Common Ventures launched Common Path, a program placing working-class graduates at UK startups, backed by Sutton Trust, Hg Foundation, Atomico and Phoenix Court. The London-based VC firm aims to address what founders describe as a social mobility crisis in tech hiring. The initiative follows their recent selection as one of 10 first-time VC funds to receive up to £90m from the British Business Bank.

Data reveals just 9% of UK tech workers come from low-income backgrounds, compared with 29% in financial services and 26% in law. Only 18% of startup founders are working-class despite comprising roughly 45% of the population. Co-founder David Houghton, formerly at Antler, argues tech is 'more elite than the financial or legal professions,' citing his own experience entering the industry.

Common Path recruits 15-20 graduates based on resilience, self-awareness and mental agility rather than educational pedigree. Participants complete four intensive week-long training programs covering product, growth, operations and startup culture before connecting with hiring startups. The program creates a talent pipeline for early-career roles.

Applicants show remarkable diversity: 40% Asian or Asian-British, 30% Black or Black British, and nearly 50% female. Houghton emphasizes they're not asking founders to lower hiring standards, but to expand recruitment beyond the same postcodes, schools and networks that currently dominate tech hiring.