Virgin StartUp has launched a first-of-its-kind accelerator programme to help dyslexic entrepreneurs scale their businesses, highlighting the growing economic contribution of founders with Dyslexic Thinking skills.
New analysis from global charity Made By Dyslexia shows that dyslexic entrepreneurs contribute at least £4.6 billion to UK GDP every year and support more than 60,000 jobs. The research also suggests that one in three business founders are dyslexic, with skills such as creativity, problem-solving, visualisation and big-picture thinking proving highly suited to entrepreneurship.
The new programme, called Momentum, is an eight-week accelerator designed to amplify those strengths through tailored workshops, one-to-one mentoring and access to specialist resources. Virgin StartUp has also created a dedicated Dyslexic Thinking space in its online community for founders. Applications close on 30 September 2025, with the programme beginning on 14 October.
Elle Upshall, Scale Up Lead at Virgin StartUp, said the initiative was designed to give founders the confidence to harness the qualities that set them apart.
“Momentum has been designed to help dyslexic founders embrace the strengths that set them apart,” she said. “We know that Dyslexic Thinking brings creative problem-solving and vision in abundance, and this programme is about giving entrepreneurs the support, tools and confidence to use these strengths to scale their businesses.”
To coincide with the launch, Made By Dyslexia, Virgin StartUp and Virgin Unite have rolled out a nationwide awareness campaign across 46 UK towns and cities. The campaign highlights world-changing inventions created by Dyslexic Thinkers – including the car, lightbulb and smartphone – and celebrates global brands founded by dyslexic entrepreneurs such as Apple, Ikea, Jo Malone and Virgin itself.
Sir Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, has long described dyslexia as his entrepreneurial “superpower”. He said: “Much of my success as an entrepreneur comes from my Dyslexic Thinking. It’s my superpower. Dyslexic Thinking has enabled me to see the world differently and find new solutions to old problems. The world needs dyslexic entrepreneurs more than ever, so I’m delighted to support this campaign and I am looking forward to hearing the stories behind the dyslexic founders who join the Virgin StartUp programme.”
Kate Griggs, founder of Made By Dyslexia, said the UK economy depends on the strengths of dyslexic founders.
“Entrepreneurs are the engine of the British economy – and research shows Dyslexic Thinking fuels at least one in three of them. To boost growth, create jobs, and move the nation forward, the UK has never needed Dyslexic Thinking more,” she said.
While Dyslexic Thinking has recently been recognised as both a dictionary term and a skill on LinkedIn following campaigning efforts, many entrepreneurs still face outdated misconceptions and a lack of tailored support. Momentum is designed to close that gap.
One founder to have benefitted from early-stage support from Virgin StartUp is Alex Wright, co-founder of DASH Water, the no-sugar soft drinks brand now set to sell 50 million cans across 20 countries in 2025.
“It’s no surprise to me that Dyslexic Thinkers over-index as entrepreneurs,” said Wright. “While dyslexia felt like a challenge at school, it’s been one of my biggest assets as a founder. It’s helped me to spot gaps in the market, see problems as opportunities, dream big and build a successful, disruptive business.”
With applications now open, Virgin StartUp hopes Momentum will inspire and equip the next wave of dyslexic founders to scale their businesses and strengthen their role as a vital driver of the UK economy.
Jamie Young
Jamie is Senior Reporter at Business Matters, bringing over a decade of experience in UK SME business reporting.
Jamie holds a degree in Business Administration and regularly participates in industry conferences and workshops.
When not reporting on the latest business developments, Jamie is passionate about mentoring up-and-coming journalists and entrepreneurs to inspire the next generation of business leaders.
