Sohrab Vazir
Consultant | Founder | Global Citizen | Writer
Tag Archives: Innovator Founder Visa Business Plan
What I Offer Clients as a Business Plan Consultant
Working with me as your business plan consultant offers a number of benefits. As such, I believe it is useful to highlight what I offer my clients, whether they are solo entrepreneurs, start-ups or other businesses. As a consultant, one of my key areas of focus and specialism is business plans. Being a former technology entrepreneur has formed the foundation of my expertise in this domain. Let me briefly introduce myself. About me My name is Sohrab Vazir. I am a British-Iranian business and communications consultant and currently a digital nomad. I moved to the UK alone at the age of 17 in pursuit of further education. After completing my master’s degree at the age of 22, I founded and scaled a technology start-up in the property sector. My business received recognition from several stakeholders such as Newcastle University, NatWest, GBEA and approval from the UK Home Office for 3 business visas, leading to permanent residence in the UK. Following the 2020 Pandemic, similar to countless other business owners, I was left with no choice but to cease my company’s operations. Prior to this, we operated across 30+ UK cities, grew to a team of 4 and almost closed a funding round at the seed stage. However, this is the nature of business: things can go wrong. Afterwards, I began working as a business consultant. My initial focus was on international entrepreneurs and innovators seeking to establish their ventures abroad. Working with me as a business plan consultant It is important to state that obtaining business visas in the UK required me to create my own business plan. This was approved by both my university as well as the UK Home Office. Additionally, I have worked with founders moving to the UK, the UAE, Norway, Switzerland and the Netherlands on their business and plans. Therefore, I live and breathe business plans during the course of my daily work. As a business plan consultant, I offer the following: Guidance and advisory consulting I strongly believe that business plan writing services should be a last resort for founders. Granted, some founders may lack the experience or the time to produce one; especially when having to do so within a short timeframe. However, founders writing their own business plans benefits them in several ways. It develops your writing skills. Additionally, it enables you to be fully involved in planning your venture and conduct research. These are integral to your venture. I offer Advisory Consulting Programs and tailored consulting for founders who require help with preparing and drafting their business plans. In doing so, I utilise my 8+ years of commercial experience as both a founder and business consultant to help founders create solid business plans. Evaluation Building on the previous point, I offer business plan review services to founders. I offer an objective third-party perspective on your business plan, focusing on its viability and presentation. This helps entrepreneurs identify the flaws in their business plans. Writing And finally, should a founder require a written business plan from scratch, I offer this service. As stated, some founders, for a number of reasons, require another party to create their business plans. It must be noted that as I write each business plan myself, I only take a limited number of business plan writing projects, up to 13 orders per year. About | My name is Sohrab Vazir. I’m a UK-based entrepreneur and business consultant. At the age of 22, and while I was an international student (graduate), I started my own Property Technology (PropTech) business under the endorsement of Newcastle University. I grew my business to over 30 UK cities, and a team of four, and also obtained my Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement) in the UK. I now help other migrant entrepreneurs, such as myself, with their businesses.
UK Innovator Founder Visa Guidance
The Innovator Founder Visa UK program is a significant opportunity for international entrepreneurs seeking to start or scale a business in the United Kingdom. Designed to attract highly skilled innovators, this visa replaces the earlier Innovator Visa and Start-Up Visa. In this guide, I’ll provide guidance regarding the essentials of the Innovator Founder Visa UK, including eligibility criteria, benefits, and application steps. None of the content in this article constitutes immigration advice in any shape or form and serves as general information What is the UK Innovator Founder Visa? The Innovator Founder Visa is tailored for entrepreneurs with innovative, viable, and scalable business ideas. Unlike the predecessor program, it does not require applicants to have a minimum investment amount, provided their business concept meets the program’s criteria. This change has made the visa more accessible to a wider range of entrepreneurs with fresh ideas and limited capital. Key Benefits of the Innovator Founder Visa Eligibility Criteria for the Innovator Founder Visa UK To qualify for the visa, you must meet the following requirements: 1. Innovative Business Idea 2. Endorsement 3. Proficiency in English 4. Financial Maintenance Application Process for the UK Innovator Founder Visa Step 1: Develop Your Business Plan Craft a comprehensive business plan that demonstrates how your idea is innovative, viable, and scalable. Highlight market research, financial projections, and the problem your business solves. If you require help with your business, see this page for the range of assistance that I provide. Step 2: Secure Endorsement Contact an endorsing body to review your business plan. If approved, they will provide an endorsement letter required for your visa application. Step 3: Prepare Your Application Gather necessary documents, including: Step 4: Submit the Application Apply online through the UK government’s visa portal. The processing time typically ranges from 3 to 8 weeks. Step 5: Move to the UK Once approved, you can relocate to the UK and begin working on your business. Challenges and Tips for Success Tip: Seek Expert Advice Navigating the Innovator Founder Visa process can be complex. Engaging a business consultant or immigration specialist can significantly increase your chances of success. Frequently Asked Questions 1. Can I extend my Innovator Founder Visa?Yes, the visa can be extended for additional three-year periods, provided you continue to meet the criteria. 2. Is this visa suitable for startups?Absolutely. The visa is ideal for startups and early-stage businesses with high growth potential. 3. Can I switch to this visa from within the UK?Yes, switching is possible if you are already on a qualifying visa. Conclusion The Innovator Founder Visa UK is a golden opportunity for global entrepreneurs looking to establish innovative businesses in the United Kingdom. With its focus on innovation and flexibility, it opens doors to a thriving startup ecosystem and long-term residency. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or a visionary with a groundbreaking idea, this visa can be your gateway to success in the UK. If you’re considering applying, start by refining your business idea and reaching out to endorsing bodies for support. With the right approach, the UK could be the perfect destination to turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality. Need Help? I offer a range of business consultancy and assistance services to international entrepreneurs. Additionally I can refer you to a regulated immigration advisor for your immigration queries. About | My name is Sohrab Vazir. I’m a UK-based entrepreneur and business consultant. At the age of 22, and while I was an international student (graduate), I started my own Property Technology (PropTech) business. I grew my business to over 30 UK cities, and a team of four, and also obtained my Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement) in the UK. I now help other migrant entrepreneurs, such as myself, with their businesses.
Innovator Founder Visa: Pros & Cons
None of the content in this article, website, or my services constitute immigration advice or services. This content is presented as general information and on the basis of personal opinion. For immigration assistance, please refer to a regulated solicitor or immigration advisor. The UK’s Innovator Founder visa was launched in 2023 as a pathway for foreign entrepreneurs to set up businesses in the UK. The visa and its requirements have substantially changed from its predecessor, the Innovator visa and the Tier 1 Entrepreneur scheme If you are considering the UK’s Innovator Founder visa, then it is sensible to make a full evaluation. As a former migrant entrepreneur and business consultant working with people navigating the business immigration journey, I will seek to highlight the pros and cons of this visa. Innovator Founder Visa Pros Suitable for scalable businesses The Innovator Founder visa requirements emphasize scalability. As such, if your business is scalable, or is already at traction stage, then this visa may be suitable. Pathway to permanent residence & UK citizenship This visa offers two pathways for settlement (permanent residence) in the UK: three years or five years. In comparison to other countries such as the UAE, this may be a desirable aspect for some. The UK’s global position The UK is among the easiest countries in the world to start a business in. Although due to recent legislation by the Companies House, there are now additional requirements and compliance protocols for setting up a company in the UK. The multicultural landscape of the UK, as well as English being the spoken language may be an advantage to some international entrepreneurs. Secondary employment The current Innovator Founder visa permits paid employment alongside the applicant’s business. This may be a beneficial option for some international founders. Innovator Founder Visa Cons Strict business & endorsement requirements The selection process for the Innovator Founder visa which is through an endorsement from one of the four designated Endorsing Bodies is strict. There are several requirements that your business must meet, as well as the founder/founding team meeting a certain skills level. Less Endorsing Bodies There are now only 4 endorsing bodies in contrast to 65 under the previous Innovator visa pathway. This leaves applicants with less choice and a lower margin of error. Personally, I support the view that a larger selection of Endorsing Bodies will facilitate additional sector-specific expertise. May be expensive for some There are several costs involved, and these exclude any additional help from third parties such as a business consultant (me) or an immigration advisor/solicitor. Minimum budget required: ÂŁ5000 to ÂŁ10,000 (this does not include the funds for your business). The initial costs are: Endorsement: ÂŁ1200 Visa Application Fee: ÂŁ1,191 (outside the UK) or ÂŁ1486 (inside the UK) NHS Health Surcharge: ÂŁÂŁ1,035 per year To help my clients/ Innovator Founder visa applicants, I offer an idea assessment service. This will involve assessing your idea and the provision of expert feedback to reduce the chances of your endorsement being rejected. Economic uncertainty Global events such as the 2008 Financial Crisis, Brexit and COVID-19 have left a painful mark on the UK’s economy. This is evident in several contexts such as the Cost-of-Living Crisis. Additionally, with the 2025 General Election coming up, it is reasonable to expect dramatic policy shifts, indicating economic uncertainty. These are some of the pros and cons of the Innovator Founder visa. Need help with the Innovator Founder visa endorsement? Check out my services, designed specifically for founders like you. About | My name is Sohrab Vazir. I’m a UK-based entrepreneur and business consultant. At the age of 22, and while I was an international student (graduate), I started my own Property Technology (PropTech) business, StudyFlats. I did so by obtaining an endorsement from Newcastle University under the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Scheme. Subsequently, I obtained a further 3-year Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa (replaced by the Innovator Founder Visa). I grew my business to over 30 UK cities, and a team of four, and also obtained my Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement) in the UK. I now help other migrant entrepreneurs, such as myself, with their businesses. Disclaimer: none of the content in this article or my services constitutes immigration advice or services.
Innovator Founder Visa Rejection | 4 reasons
None of the content in this article, website, or my services constitute immigration advice or services. This content is presented as general information and on the basis of personal opinion. For immigration assistance, please refer to a regulated solicitor or immigration advisor. The risk of an Innovator Founder visa rejection is on the rise. This is not a surprise as the new visa, in contrast to the former Innovator visa, now permits applicants to engage in paid employment. As such, this has led to increased interest and demand for the Innovator Founder visa. In addition to increased demand, the current Innovator Founder visa can only be endorsed by 4 Endorsing Bodies, a far smaller number than the previous visa. As a business consultant working with international entrepreneurs, I have come across Innovator Founder visa rejection cases that relate to the endorsement stage. Moreover, I have also actively monitored the Innovator Founder visa’s rejections. These are 3 common reasons why your Innovator Founder visa endorsement application may be rejected. 1. Your idea is not innovative As you may be aware, there are 3 key factors that Endorsing Bodies assess when considering endorsement applications, which are: Let’s talk about the innovation aspect first. Technically speaking, your idea/business should: 2. Your business is not viable Notice that I did not use the word “idea” in the heading above? The “viability” aspect refers to “you”, the founder/founding team. The core requirement is whether you have the skills and competencies to start and scale the business or not. Thus, factors such as your professional experience or qualifications will be relevant. 3. Your idea is not scalable Put simply: what is the vision for your business? How far will it go? How much money will it make? You may have a unique concept and have the personal skills to launch the business, but how big will the business get? If your business cannot scale nationally or internationally, it may be one of the reasons for a rejection of your Innovator Founder visa endorsement. 4. You bought a bad Innovator Founder visa business plan I write business plans for my clients (up to a limit, as they take a lot of time and I write each plan myself). Therefore, I am aware that many founders will seek the help of external parties for their business plan. Sadly, the market is now full of business plan writers who simply either use ChatGPT, or hire people with no experience in business to write a low-quality plan. This is why I have introduced a service to coach and mentor founder to writer their own business plan. I understand that for some, it may be necessary to have somebody else communicate their business. However, writing your own business plan will give you more confidence in presenting it, and it will also improve several skills such as writing and design. And do not worry, I will help you with ALL of that. These are some common reasons behind an Innovator Founder Visa rejection at the endorsement stage. Remember, do not trust every company or person to be in charge of your business ideas and endorsement application, unless you can verify their credentials. Even then, you should make sure that you are aware of every aspect and stage of the business plan whilst it is written. Need help with the Innovator Founder visa endorsement? Check out my services, designed specifically for founders like you. About | My name is Sohrab Vazir. I’m a UK-based entrepreneur and business consultant. At the age of 22, and while I was an international student (graduate), I started my own Property Technology (PropTech) business, StudyFlats. I did so by obtaining an endorsement from Newcastle University under the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Scheme. Subsequently, I obtained a further 3-year Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa (replaced by the Innovator Founder Visa). I grew my business to over 30 UK cities, and a team of four, and also obtained my Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement) in the UK. I now help other migrant entrepreneurs, such as myself, with their businesses.
What you should NOT do when writing an Innovator Founder visa business plan
None of the content in this article, website, or my services constitute immigration advice or services. This content is presented as general information and on the basis of personal opinion. For immigration assistance, please refer to a regulated solicitor or immigration advisor. Writing an Innovator Founder visa business plan can be challenging. That’s one of the reasons why many international founders opt to work with me on their Innovator Founder visa business plan. If you plan to apply for the Innovator Founder visa, you must prepare a business plan. I have previously written an article about how to create an Innovator Founder visa business plan. In this article, I want to share some tips on writing an Innovator Founder visa business plan. Specifically, I will be highlighting things that you should NOT do when you are planning your venture. Remember: the perfect business plan does not boil down to being well-written or well-designed (although these are also essential). Writing the ideal Innovator Founder visa business plan requires a well-thought, viable and clear business proposition. These tips will help you in formulating both your business plan, as well as some of the fundamental aspects of your business planning. Overpromise This is one of the biggest mistakes made by founders. Sadly, international entrepreneurs are not exempt either. And it’s easy to understand why: you want to present the “ideal” image for your concept, whether it’s to the Innovator Founder Endorsing Bodies, the Home Office or even investors. However, this is a dangerous mistake, especially if you are held accountable for making progress against your initial Innovator Founder visa business plan. Underestimate your competition & market dynamics In line with the last point, some founders also underestimate their market and competition. This may be done either intentionally, to present an inaccurate/idealistic image of the market, or unintentionally as a result of personal neglect. Overestimate your offer This is an advice that you may not get from many consultants. Remember: simplicity is key. Keep everything as simple and straightforward as possible. Don’t write pages and pages about why your product is ideal and what it does. Instead, dedicate your content to presenting evidence of your venture and the market’s viability. Neglect the financials Cash flow and financial management are integral to every business. You must plan for and state all instances of incoming and outgoing cash flow. Have a plan B for every scenario and determine the financial implications of all scenarios. Need help with writing your Innovator Founder visa business plan? Read about my full services here to find out more. About | My name is Sohrab Vazir. I’m a UK-based entrepreneur and business consultant. At the age of 22, and while I was an international student (graduate), I started my own Property Technology (PropTech) business, StudyFlats. I did so by obtaining an endorsement from Newcastle University under the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Scheme. Subsequently, I obtained a further 3-year Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa (replaced by the Innovator Founder Visa). I grew my business to over 30 UK cities, and a team of four, and also obtained my Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement) in the UK. I now help other migrant entrepreneurs, such as myself, with their businesses.