Growth Navigator Program
Enabling experienced growth operators to collaborate with startups across the NBT ecosystem.
Trusted by Leading Organizations
Since 2015, thousands of startups, enterprises, accelerators, VCs, government institutions, and universities worldwide have trusted NBT to deliver growth, innovation, and ecosystem programs.
What is the Growth Navigator Program?
The Growth Navigator Program exists to enable experienced operators to collaborate with startups in a structured, intentional way — and to engage with the ecosystem in alignment with their own preferences and availability.
At the core of the program is Fuel, our always-on growth accelerator. Fuel is free for founders and operates at scale because Growth Navigators choose to contribute their time and experience.
Some join to give back.
Some to stay close to real growth problems.
Some to build longer-term opportunities organically.
NBT's role is deliberately simple:
This is guided by a core belief we've held from the beginning:
"If we grow together, we grow better."
If this way of working resonates with you, you'll likely feel at home as a Growth Navigator in the NBT ecosystem.
Your Journey as an NBT Growth Navigator
1. Review & Shortlist
We review your background, experience, and overall fit with the NBT ecosystem.
If there's strong alignment, we'll invite you to the next step to better understand how you'd like to engage.
2. Engagement Preferences
Shortlisted Navigators are invited to share their engagement preferences.
This includes:
- how you'd like to contribute within Fuel
- openness to potential paid roles if they arise
- preferences around visibility and ecosystem participation
- communication and coordination preferences
This step creates shared clarity before any onboarding begins.
3. Onboarding & Activation
Based on your preferences and experience, we align on how you'll engage across Fuel and the NBT ecosystem.
This may include Fuel contributions, ecosystem collaboration, or advisory and delivery work as real opportunities emerge.
Activation happens progressively, driven by actual needs and clear fit, with expectations aligned upfront.
Roles You Can Play
Growth Navigators contribute to Fuel and the broader NBT ecosystem in different ways.
Some roles are open based on interest. Others are assigned selectively as needs emerge.
Fuel Mentor
Work directly with founders inside Fuel through:
- Workshops, roundtables, and fireside sessions
- One-to-one or group mentorship
- Functional or industry-specific guidance
Lead Mentor
Work closely with a small number of startups.
Lead Mentors help set and track OKRs, identify gaps, and coordinate support across mentors. This role requires deeper involvement and continuity.
Hub Lead
Support Fuel at a local level.
Hub Leads help activate the ecosystem in a city or country through events, connections, and local context. Scope depends on geography and program needs.
Fuel Advisory Council
Help shape Fuel at a strategic level.
Council members participate in periodic discussions around startup selection, track decisions, and the long-term direction of Fuel.
Inside the NBT Ecosystem
A glimpse into what's happening across our programs, partnerships, and growth community.
Launching the UK Market Entry Program
The flagship Innogate UK Market Entry Program launched, supporting startups through focused workshops, mentorship, and investor connections.
From Berlin to Beyond: Closing the Germany Market Immersion Week
We concluded the Innogate Germany Market Immersion Week with sessions on founder visibility, team building, and operational scaling.
Globalisation Readiness Bootcamp: Building Scalable Foundations
The Innogate Globalisation Readiness Bootcamp equips founders and executives with frameworks for international expansion
Redefining Growth Marketing in the Age of AI
During a keynote with Turkcell, NBT explored how AI is reshaping marketing, sales, and customer experience.
Inside UK Market Entry: From First Steps to Investor Readiness
We unpacked what global founders really need to succeed in the UK, from testing the waters and building local operations to winning investor trust and leveraging Innovate UK opportunities.
Mastering Investor Outreach & UK Market Expansion
Real founder stories on what works (and what doesn't), from navigating UK entry as an alumnus founder to crafting investor messages that actually get replies.
How Global Startups Build Local Advantage
Topics that matter: UK relocation and visa pathways for founders, and how CTOs evaluate international startups entering new markets. Real frameworks. Real conversations.
Accelerating UK Market Readiness for High-Growth Startups
As part of our UK Growth Sprint, NBT Growth Navigators delivered strategy-focused sessions to help startups navigate fundraising, IP, and operational readiness for UK expansion.
Building Global Foundations through UK Market Access
Through our UK Growth Sprint, we guided startups on the essentials of market entry from financial compliance to innovation incentives
Fueling International Expansion Through Market Immersion
Through Innogate Berlin, founders explored key considerations for entering European markets, from local fundraising and cultural adaptation to partnership models with global enterprises.
Germany Market Immersion: Accelerating Global Market Entry
NBT launched the Innogate Germany Market Immersion Week in Berlin, enabling startups to navigate procurement, partnership, and go-to-market processes within the German ecosystem.
Featured Insights for Ecosystem Partners
Strategic insights on ecosystem building, partnership models, and global startup scenes.
Growth Spotlight: Startup Scene in London
Explore London's thriving startup ecosystem, key players, and opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Growth Spotlight: Startup Scene in Miami
Discover Miami's emerging startup ecosystem and its unique position as a gateway to Latin American markets.
Growth Spotlight: Startup Scene in Italy
Understanding Italy's innovation landscape, challenges, and opportunities for ecosystem collaboration.
Trusted by Leading Ecosystem Partners Worldwide
Hear from organizations that have partnered with NBT to scale innovation and growth across their ecosystems.
"Professional, enthusiastic, and consistently beyond expectations, a true long-term partner."
London & Partners Team
London & Partners
"A strong ecosystem partner, delivering tailored growth sessions and mentoring founders love."
Bethnal Green Ventures Team
BGV
"Clear and engaging guidance that showed how digital thinking drives sustainable growth."
Konuralp, M.
tesa
"Best-in-class growth partner: proactive, communicative, and adaptable."
Hancock, G.
Octaipipe
Join the NBT Growth Navigator Network
Work with founders and teams on real growth problems.
Growth Navigators are experienced operators who contribute to Fuel and the wider NBT ecosystem through mentorship, practical guidance, and hands-on support. Some join to give back. Some to stay close to the edge. Some to build longer-term opportunities.
If you'd like to join the network, you can apply using the form below.