Introduction
Strategic partnerships form the backbone of thriving entrepreneurial ecosystems, creating synergies that amplify support for innovative businesses. Scottish EDGE, Scotland's biggest business funding competition, represents a cornerstone of the nation's startup landscape. Funded by the Hunter Foundation, Royal Bank of Scotland, Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise, and private donors, this prestigious competition has supported 712 early-stage Scottish businesses with over £29.6 million in award funding across its bi-annual cycles.
The partnership between Techscaler and Scottish EDGE is strategically significant as it unites Scotland's leading tech scaling platform with the nation's premier funding competition. This collaboration directly aligns with Techscaler's mission to accelerate Scotland's tech ecosystem by ensuring that innovative startups receive comprehensive support - from funding opportunities through Scottish EDGE to the educational programmes and mentorship services that Techscaler provides.
Partnership Objectives
Techscaler and Scottish EDGE share a unified commitment to nurturing and empowering startups across Scotland, providing them with the essential support and resources needed to flourish in today's competitive tech-driven landscape. The partnership's core objectives center on creating a seamless pathway for entrepreneurs to access both funding and scaling expertise.
Key focus areas include cross-promotion of support opportunities available to entrepreneurs, facilitating connections between respective teams to co-develop educational programmes, events, and community resources. The collaboration encompasses providing Scottish EDGE winners with direct access to Techscaler's educational programmes and mentorship services, while early-stage startups engaged with Techscaler receive targeted support to pursue Scottish EDGE funding opportunities.
This strategic alignment supports the broader Scottish Government ambition to cultivate a thriving, interconnected tech ecosystem that spans all regions of Scotland, ensuring no innovative business is left without the comprehensive support needed for sustainable growth.
Activities & Delivery
The partnership delivers tangible value through multiple integrated initiatives that strengthen Scotland's entrepreneurial infrastructure. A flagship element is the Techscaler Sponsored Young EDGE Award, a £15,000 prize specifically designed to support innovative tech businesses with founders under 30, demonstrating the partnership's commitment to nurturing Scotland's next generation of tech entrepreneurs.
Collaborative activities include Techscaler's presence at Scottish EDGE Finals, where the team maintains exhibition stands to connect directly with competition participants and winners. Techscaler colleagues regularly serve on Scottish EDGE judging panels, with team members contributing expertise to evaluate and support emerging businesses. Joint promotional efforts extend to international platforms, exemplified by the collaborative Team Scotland presence at Sifted Summit 2024 in London, alongside Scottish Government and Foras.
Educational delivery includes speaking opportunities at key events, such as Techscaler leadership presenting at Scottish EDGE showcases and hosting a stage at the finals in May 2025. These activities create multiple touchpoints that ensure startups receive comprehensive support spanning funding, education, mentorship, and networking opportunities throughout their growth journey.
Results So Far
The partnership has delivered impressive quantifiable impact, with Scottish EDGE 25 results showcasing remarkable success: 18 winners are Techscaler members, representing combined winnings of £395,000. This demonstrates the effectiveness of Techscaler's preparation and support in developing startup capabilities that translate to success in highly competitive funding scenarios.
The inaugural Techscaler Young EDGE Award was won by Shifted Group, a staffing platform for the hospitality industry founded by University of Glasgow student Cian Smith and Napier University graduate Callum Leith. Their innovative app connects venues needing staff with pre-vetted employees, eliminating traditional agency requirements and paperwork - perfectly exemplifying the type of tech innovation this partnership aims to support.
Notable success stories include case studies from companies like Robotical and Loveelectric, which demonstrate the pathway from Scottish EDGE funding to scaled growth through Techscaler's ongoing support programmes. The partnership's reach extends beyond individual company success, with consistent presence at the last four Scottish EDGE Finals creating networking opportunities and raising awareness of available support resources.
The collaboration's international dimension was highlighted through joint participation in Sifted Summit 2024 in London, positioning Scotland's entrepreneurial ecosystem on the European stage and creating valuable connections for Scottish startups seeking to scale beyond domestic markets.
Partner's Perspective
We asked Scottish EDGE to provide their perspective on our partnership.
Why did Scottish EDGE choose to work with CodeBase?
Scottish EDGE chose to work with CodeBase because of their strong track record in supporting early-stage tech companies and fostering inclusive entrepreneurial communities. Their national footprint and commitment to founder-first support made them a natural fit as a strategic collaborator.
CodeBase has demonstrated an ability to connect founders to meaningful networks, resources, and opportunities. By working with an organisation so embedded in the startup landscape, we can amplify the impact of our funding and ensure our support is both accessible and relevant to a wider range of businesses across Scotland.
How does this collaboration fit into your broader goals?
At Scottish EDGE, our core mission is to identify and accelerate the growth of Scotland’s most innovative and high-potential businesses. This collaboration complements our strategy to deliver not only funding, but also hands-on support, guidance, and community to entrepreneurs navigating the early stages of growth.
Working with CodeBase helps us extend our reach into regional ecosystems, reduce barriers to participation, and build a more connected and resilient pipeline of talent. This fits directly with our aim of strengthening Scotland’s position as a world-class hub for entrepreneurship and innovation.
Testimonials
“Partnering with Scottish EDGE has been an incredible experience. Their team brings unmatched energy, professionalism, and a deep commitment to championing early-stage businesses in Scotland. We’ve seen firsthand how their support helps founders gain momentum, confidence, and vital exposure and we have been thrilled to see so many Techscaler members win the solid financial footings that comes with the EDGE awards. It’s not just about the funding—it’s about being part of a vibrant, supportive ecosystem that truly believes in entrepreneurship. We’re proud to work alongside Scottish EDGE to help the next generation of Scottish startups thrive.” - CodeBase
"At Scottish EDGE, we know that building a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem requires more than just capital, it takes community, collaboration, and consistent support. Collaborating with CodeBase allows us to tap into a trusted network of experienced ecosystem builders who share our passion for empowering founders and driving sustainable, long-term growth across Scotland." - Scottish EDGE
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