Strengthening Scotland’s startup innovation infrastructure

On Thursday evening, Techscaler, delivered by CodeBase on behalf of Scottish Government, shared an early preview of the Techscaler Annual Report 2025 at Water’s Edge in Dundee, bringing together founders, partners and ecosystem leaders to reflect on a year of measurable progress across Scotland’s startup landscape. The gathering also marked the opening of the programme’s new strategic hub at Water’s Edge in Dundee, strengthening the national network that supports founders across every region of the country.

The report reflects how the programme has continued to mature as a national platform for founder capability, investor connectivity and long term economic impact. In 2025, Techscaler sharpened its focus on companies with strong growth potential while continuing to support founders at earlier stages through structured education, mentorship and community networks.

More than 1,500 companies and over 2,000 founders are now engaged in the programme across Scotland. Investor relationships have deepened, international opportunities have expanded and founders are increasingly building globally competitive companies from Scotland.

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These outcomes were reflected in the report’s key impact highlights (cumulative since Techscaler’s launch in 2022):

• 1,591 companies and 2,090 founders supported 

• 1,274 enrolments across Techscaler education programmes 

• 745 companies receiving mentorship through 3,458 mentorship sessions 

• £257.6 million raised by member companies 

• 79 ecosystem partners and seven strategic hubs supporting founders nationwide 

• 80 founders supported through international missions across global markets

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The First Minister of Scotland, John Swinney, addressed guests during the event and reflected on the programme’s growing role within the national economy.

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“Techscaler was created to strengthen Scotland’s entrepreneurial environment by giving founders the skills, support and connections needed to build globally competitive companies. 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.”

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The report’s findings underline how Scotland’s startup ecosystem continues to strengthen through collaboration between founders, investors, industry partners and public institutions.

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Dundee enters its next chapter

Alongside the report preview, the evening marked an important step for the programme’s presence in the Tay Cities region. Techscaler has been active in Dundee in recent years through CyberQuarter, with founders already benefiting from the wider national platform. The new partnership with Water’s Edge now allows the programme to build on those foundations and enter its next chapter with renewed momentum.

The hub provides a dedicated space where founders can access education programmes, expert mentors, investor networks, guidance from Entrepreneurs in Residence, international networks and community connections while remaining closely integrated with the wider Techscaler platform across Scotland.

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Jon Hope, Interim CEO at CodeBase, highlighted the importance of building on the region’s existing strengths.

“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.”

The evening also included a fireside discussion between the First Minister and Chris van der Kuyl CBE, Chair of 4J Studios, exploring how Dundee’s creative and digital industries continue to shape the region’s technology landscape.

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Chris Van der Kuyl reflected on the role the new hub can play within that wider ecosystem.

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“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.”

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Founders already building from the hub

Five companies have already taken up residency in the Dundee hub, representing the depth of creative and technical talent emerging from the region.

The founding cohort includes:

• Umbra Dynamics, led by Marc Williamson, which focuses on remastering and preserving cult classic games for modern platforms.
• Fochram Arts, founded by Chris Fotheringham, developing original game IP and interactive media built on rapid iteration and new technologies.
• Shouty Knot, created by Abertay graduates Ivana Rodrigues and Ellen Dunsmore, a studio driven by storytelling and player connection.
• JBSB Studios, founded by Steven Brison and John Bradley, whose debut game explores renewable energy systems through simulation.
• Fish Tin Games, led by Jamie Steele and James Rodgers, a Dundee based studio developing original horror titles while providing full scale game development services.

During the evening the First Minister met each company, with demonstrations and games showcases highlighting the creativity emerging from Dundee’s growing technology community.

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Building the infrastructure for long term growth

The launch of the Dundee hub reflects the broader direction of the Techscaler programme. Sustainable growth in a startup ecosystem rarely comes from a single company or initiative. It develops through the alignment of place, programme and people working together across the ecosystem.

Techscaler’s national network of hubs, programmes and partnerships continues to strengthen the infrastructure that founders rely on as they build and scale companies.

The launch of the Techscaler Annual Report 2025 and the opening of the Dundee hub both point to the same trajectory. Scotland’s technology ecosystem is becoming more connected, more collaborative and increasingly global in its outlook.

As the programme moves into its next phase, the focus remains on strengthening founder capability, expanding international pathways and ensuring that ambitious companies can build and scale from Scotland with confidence.

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