Scottish cyber firms to showcase products to London investors

Beverly Bowles (Head of Cyber at ScotlandIS)

SCOTLANDIS, the trade body and cluster management organisation for Scotland’s digital tech sector, has an exciting opportunity for six Scottish cybersecurity companies to exhibit their products at an international cybersecurity trade show later this year.

Companies with a cybersecurity product that are from Scotland are encouraged to apply for the chance to attend the International Cyber Expo at Olympia London on the 26th and 27th of September.

ScotlandIS is dedicated to fostering the growth and success of Scotland’s cyber businesses through the ScotlandIS cyber cluster. Thanks to funding secured from Scottish Enterprise, the six selected companies will secure a ten-minute pitching slot to showcase their products to potential investors at the prestigious event in London, providing not only networking opportunities with industry professionals, but also invaluable exposure and growth potential for cyber businesses.

The International Cyber Expo 2023 serves as a prime meeting place for cybersecurity, government officials and end-users to connect and source products from the thriving cyber security market. The event offers a unique platform for Scottish companies to connect with key decision-makers and explore wider opportunities.

ScotlandIS offered a similar initiative via their inaugural Cyber Showcase programme in 2022, which saw 12 cyber companies undergo a six-week coaching schedule before pitching their business to a room of investors and buyers. 

This project was developed due to poor levels of investment into the Scottish cyber market and aimed to encourage investors to set their sights on the innovation happening North of the border. ScotlandIS recognised that despite several positive outcomes for the participants, drawing investors out of London remains a challenge. 

This opportunity aims to help tackle this problem, by bringing the country’s innovative cyber product companies from Scotland to London and giving investors in London just a small taste of the exciting things that are happening here. It is hoped that this will encourage investors to want to make the journey across the border and stimulate engagement with the Scottish market.

The six chosen companies will once again undergo dedicated coaching sessions from a public speaking expert to prepare for the final pitch in London. The International Cyber Expo 2023 serves as a prime meeting place for cybersecurity leaders, government officials and end-users to connect and source products from the thriving cybersecurity market. The event offers a platform for Scottish companies to connect with key decision-makers and explore wider opportunities.

Beverly Bowles, Head of Cyber at ScotlandIS, said “We learned from last year’s Cyber Showcase programme that it remains difficult to tempt London investors to Scotland to reap the benefits of the pioneering products our companies offer. Attending the International Cyber Expo allows us to take our best and brightest cyber products directly to the investors and show them why this is the future of the industry.”

“I am delighted that we can offer this opportunity to highlight the remarkable talent that Scotland possesses within the cybersecurity space. The participants will gain significant exposure to potential investors and buyers in different markets, opening doors to possibility for further growth to scale their product offering.”

To be eligible to apply, companies must have a cybersecurity product, be based or registered in Scotland, and be actively seeking investment.

Applications for this exciting opportunity are now open and companies are invited to complete the application form, with the finalists being selected by an external panel of judges.

The deadline for applications is midday on Monday, August 14th 2023.

For more information and to apply, please visit the ScotlandIS website.

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