In April, a host of Scotland’s brightest tech entrepreneurs will travel to the US as part of the FutureX Silicon Valley Accelerate programme.

Now in its sixth year, the programme gives startup founders access to the Silicon Valley startup ecosystem, helping to boost engagement and relations between the two sectors.

This year’s cohort will include Andrew Parfery, co-founder of healthtech startup Care Sourcer, LearnBright’s Stephen Elliot, Biswajit Roy from Nuvven, and time2dine co-founder Florin Mandache.

DIGIT caught up with Scott Weir, founder of Pillow Property Partners, to discuss the inspiration behind the startup, future ambitions and what the Accelerate programme could produce for this dynamic young company.

Pillow is an online travel agent and property management company that matches holiday home owners with guests from around the world. The firm helps to develop hands-off businesses for a host of clients while enabling them to maximise income and free up time.

Tell us a bit about yourself, Scott

My background is property and I have been a landlord since the age of 17, where I set up my first management company in 2005.  I am from South West Scotland and have a BA in Management, MBA and several industry-specific qualifications. I have won various entrepreneurial awards since founding the business.  

What inspired you to create Pillow Property Partners?

Since being in the residential lettings market for more than two decades, I have seen that sector change massively.

These changes, mixed in with technological advances and shifting customer demographics, meant that it was the ideal time to launch Pillow. Five years earlier and it would not have been possible, and a few years later and we would have had a massive challenge in a saturated market.  

How has the company developed over time?

We are just over three years old and have grown from concept to multi-million-pound company in this short time – from zero properties under management to more than 1,000.

We have now outgrown our offices and are in the process of relocating to an amazing new space that will support our growth and has space for 50 team members, media studios and training studios.

What have been the biggest challenges the company has faced so far, and how have you overcome these?

Team. It is definitely finding and training the right talent. Being a self-funding startup, we could not pay amazing wages to start so we had to attract people willing to take a chance with us and grow with us.

What have been the biggest challenges for you on a personal level during this journey?

Making the transition from the small business owner mindset to one of running a large UK wide company. Every day I learn new skills and my mindset has changed massively in a short period of time.

What are your ambitions personally and for the firm looking ahead?

All my aspirations are business focused! As well as continuing our expansion across the UK, the end of 2019 will see our expansion into international markets. 2020 will be the start of Pillow Hotels where we will be launching our own branded accommodation in the sector throughout the UK.

What do you hope to gain from the Silicon Valley trip with FutureX?

Having been 100% self-funded so far, investment is not our primary objective. The trip for me will be to gain insights, experience and contacts to make Pillow the strongest company it can be. Connections to help us establish our Scottish hotel chain and link to American markets would be amazing.

Why are initiatives such as these important for providing opportunities to entrepreneurs and startups?

Scotland is an amazing country for entrepreneurship and has a great infrastructure. However, experiencing the culture of Silicon Valley, and that of America, will massively change my mindset, outlook and creativity. I will come back home invigorated and buzzing with inspiration, as I’m sure any entrepreneur would.