approved endorsing body. All applications on Rockstar Crowdfunding (www.rockstarcrowdfunding.com) will be assessed for Innovation, Viability and Scalability.
The panel of endorsing bodies inludes Envestors. Envestors is an award-winning, FCA regulated finance advisor in the UK. Founded in 2004, they are experts at identifying and mentoring talented and high-growth companies, having raised over £120m of investment into over 200 early-stage businesses with exceptional founders. Envestors is supported by a digital platform that connects fundraising companies to a community of over 14,000 investors.
Start Up Visas are aimed at younger, less experienced candidates who have 24 months to test their business concept. They do not need to invest in the business and can be involved in other paid employment.
Start Up Visa is valid for 2 years and then the applicant need to switch to Innovator.
Innovator Visas are for more experienced candidates who need to invest personally £50k into the company. They must be full time involved and cannot earn income elsewhere. They can also join an existing pre-revenue UK business or potentially a trading business that then sets up a pre-revenue subsidiary which they are technically a co-founder of. Innovators need to have a defined “founders” role in the company and they also need to show how they will achieve a minimum of two (“2”) out of the seven key criteria.
Please see the Innovator key criteria below:
1. At least £50,000 has been invested into the business and actively spent furthering the business plan assessed in the applicant’s previous endorsement.
2. The number of the business’s customers has at least doubled within the most recent 3 years and is currently higher than the mean number of customers for other UK businesses offering comparable main products or services.
3. The business has engaged in significant research and development activity and has applied for intellectual property (IP) protection in the UK.
4. The business has generated a minimum annual revenue of £1 million in the last full year covered by its accounts.
5. The business is generating a minimum annual revenue of £500,000 in the last full year covered by its accounts, with at least £100,000 from exporting overseas.
6. The business has created the equivalent of at least 10 full-time jobs for resident workers, which have existed for at least 12 months.
7. The business has created the equivalent of at least 5 full-time jobs for resident workers, which have existed for at least 12 months and have an average salary of at least £25,000 a year (gross pay, excluding any expenses).
Innovator Visa is valid for 3 years, with option of settlement or grant of extension for further 3 years.
STEP 1: Your progress is monitored
With the utilisation of our FCA regulated platform, Rockstar will conduct appropriate monitoring of shareholder and key stakeholder reporting and communications, in accordance to Home Office regulatory requirements. In addition and with our expertise, Rockstar can also mentor and advise you, as well as providing a means to facilitate further fundraising and solutions to give each business the best chance to grow and succeed in the UK.
STEP 2: The UK Home Office is informed of your Company’s progress
In respect of the Start-up Visa, Rockstar provide reporting on your behalf – in accordance with Home Office requirements – at six, 12 and 24 months. In respect of the Innovator Visa, we provide these reports at 36 months.
Subject to the approval that all criteria – as mandated by the Home Office – has been met, in respect of the Innovator Visa, we can arrange for holders of this Visa an endorsement for an extension to their stay or to settle permanently in the UK after 36 months. In respect of the Start-up Visa and again subject to our approval, after 24 months Rockstar can facilitate a switch to the Innovator Visa category.
| Stage 1 | Start-Up Visa | 2 Years |
| Stage 2 | Innovator Visa | 3 Years |
| Stage 3 | Innovator Visa Extension | 3 Years |
| Stage 4 |
Can Apply for Settlement in the UK with Indefinite Leave to Remain (PERMANENT RESIDENCY VISA) |
|
| Stage 5 |
Can Apply for Citizenship and British Passport |
1 Year |
| Stage 1 | Innovator Visa | 3 Years |
| Stage 2 | Innovator Visa Extension | 3 Years |
| Stage 3 |
Can Apply for Settlement in the UK with Indefinite Leave to Remain (PERMANENT RESIDENCY VISA) |
|
| Stage 4 |
Can Apply for Citizenship and British Passport |
1 Year |
| Stage 1 | Innovator Visa | 3 Years |
| Stage 2 |
Can Apply for Settlement in the UK with Indefinite Leave to Remain (PERMANENT RESIDENCY VISA) |
|
| Stage 3 |
Can Apply for Citizenship and British Passport |
1 Year |