Aon has launched a new advisory service for UK SMEs, with a focus on supporting tech start-ups and scale-ups navigating risk, insurance and intellectual property challenges.

The Accelerate Programme is designed to help leaders of high-growth firms manage exposures that could threaten funding, or derail expansion plans. In particular, the programme recognises the central role that IP plays in AI-driven and automated business models, and the vulnerability of such assets to theft or infringement.

Steve Wilson, head of Aon’s Accelerate Programme, said: “We know that entrepreneurs at start-ups and rapidly growing businesses are hugely confident and ambitious, and that an element of risk – often high – is unavoidable if they are to realise their growth potential. When operating in hi-tech and innovative environments such as AI, there are possible risks – especially around IP which is vulnerable to theft and infringement – and these can threaten the future viability of a business."

The service is aimed at UK-based firms from early stage to post-Series C, and is positioned to support both founders and backers in high-tech industries.

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