Barclays Launch Eagle Labs Academy to upskill the next generation of UK tech giants

• Barclays Eagle Labs have launched an online digital skills platform to inspire the leaders of the next generation of UK tech giants
• The platform is funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology’s Digital Growth Grant and will offer interactive modules to help teach the skillset needed when thinking of starting a digital business

Barclays Eagle Labs have launched an online skills platform for budding entrepreneurs looking to become the leaders of the next tech giants.

The new Eagle Labs Academy, funded by the Department for Science Innovation and Technology, will provide curated learning experiences, where users can access self-paced, on-demand and interactive content; covering key challenges faced when starting and scaling a technology focused business.

The platform will help the next generation of tech entrepreneurs from things like how to raise finance to creating their first business plan.

Amanda Allan, Director of Barclays Eagle Labs said: “This is another fantastic addition to the range of programmes and support that Barclays Eagle Labs offer tech startups and their founders. The Eagle Labs Academy is an exciting platform which we hope will encourage the next wave of tech entrepreneurs to start and grow their ideas into a lucrative business.

“The digital economy continues to experience huge growth and this platform is a great starting point for anyone who is thinking of entering this space and becoming a tech entrepreneur.”

Saqib Bhatti, Minister for Tech and the Digital Economy said: "The UK's startup ecosystem stands unrivalled, home to more tech unicorns than France and Germany combined. That achievement is no coincidence; it's a result of our ongoing commitment to support and grow our tech sector.

“The Eagle Labs Academy, supported by our £12 million Digital Growth Grant, will help to nurture and develop the skills of the next wave of tech entrepreneurs which will in turn drive economic growth and help to create new jobs."

Overview of Eagle Labs Academy

• There will initially be a total of 14 modules, underpinned by 60 individual lessons including founder videos, insights and additional templates to download.
• The site will be simple to navigate and users will be able to easily browse through the list of curated content and lessons.
• Users will have access to their unique dashboard which allows them to track their progress against modules.
• The site is mobile-friendly, to ensure users can access content on-the-go.

For more information about the Barclays Eagle Labs Academy please visit: https://academy.uk.barclays/

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Notes to Editors

About Barclays
Barclays is a British universal bank.  We are diversified by business, by different types of customer and client, and geography.  Our businesses include consumer banking and payments operations around the world, as well as a top-tier, full service, global corporate and investment bank, all of which are supported by our service company which provides technology, operations and functional services across the Group.  For further information about Barclays, please visit our website www.barclays.com

As the UK tech sector continues to grow, contributing £150 billion to the UK economy and supporting over 3 million jobs, the Eagle Labs Academy will support and equip future tech entrepreneurs who are looking to capitalise on growth in this innovative sector.

For more information about Barclays Eagle Labs please visit: https://labs.uk.barclays/about

About the Digital Growth Grant

The £12m Digital Growth Grant, funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, aims to provide specialised support to accelerate the growth of tech startups and scaleups across the regions and nations of the UK. The two-year grant, awarded to Barclays Eagle Labs, was launched in April 2023, and builds on more than £42.2 million invested by the Government to support tech startups and scaleups since 2016. Combined investment from Eagle Labs and the government will increase support for the tech sector so more than 22,000 businesses can benefit, with at least 80 per cent based outside London.