Breakout Beauty UK opened applications for its 2026 cohort. Run by Growth Studio in partnership with Boots UK and TikTok Shop UK, the programme is free to apply to and takes no equity from participating brands.
Ten founders will be selected. The grand prize is valued at £500k+, with the runner-up package at £350k+.
What founders get
The programme runs for ten weeks, combining masterclasses, one-to-one mentoring, and a finale pitch day. Curriculum spans retail readiness, TikTok Shop strategy, investor readiness, PR and brand-building, and pitch coaching.
Founders attend in-person days in London at Growth Studio's FORA Soho HQ, supplemented by virtual workshops, with a stated time commitment of two to three days per week.
The headline rewards:
- Grand Prize (£500k+): Launch into 50 Boots stores with a Gold marketing package, plus a TikTok Shop prize package with dedicated account support and creator matchmaking.
- Runner-Up (£350k+): A Boots.com launch with a bespoke marketing package, plus TikTok Shop support.
Additional partners include Bird & Bird (legal), CEW UK (industry association), and IFGlobal (fulfilment).
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"With Breakout Beauty UK, we're bringing that same expertise to the beauty sector, creating the most powerful accelerator of its kind in the UK," said Paul Finch, co-founder of Growth Studio.
Who it's for
Applicants must run a UK-registered, founder-led beauty company — across skincare, makeup, haircare, bodycare, fragrance, accessories, or beauty tools — with a minimum projected annual turnover of £150,000.
Brands must already be trading via DTC, TikTok Shop, Amazon, or boutique retail, and must not be in a live trading agreement with Boots or a major Boots competitor at the point of application.
The 2025 cohort
The accelerator's debut cohort produced two retail wins worth flagging. ByErim, founded by Erim Kaur, is launching into 60 Boots stores. Make Waves, founded by Owen Machon, is rolling out to more than 300 Boots stores. According to Growth Studio, two brands from the inaugural cohort secured more than £350k in support.
Other 2025 alumni include Spots & Stripes, Tootilab, Ominira Naturals, Striā Lab, Clear For Men, Miriam's Collection, Beard Surgeon, and Nimbi.
Key dates
- Applications: 22 April – 15 June 2026
- Interviews and selection: 16 June – 7 July
- Programme live: 13 July – 22 September 2026
- Finale pitch day: 1 October 2026
UK beauty founders fitting the criteria can apply at growthstudio.com/programme/breakout-beauty-uk.
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