Non-dilutive funding is money you don’t give up equity for. This guide maps the main UK and EU options, explains how they work in 2026 and helps you plan a year of applications.

What’s inside (6 lessons)

1. The non-dilutive funding map: tax reliefs, grants, loans and more
2. UK R&D tax relief: the merged scheme, ERIS and the deadlines
3. UK grants: Innovate UK, Growth Catalyst and finding live competitions
4. Writing a winning grant application, with templates
5. EU funding: EIC Accelerator, Eurostars and national agencies
6. Start Up Loans, customer funding and a 12-month funding calendar

A peek inside
If you’ve never claimed R&D tax relief, or haven’t claimed in the last 3 years, you usually need to notify HMRC within 6 months of the end of the accounting period. Miss it and you can’t claim for that period at all. Lesson 2 covers this and the other deadlines.

Who it’s for: UK founders and SMEs doing R&D or building something new.
What it isn’t: tax advice or a funding guarantee. Schemes change often, so always check the official source before applying.

Includes access to the Founder Fundraising Chat.

Educational content only, not legal, tax or investment advice. Veltrix Ventures is not an investment fund and does not invest in startups.