Community Code of Conduct

Our expectations for behaviour, collaboration, and mutual respect within the Akcela community.

Our commitment

Akcela exists to support founders. That means creating an environment where everyone, regardless of background, experience level, gender, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic, feels welcome, respected, and able to do their best work.

This code of conduct applies to everyone who participates in the Akcela community: incubator members, Future Tech Programme participants, partners, mentors, investors, event attendees, and visitors to our workspace.

What we expect

Respect

Treat everyone with courtesy and professionalism. Disagreements are fine. Personal attacks are not.

Inclusivity

We welcome founders from all backgrounds, industries, and experience levels. The startup community is stronger when it’s diverse.

Honesty

Be straight with each other. Give honest feedback, share real experiences, and don’t oversell or misrepresent.

Confidentiality

What’s shared in Akcela stays in Akcela. Founders share sensitive business information, financials, and ideas within our community. Respect that trust.

Collaboration

Help each other. Share contacts, compare notes, and celebrate each other’s wins. We’re a community, not a competition.

Accountability

If you commit to something, a meeting, a deadline, feedback, follow through. Reliability builds trust.

What we won't tolerate

  • Harassment, bullying, or intimidation of any kind
  • Discrimination based on any protected characteristic
  • Sharing confidential information about another member’s business without their consent
  • Deliberate disruption of events, meetings, or workspace activities
  • Any behaviour that makes another community member feel unsafe or unwelcome

Reporting concerns

If you experience or witness behaviour that violates this code of conduct, please contact:

  • James Adams (Managing Partner) — hello@akcela.co.uk
  • Anna Barney (Office Manager) — in person at Fuel Studios

All reports will be treated confidentially and taken seriously. We will work with you to understand the situation and determine an appropriate response.

Consequences

Violations of this code of conduct may result in:

  • A private conversation about the behaviour and expectations going forward
  • A formal warning
  • Temporary or permanent exclusion from the Akcela community, workspace, and events

The response will be proportionate to the severity and frequency of the behaviour.

A note on culture

This code of conduct isn't about rules for the sake of rules. It's about protecting the culture that makes Akcela work. Our community is built on trust, generosity, and mutual respect. When everyone feels safe and supported, everyone does better work, and builds better companies.