Lantana wins place on business accelerator programme

Inclusive publisher Lantana has won a place on the OXFO L.E.V8 accelerator programme for entrepreneurial start-ups.

The programme, based in the Oxford Foundry and supported by the University of Oxford, nurtures businesses over a period of six months. The 10 successful ventures (chosen from 225 applicants) will each receive a package worth an estimated £60,000, including a tailored learning programme, a shared office in the Amersi Foundation accelerator space, and networking opportunities.

“I’m absolutely delighted that Lantana has been selected for OXFO L.E.V8,” said founder Alice Curry (pictured). “We came into the publishing industry hoping to shake things up and level the playing field for authors of colour. With the support of business leaders who have achieved incredible growth in their own industries, we will be able to move more quickly and more confidently towards this goal.’

Lantana is the only publishing company on the programme. The other businesses are from sectors such as medtech, fintech, retail and energy.