Liverpool-based tech accelerator Baltic Ventures has awarded a £50,000 cash prize to three standout startups – ClassHoppa, ValArt and Harker.
The non-dilutive funding culminates the second year of Baltic Ventures’ Launchpad programme, a complement to its flagship Accelerator programme.
Now in its second year, Launchpad is a six-month, cohort-based programme designed to support early-stage digital tech businesses in the Liverpool City Region.
Founders gain access to monthly masterclasses, one-to-one coaching, peer-to-peer learning and the opportunity to pitch for a share of £50,000.
A cohort of 14 startups joined the programme in January 2025. The £50,000 prize fund, contributed by an angel investor and philanthropist who is part of Baltic Ventures’ angel syndicate, was distributed among the top three startups to recognise their potential and progress made during the programme.
“We couldn’t be happier to celebrate the achievements and success of ValArt, ClassHoppa and Harker,” said Baltic Ventures community manager Becca Harvey.
“Launchpad was created to empower founders who were told by investors they were “too early” in their commercialisation journey and to support them on that path.
“It’s been an absolute privilege getting to know this cohort over the last six months and inspiring to see how far they have all come.”
ValArt is a platform enabling collectors to catalog, value, and manage their collectibles, offering tools for portfolio tracking and end-of-life planning, whereas ClassHoppa, an EdTech solution connecting parents with extracurricular activities for children, simplifies the discovery and booking process.
Harker, meanwhile, is headed by co-founder James Barber and is an AI-enabled platform assisting homelessness charities in optimising support systems and demonstrating social impact.
In addition to the three winners, Carbon Happy World and Scenegraph were both highly commended by the Baltic Ventures’ team and judging panel.
Claire Lewis, co-founder and CEO of Baltic Ventures, added: “I’ve been genuinely impressed by the calibre of this year’s cohort. Each of the teams brought fresh ideas, real ambition, and a strong sense of purpose.
“It’s been inspiring to watch them grow and tackle meaningful challenges head-on.
“Their progress is also a reflection of the strength and depth of the Liverpool tech ecosystem, which continues to thrive and attract exceptional talent.”
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