Scottish tech leaders will make their way to the world’s most successful technology hub next month, travelling to San Francisco and the wider Bay Area for three weeks to engage with investors, potential customers, and peers for the latest instalment of Techscaler Silicon Valley.

Fourteen founders of tech startups and scaleups across Scotland will take part in the programme between 12th and 31st May, including time based at the Mindspace coworking facility in downtown San Francisco, and attendance at the annual SaaStr conference.

Billed as the world’s number one cloud computing gathering and focused on software as a service (SaaS) startups, SaaStr Annual will see the Scottish cohort rub shoulders with over 800 venture capitalists and around 300 speakers from the world’s top SaaS and AI companies.

“In San Francisco and Silicon Valley, the ecosystem is at such a mature level, there is no language barrier, so meeting investors, customers, and peers happens very organically, supported by attending a world-class conference like SaaStr,” said Anais Guillemaud, head of scaleup growth programmes at CodeBase, which runs the Techscaler programme.

“The immersive experience will be invaluable for our startups, understanding that if they want to compete internationally, they have to reach the same standard as the best startups worldwide.”

The companies selected for the third iteration of Techscaler Silicon Valley are: 

• Arc53 delivers tailored machine learning solutions for enterprises, helping businesses optimise operations, insights, and efficiencies. 
• danceSing is a digital wellness platform delivering music and wellbeing expertise to older adults and care home residents. 
• Energy Mutual is an energy software company helping owners of distributed energy assets maximise performance and reduce downtime. 
• ePass is a cloud-based platform enabling the public and private sectors to digitise licenses, certifications, and identity passes. 
• Fyne Labs enables app development and deployment across desktop and mobile platforms without the need for coding expertise. 
• LingoTeach allows teachers to complete one hour workloads in 90 seconds.
• LumiAIres develops photonic processors designed to cut energy use by up to 90%
• MarktoMarket is a data platform built to provide world-class intelligence and connections to advisers, investors, and corporates operating in SME markets.
• NeuroCreate integrates the Future of Work and healthcare by building neuroscience-informed AI-augmented workflow tools. 
• Practest automates administrative tasks for NHS GPs in the UK.
• Pure Purpose utilises AI and gaming technology to develop digital therapeutics to support neurodiverse individuals. 
• Tethered, a mindfulness app aimed at escapism, relaxation, and sleep, inspired by “the serenity of Scotland”. 
• ThermaFY develops heating efficiency software to help people reduce energy bills. 
• WITR – Who’s In The Room?, developing a lightweight in-person networking tool.

So far, twenty-five Scottish tech leaders have participated in Techscaler Silicon Valley to date.  In February 2024, twelve startups made their way to San Franscico for a month of ecosystem immersion, while an August/September 2024 cohort focused on SaaS startups with a product in market, less than £500k in ARR, and no offices or permanent staff in the US. 

Participants refined their products, joined hackathons, deepened peer networks, and attended SaaStr to learn how AI is reshaping SaaS globally, with some already going on to secure investment and contacts stemming from the programme.

Barry Leaper, CEO and founder of Aberdeen-based LiberEat, a startup automating error detection in the global food supply chain, who participated in Techscaler Silicon Valley last year, said: “The programme was hugely beneficial for us and directly led to investment from the US, as well as being an invaluable learning experience.”

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Techscaler Silicon Valley has become a cornerstone of Techscaler International, with this third cohort building on the strong foundation of the two earlier groups that have already seen significant benefit from the experience.

This third Techscaler Silicon Valley cohort is on the heels of another key Techscaler International programme, Techscaler Japan, which is currently supporting eight promising gaming companies as they engage with one of the world’s most influential gaming markets. 

“From Singapore to Japan and now a third wave of companies travelling to Silicon Valley, the international Techscaler programme is providing Scotland’s start-up companies with considerable opportunities to unlock further investment, develop new commercial partnerships and drive and showcase their businesses on a global stage,” said deputy first minister, Kate Forbes.

“The programme has already generated tangible, positive outcomes for past participants, and I know the companies visiting Silicon Valley next month will seize the opportunity to collaborate with some of the biggest names in industry and take their business to the next level.”