Latest news with #Techscaler
Scotsman
2 days ago
- Business
- Scotsman
22 of Scotland's smartest tech founders head to Silicon Valley and Singapore
'These international opportunities are not just about scaling businesses, but about building lasting relationships that showcase Scotland's entrepreneurial talent on the world stage' – Kate Forbes Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... More than 20 Scottish technology start-ups and scale-ups will head to Silicon Valley and Singapore as they look to tap into two of the world's most dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystems. The founders of 22 Scotland-based ventures have been selected by Techscaler, the Scottish Government's programme for creating, developing and scaling tech start-ups run by CodeBase, for its forthcoming international programmes. The entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to meet investors, potential customers and peers in both key locations. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Cleanifiq, Stamp Free, Valla, Tyre Runner, VanFill, Amytis, 20 Photos, NeuroBright, Neon Circle/Neon Guard, Applo, NoLogo, and Aethernova will be participating in the Techscaler Silicon Valley cohort 4 programme between October 24 and November 14. Techscaler is the Scottish Government's programme for creating, developing and scaling technology start-ups, run by CodeBase, Jo Tennant, founder of 20 Photos, said: 'You can only get so far aiming to be a big fish in a small pond. This trip is about putting 20 Photos in the rooms where the pace, mindset and ambition of world-class B2C [business-to-consumer] products are shaped and laying the foundations to compete at a global scale.' Natalie Garry, a former Scottish ballet dancer and chief executive and founder of DanceSing, which runs online choir and fitness classes, added: 'Silicon Valley was genuinely transformative for us. We arrived with no US clients, and we now have contracts signed, a clear strategy to scale in the US, and an invaluable network of connections.' Meanwhile, Rethink Carbon, Seluna, ThermaFY Eco Solutions, Tiny Air, Virtual Reality Empathy Platform, Wristbud/Interactive Health, Danu Insights, Connecting Hands, Trials Link and MyWayDigitalHealth will be taking part in the Techscaler Singapore cohort 2 programme between October 26 and November 14. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Anais Guillemaud, head of scale-up growth acceleration programmes at CodeBase, said: 'The second Singapore programme offers a unique opportunity to explore one of Asia's most dynamic start-up ecosystems, where our focus in this cohort is around growth stage medical and health tech plus climate and energy tech companies looking to expand into Asian markets.' Jo Tennant, founder of 20 Photos. Picture by Mike Guest Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: 'This marks another bold step in empowering Scotland's most promising tech founders. By connecting them with global peers, customers and investors, we're creating pathways for innovation, collaboration and growth that extend far beyond our borders.' She added: 'These international opportunities are not just about scaling businesses, but about building lasting relationships that showcase Scotland's entrepreneurial talent on the world stage.' The firms and founders making up the Silicon Valley cohort are: Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Cleanifiq, an instant price cleaning marketplace for businesses, which will be represented by CEO and founder Vladimir Scutelnic. Stamp Free, AI technology enabling parcels, letters, and returns to be sent via smartphone, will be led by CEO and founder Hugh Craigie Halkett. Valla, which provides instant access to intelligent legal support, will be led by CEO and founder Danae Shell. Tyre Runner, which helps vehicle fleet companies monitor, predict and replace tyres, will be led by CEO and founder Bryan MacMillan. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad VanFill, an AI-driven logistics platform that helps move goods by matching delivery needs with spare vehicle space, is led by CEO and founder Aleksandra Czech-Seklecka. Amytis, which is developing a next generation digital workspace for scientific research, is represented by CEO and co-founder Eva Steele. 20 Photos, a photo platform that turns photo libraries into story-driven collections, is led by founder Jo Tennant. NeuroBright, a health wearable start-up helping people manage mental wellbeing and brain performance, is led by CEO and founder Stephen Elliot. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Neon Circle/Neon Guard, an AI-powered system that enables platforms to meet global safety laws without collecting personal data, is represented by founder Chelsea Harvie. Applo, which adds mobile widgets and enables native push notifications for web apps without the need for a developer or app store, is led by CEO and founder Michal Gondar. NoLogo, an advertising company building AI infrastructure for creator brand partnerships, is represented by CEO and founder Nicholas Guy. Aethernova, a medtech company developing an AI-powered extended reality platform aimed at transforming how neurodevelopmental conditions are assessed, is led by CEO and founder Aphrodite Yao. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The companies and founders making up the Singapore cohort are: Rethink Carbon, a climate tech start-up helping landowners, communities, investors and policymakers make smarter, faster and more sustainable land use decisions, will be represented by COO and co-founder Zoë Russell. Seluna, a medtech start-up using ethical, clinician-focused machine learning to accelerate diagnosis of paediatric sleep apnoea and respiratory disorders, will be led by CTO and co-founder Yola Jones. ThermaFY Eco Solutions, a climate tech company empowering households and communities to live in energy efficient homes, is led by COO and founder Amanda Pickford. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Tiny Air, which is developing technology to decontaminate and inspect surgical instruments , is represented by director and co-founder Christopher Helson. Virtual Reality Empathy Platform, which is developing a VR learning platform called LifeLens to raise awareness of lesser known sensory and cognitive challenges of dementia and ageing, will be led by CEO and co-founder Kevin Gordon. Wristbud/Interactive Health, which is developing wearable technology to support mental health, will be represented by COO and co-founder Jay Evans. Danu Insights, building AI-powered tools to accelerate innovation by helping scientists design faster, smarter, and more impactful experiments, will be represented by CEO and co-founder Stefan Bostock. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Connecting Hands, building a culturally responsive digital health platform that empowers mothers affected by postnatal depression, is led by founder Tolulope Abikoye. Trials Link, a digital platform for clinical trials recruitment platform enabling real time clinician and patient engagement, is represented by CEO and co-founder Osman El-Koubani.
Edinburgh Reporter
25-07-2025
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
Can Edinburgh Compete with Europe's Fastest-Growing Tech Companies Like Soft2Bet?
In 2016, a small company in Cyprus set out to build something that many startups talk about but few achieve. The goal was to grow across borders from the very beginning, not just when it became convenient. The company, Soft2Bet, now operates in four countries and employs over 700 people. Its teams work independently across Europe, building platforms tailored to local audiences. This kind of scale is less about headcount and more about structure. The rise of companies like Soft2Bet raises a fair question for Edinburgh. What needs to change for local startups to compete? In the next part, we'll look at how Soft2Bet is built, where Edinburgh fits in, and what lessons might be worth borrowing. What Soft2Bet Does Differently Soft2Bet stands out due to its unique construction. The company has offices in Cyprus, Malta, Bulgaria, and Serbia. But it's not just about geography. What matters more is how the teams inside those offices are structured. There is no waiting around for top-down decisions. Product teams are free to move fast, test ideas, and adjust based on local needs. Each brand they launch is shaped for the market it's entering, not just copied and pasted from somewhere else. With more than 30 nationalities represented across its offices, Soft2Bet puts cultural relevance at the centre of how it builds. If you're curious about how that looks in practice, Visit Soft2Bet on Instagram to see the people, platforms, and events behind the brand. Photo by Kindel Media: Here's what sets Soft2Bet apart: The company was built to operate in multiple countries from the beginning Teams work independently, which helps speed up product releases Employees represent more than 30 nationalities They use their tech platform, which allows for faster updates Brands are adapted to fit each audience instead of just being translated It's a system that helps them move quickly without cutting corners. And it keeps them connected to the people they're building for. Where Edinburgh Shines and Where It Slows Down Edinburgh is already known for its universities, skilled workforce, and supportive business environment. In areas like fintech, health tech, and data science, the city has built a strong foundation. But when you compare it to companies that are structured for global growth, some challenges come into focus. Strengths Edinburgh brings to the table: A reliable pipeline of talent from top universities Strong government-backed programmes like CivTech and Techscaler An active startup scene in important sectors like finance and AI Areas that could hold it back: Hiring talent from abroad is harder after Brexit Many teams are still tied to traditional structures and slower approval cycles Products and brands are often designed for the UK market only These issues are not unique to Edinburgh. But addressing them now could make a big difference in the next five years. What Local Startups Can Take Away from Soft2Bet Soft2Bet doesn't have all the answers. But it does offer a useful example of how to build with international goals from the start. Here are a few key ideas that Edinburgh-based companies might find helpful. 1. Think globally early on Even if your team is based in one city, your customers and users might be elsewhere. Building with that in mind means fewer surprises when the time comes to expand. 2. Keep teams flexible Giving small teams more freedom can lead to faster results. It also helps people take ownership of their work, which is important when you're trying to grow across markets. 3. Adjust to fit your audience Soft2Bet changes the design, language, and features of its platforms based on where they're launching. Local details matter. Customising the experience makes a difference in how users respond. A Shift in Focus Could Change the Outcome Edinburgh has the talent, the tools, and the ambition to build companies that grow beyond the UK. What's often missing is a strategy that supports international expansion from the start. Soft2Bet proves that success doesn't depend on size or budget. It comes from how a company is built. Small, focused teams. Products tailored to specific markets. A mindset that plans for different countries, not just one. If more startups in Edinburgh adopt this approach, they'll be in a better position to scale. The city already has what it needs. The next step is to build with the world in mind, not just the local market. Like this: Like Related
Scotsman
17-07-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
SWURF secures follow on investment and boosts board with industry heavyweights to fuel UK and European expansion
Remote work platform transforming hospitality venues into thriving community workspaces gears up for rapid growth. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Edinburgh based startup SWURF has landed a six-figure investment and appointed three heavyweight industry leaders to its board, signalling a bold new phase of growth across the UK and Europe. This latest investment round includes follow-on funding from existing backer Gareth Williams, co-founder of Skyscanner, reinforcing his continued belief in the platform's mission and potential. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Joining as Chair of the Board is Alison Grieve, the award-winning founder of G-Hold and a recognised expert in product innovation and international scaling. Also stepping up is Scott Leckie, SWURF's former Fractional CTO, who now takes a permanent board seat to steer the company's tech evolution. In addition, Daniel Rodgers, founder of Scottish success story QikServe and a leader in tech innovation and strategic development, joins the board as Non-Executive Director. SWURF Board The fresh funding, backed by the Techscaler programme, Scottish Enterprise, and private investors, will supercharge SWURF's rollout. The company is also laying the groundwork for a £1 million raise later this year to support further global expansion. Nikki Gibson, CEO and Co-Founder of SWURF, said: 'With Alison guiding our international rollout, Scott shaping our tech strategy, and Daniel bringing a proven track record in tech innovation, strategic development, and digital transformation, SWURF is positioned to grow with purpose and precision. Their leadership is a game-changer as we take SWURF to new markets and new heights.' Launched during the pandemic, SWURF connects remote and hybrid professionals with underused hospitality spaces, from cafés and hotels to co-working hubs, turning them into vibrant, off-peak workspaces. Unlike traditional venue apps, SWURF builds community, offering exclusive perks and a growing calendar of co-working events. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Data collected from SWURF indicates that the platform has generated an impressive £1.8 million in revenue for host partners, while building a user base of over 11,000 and activating more than 300 venues across the UK. Alison Grieve, Chair of the Board at SWURF, said: 'In an economic environment where both hospitality and commercial property sectors are seeking new models of resilience, SWURF is targeting a fast-evolving segment of the flexible work economy. This next phase of funding will help us transform more everyday venues into productive, community-driven workspaces, powered by technology and a hospitality-first mindset.' Daniel Rodgers, Non-Executive Director at SWURF, added: 'SWURF solves a real pain point for me. When travelling, it's often difficult to find welcoming spaces to work. I am also passionate about supporting hospitality to find new markets and opportunities. Swurfers typically spend £15–£30 per visit. By extending traditional service windows, hospitality operators can tap into this community and create incremental revenue that supports profitability and reduces waste.' With over 35 million digital nomads globally, and rising demand for flexible, community-led workspaces, SWURF is perfectly positioned to lead the charge in the future of work, while helping hospitality venues thrive. To learn more about SWURF, visit or contact [email protected].
Scotsman
17-07-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
SWURF secures follow on investment and boosts board with industry heavyweights to fuel UK and European expansion
Remote work platform transforming hospitality venues into thriving community workspaces gears up for rapid growth. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Edinburgh based startup SWURF has landed a six-figure investment and appointed three heavyweight industry leaders to its board, signalling a bold new phase of growth across the UK and Europe. This latest investment round includes follow-on funding from existing backer Gareth Williams, co-founder of Skyscanner, reinforcing his continued belief in the platform's mission and potential. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Joining as Chair of the Board is Alison Grieve, the award-winning founder of G-Hold and a recognised expert in product innovation and international scaling. Also stepping up is Scott Leckie, SWURF's former Fractional CTO, who now takes a permanent board seat to steer the company's tech evolution. In addition, Daniel Rodgers, founder of Scottish success story QikServe and a leader in tech innovation and strategic development, joins the board as Non-Executive Director. SWURF Board The fresh funding, backed by the Techscaler programme, Scottish Enterprise, and private investors, will supercharge SWURF's rollout. The company is also laying the groundwork for a £1 million raise later this year to support further global expansion. Nikki Gibson, CEO and Co-Founder of SWURF, said: 'With Alison guiding our international rollout, Scott shaping our tech strategy, and Daniel bringing a proven track record in tech innovation, strategic development, and digital transformation, SWURF is positioned to grow with purpose and precision. Their leadership is a game-changer as we take SWURF to new markets and new heights.' Launched during the pandemic, SWURF connects remote and hybrid professionals with underused hospitality spaces, from cafés and hotels to co-working hubs, turning them into vibrant, off-peak workspaces. Unlike traditional venue apps, SWURF builds community, offering exclusive perks and a growing calendar of co-working events. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Data collected from SWURF indicates that the platform has generated an impressive £1.8 million in revenue for host partners, while building a user base of over 11,000 and activating more than 300 venues across the UK. Alison Grieve, Chair of the Board at SWURF, said: 'In an economic environment where both hospitality and commercial property sectors are seeking new models of resilience, SWURF is targeting a fast-evolving segment of the flexible work economy. This next phase of funding will help us transform more everyday venues into productive, community-driven workspaces, powered by technology and a hospitality-first mindset.' Daniel Rodgers, Non-Executive Director at SWURF, added: 'SWURF solves a real pain point for me. When travelling, it's often difficult to find welcoming spaces to work. I am also passionate about supporting hospitality to find new markets and opportunities. Swurfers typically spend £15–£30 per visit. By extending traditional service windows, hospitality operators can tap into this community and create incremental revenue that supports profitability and reduces waste.' With over 35 million digital nomads globally, and rising demand for flexible, community-led workspaces, SWURF is perfectly positioned to lead the charge in the future of work, while helping hospitality venues thrive.
Scotsman
07-07-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Where does the Scottish tech ecosystem go from here?
Remote working can ber beneficial for startups and scale-ups (Picture: The biggest shift in running a business is the rise in remote working, not AI, writes James Lucas Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The Scottish technology sector is experiencing a moment. After a tough couple of years post-Covid boom, we are entering a period of rejuvenation, resulting in a collective sigh of relief by leaders in the ecosystem. Playing a part in this is not only the investment success seen by those involved in Techscaler (which to date has seen companies linked with it secure £66m in investment), but also more recently from Par Equity's merger with Manchester's Praetura to create a £670m Northern Powerhouse. All of this reinforces Scotland's long-standing heritage as a home of invention and innovation. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Despite this positivity, some might consider this one of the most challenging market environments for sustaining a business, not just starting one. James Lucas, CEO, CirrusHQ While of course, during all of this, aspects like managing cash flow are vital (a lesson that has stayed with me since I studied Business Studies at school), the world has evolved considerably – and the way in which the ecosystem is cultivated and led must also evolve. Having started my own tech business over a decade ago, the biggest shift in running a business is not AI; it has been the rise in remote working. While many believe this was Covid's doing, it was something we have practiced since Day One – and even now, more of our team work remotely than they do in the office. Approximately 70 per cent of our team live more than one hour away from the office. Despite calls from global corporates heralding the need to return to the office full time, I would caution that emulating this could significantly hinder the growth of Scottish tech businesses, particularly startups and scale-ups. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad We found that abandoning office presenteeism and being flexible in our expectation of office attendance and team members' lives outside of work, has not only enriched our culture, but it has also meant that we have been able to hire and retain talent that might ordinarily have overlooked us. By focusing on skills and cultural fit (rather than postcode), the sector will extend its talent horizons considerably and boost opportunities for success. Pandemics aside, broader macroeconomic and geopolitical factors (for example interest rate rises and inflation) have increased the pressure on the Scottish business landscape and taught us to be more resilient. In the tech sector that also means being prepared for a slowdown in tech investment as IT budgets become leaner. This can place considerable pressure on even the most experienced business leader, but for an ambitious, fledgling tech entrepreneur, potentially with investors seeking a return, the heat is turned up further. Despite this, we should not be afraid to evolve and challenge even our own thinking – particularly with the expectation placed on us. With all the brilliance and innovation that exists in Scotland today, there's always the chance that the market isn't ready, or that feedback demands a fundamental change to the original blueprint. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad My advice? Make sure that you are amenable to change rather than going all in on version 1.0: iteration can bring beauty and open you up to new people, thinking, audiences and success. Go with the gut and grow with your thinking. As a sector, we must also move beyond only seeing success in tangible tech. Too often, I see brilliant entrepreneurs knocked back from investment as they have created a service which cannot be held in the palm of their hand. Given that computer programming and consultancy makes up 85 per cent of all Scottish digital tech businesses, as a collective we need to retune our thinking and see B2B tech as something just as impactful (maybe even as valuable) as a piece of hardware. Afterall, this relatively narrow view is peculiar given the success of financial services in Scotland which equally doesn't produce a tactile product, so why is that different in tech? Such a recognition will unlock even more investment streams, foster diverse innovation and attract broader talent, positioning Scotland as a true leader in the global digital economy. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad At the end of the day, even with ecosystem rejuvenation, there must be realism. While the dream of success, riches or impact might be where the sector is headed, we must keep in mind that Rome wasn't built in a day, and so we cannot expect the same for those scaling their business here. Scotland is full of entrepreneurial talent and a great place to start a business. With a skilled and talented workforce, I'm confident that we will see an explosion of new tech companies over the coming years. For the sector to achieve this, we need to ensure that there is collective self-belief, an openness to change and awareness of what is going on outside of Scotland's borders. By maintaining sight of an achievable target and recognising the bigger picture, while there might be tough times ahead, with a determined mindset we can achieve anything.
