Jeremy Grant

Scottish technology startups and scaleups increasingly rely on accelerator programmes and awards that provide access to valuable networks rather than just visibility or prestige. Entrepreneurs such as Ewen Wardman of iLivestock and Andy Tipping of Zelim highlight the benefits of mentorship, investor connections and peer exchange gained through schemes led by organisations like KPMG and universities. Academics argue that these networks form a key strength of Scotland’s angel investing ecosystem, with programmes helping firms connect to investors and expertise they would not otherwise reach.