Aberdeenshire-based Indoor Snowsports and Angus-based drone technology solutions company, Skykam are just two of the exciting Scottish businesses to join the latest intake of Elevator’s Accelerators.
A record number of entrepreneurs and start-ups from across the country applied to be part of Elevator's latest accelerator offering.
Over 50 start-ups were selected to join our Flagship programme in Aberdeen and Dundee, together with its Famous Grouse Ideas Centre Creative (FGIC) Accelerator in Perth.
They include Perthshire designer of architectural jewellery, Kate McLaughlin, Mairi Urquhart, a glass artist with a studio in Comrie and Jamie McBrearty the entrepreneur behind YMindset, growth mindset training for leaders, managers and employees – to name a few.
Open to entrepreneurs at any stage of their business the 12-week programmes expose participants – known as Founders – to a vast network of mentors, entrepreneurs and investors to help shape and develop their business ideas.
A core element of the programme is the input of ‘Agitators’ - a pool of busines leaders, experts and professionals from diverse backgrounds. Each works to guide the Founders through their accelerator journey, listening to their business ideas and offering constructive feedback.
Adjusting to running online – in light of the COVID-19 crisis, the current cohorts have benefitted from the opportunity of cross-cohort collaboration and joint sessions delivered by Eureka! Europe, Maucher Jenkins, Dentons and Marsh Commercial.
To date, Elevator has inspired over 430 Founders to fast-track their businesses through its suite of accelerators.
Professor Gary McEwan, Elevator CEO, said: “Nobody could have foreseen what today’s major challenges would look like. The pandemic has massively accelerated the demand for entrepreneurial thinking and start-up activity, both will play a significant role in supporting Scotland’s economic recovery.
“This is our second intake of Founders who have experienced our virtual accelerators this year and whilst it doesn’t get easier, we’re proud of the progress they have made and their resilience when faced with challenging circumstances.
“Scotland is home to such a rich vein of entrepreneurial talent and the pandemic has created a new wave of opportunities. Our Accelerators play a vital role in ensuring each Founder reaches the opportunities and support they need to reach their goals; I am excited to see what our 2021 applicants bring.”
Founders from all three programmes will be presenting their final results during virtual Showcase events throughout December, find out more about each Showcase below: