Scotland’s growing technology sector has secured £257 million in investment through the Techscaler programme, highlighting opportunities that could also benefit entrepreneurs across the Highlands and Islands.
The milestone was announced as First Minister John Swinney opened a new Techscaler hub at Water’s Edge in Dundee, designed to support start ups and growing technology companies.
Techscaler is Scotland’s national tech scale up programme and works to help founders build globally competitive businesses through mentorship, education and access to investor networks.
Since joining the programme, founders have raised £257 million in investment, an increase of £139 million compared with the previous year.
The figures underline the growing strength of Scotland’s technology ecosystem and the value investors are placing on Scottish innovation.
For Highland entrepreneurs, the expansion of Scotland’s tech network could offer important opportunities as digital businesses increasingly operate beyond traditional city hubs.
Many Highland based companies already work in sectors such as games development, digital services, tourism technology and renewable innovation.
The new Dundee hub is expected to become a centre for technology start ups in the Tayside region, with the first companies joining from the games industry.
First Minister John Swinney said the programme was designed to help Scottish founders build companies capable of competing on the world stage.
“Techscaler was created to strengthen Scotland’s entrepreneurial environment by giving founders the skills, support and connections needed to build globally competitive companies.
“It is encouraging to see this vision reflected in this year’s results, with a remarkable £257 million now raised by founder members since launch, more than double the previous year.
“This figure highlights Scotland’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is becoming even more connected, collaborative and globally engaged, raising Scotland’s profile as an ambitious innovation nation.
“I’m proud to be here in Dundee to launch Techscaler’s new home at Water’s Edge, which will be a vibrant hub for entrepreneurs in the city.
“I look forward to seeing the opportunities and the economic benefits the new hub brings to tech focused companies across the region.”
Jon Hope, Interim CEO at CodeBase, said the new hub would help accelerate high growth companies.
“With this year’s annual report showcasing Techscaler’s growing national impact, we’re delighted to be collaborating with Water’s Edge to build on the strong foundations and exceptional work already underway in the region.
“Together, we’re doubling down on its world leading strengths to fast track high growth businesses toward global success.
“From our Water’s Edge office, we’ll be proud to support cohorts of early stage, growth, and scale up companies, providing access to local and national expertise including Entrepreneurs in Residence, experienced mentors, investor networks, and international connections.”
Chris van der Kuyl, Chairman of 4J Studios, said Dundee continues to strengthen its position as one of Scotland’s leading technology centres.
“The Techscaler Hub for the Tay Cities Region opening at Water’s Edge represents a significant commitment to Dundee and a recognition of its status as one of the country’s key centres for technology scale ups.
“Surrounded by some of our nation’s best companies and brightest talent and supported by a mature and dynamic ecosystem I believe the members of this programme will have a distinct advantage and an increased chance of success.”
Across Scotland more than 1,500 technology companies and nearly 2,100 founders are now involved in the Techscaler programme.
Those businesses receive mentoring, structured education and connections to international markets as they develop and scale.
