Coinbase and Animoca Brands Launch £250,000 Web3 Accelerator Program to Support UK's Emerging Role as a Global Hub

The programme is designed to empower early-stage startups in blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI) with financial, technical, and strategic support.

Coinbase and Animoca Brands have joined forces with Fabric Ventures and Founders Factory to launch a Web3 accelerator initiative in the United Kingdom.

The programme will provide early-stage startups in blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI) with financial, technical, and strategic support to help them build the next generation of products and services.

Announced on Monday, the initiative will see eligible startups receive up to £250,000 in funding, alongside 16 weeks of an immersive acceleration experience led by London-based Founders Factory.

The accelerator is open to startups building tokenized business models, decentralized applications, and tools for the open economy. Selected companies will receive hands-on training in product development, fundraising strategies, tokenomics design, community engagement, and scaling their businesses in Web3 and AI verticals.

They will also have the opportunity to pitch their ventures to global investors and explore seed to Series A investment opportunities.

“Ensuring that these products and services are born out of the UK is vital. For too long, access to capital, mentorship, and resources has held back this ambition. This significant investment changes that,” said Keith Grose, UK CEO of Coinbase.

The four organizations have come together to provide startups with the best possible chance of success.

While the total funding pool has not been disclosed, the announcement confirms that the programme is backed by a multi-million-pound commitment from a consortium of institutional investors.

The initiative comes as the UK is positioning itself as a hub for Web3 innovation, with a pro-crypto regulatory environment and a supportive ecosystem for startups.

Earlier this year, the country’s government announced plans for a comprehensive crypto legislation framework, which is expected to be in place by 2026.

The move follows the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) crackdown on crypto firms operating in the region without registration. All Web3 startups operating in the UK must be licensed by the FCA.

Coinbase recently completed its registration with the FCA, signaling its long-term commitment to the British market.

Startups interested in applying for the programme can do so through Founders Factory, with the programme set to begin in the second half of 2025. They will receive mentorship from founders and executives at Animoca Brands, Coinbase Ventures, Fabric Ventures, and Founders Factory.