A major showcase event for the Scottish technology entrepreneurial ecosystem is back today after a two-year break.
Taking place over two days, EIE24 will bring together around 100 investors from across the UK and beyond with a strong line-up of Scotland's most innovative technology companies seeking investor support, mentorship and guidance to help them scale.
Hosted by BBC Innovation Correspondent Laura Goodwin, EIE24 will take place in the capital’s most prestigious venues including Edinburgh Castle, Dynamic Earth and the University of Edinburgh.
EIE has evolved since its inception in 2008 and today seeks to provide an environment for the ecosystem to connect, build new relationships, and develop existing ones.
Duncan Martin, Lead Executive for EIE24 and Director of Entrepreneurship at The University of Edinburgh’s Bayes Centre, said:
Our role at EIE24 is to develop and grow an environment where authentic connections can happen between founders, investors and ecosystem builders, so everyone’s expectations are aligned and companies receive the support they require to scale. This has been a key driver in planning this year's event.
There is a perception among some investors of a lack of viable, growth-ready companies in Scotland to invest in. We need to help address this - there are many ambitious founders with innovative technologies that could be the next big thing.
EIE24 is more than just a platform for companies to showcase their technology and tell their story - its purpose is to bridge the gap by facilitating those genuine conversations. For investors, it's a unique opportunity to get a curated look at some of the best investment prospects Scotland has to offer, all under one roof. And for founders, it’s an opportunity to show their worth. "
EIE24 features presentations from nearly 30 technology-driven companies spanning sectors including sustainable energy, healthtech, fintech and more. Amongst those presenting are medtech startup Carcinotech, out of the University of Edinburgh’s Centre for Regenerative Medicine, which raised £4.2m earlier this year for its US expansion plans, and earth observation data specialists Earth Blox, out of the School of Geosciences, whose technology supports some of the world’s biggest financial institutions and NGOs.
Dr Andrea Taylor (pictured above), interim CEO of Edinburgh Innovations, will welcome investors to Edinburgh Castle tonight. She said:
Edinburgh Innovations and Old College Capital, the University’s in-house venture investment team, are proud to be part of this important showcase event.
Universities are at the forefront of new ideas, and through business development, company formation and asset creation support, including crucial early investment, we get these ideas out into the world, where they can make a difference. ”
Dr Taylor will introduce Scottish Government’s Wellbeing Economy Secretary Màiri McAllan, who said:
A thriving investment environment is key to Scotland's future economic growth and prosperity. It is vital that investors and business founders have the right conditions to develop partnerships that can help us continue our renowned reputation for entrepreneurship, innovation and sustainable growth.
Since its inception, EIE has played an important role in developing these connections, and EIE24 is an important opportunity for our high-growth Scottish tech start-up ecosystem to showcase its huge potential to national and international investors. ”
Professor Mark Logan, the Chief Entrepreneurial Advisor to the Scottish Government, is also a keynote speaker. He said:
The return of EIE as an in person event is most welcomed and will help to establish and grow relationships.
It’s a key time for the Scottish tech ecosystem, and I am particularly excited to be part of this year’s event. EIE24 has a greater focus on a smaller number of high quality companies, as well as on developing connections between founders and investors, which is vital if we want to encourage investors to return. ”
Previous EIE events have supported over 540 companies, helping them go on to raise more than £1.2 billion in downstream funding.
The relaunched EIE24 event is delivered in partnership with the Data Driven Innovation programme, part of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal.
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