Start-up visa holders are eligible to stay in the UK for a maximum of two years.
After this time, the visa holder may curtail their stay or apply to switch to another UK visa. Start-up visa holders typically apply to switch to the Innovator visa, which extends their stay in the UK for a further three years. After this time, visa holders may be eligible to apply for UK Indefinite Leave to Remain and ultimately British citizenship.
The investment funds requirement for an Innovator visa is waived for applicants switching from the Start-up category to pursue the same business venture under the Innovator visa.  To be eligible to switch to an Innovator visa, applicants need to have demonstrated significant achievements judged against their business plan.