Funding your Startup - From Bootstrapping to Seeking Investment

This September we've put together a panel of entrepreneurs and investors to share their experiences with different funding routes. Is it the great debate? Bootstrapping vs Seeking Investment? Discover which path might be right for you. Whether you're navigating the early days of your startup or looking to raise your next round, this event is packed with actionable advice, insider tips, and real-world experiences. Don’t miss this chance to learn from those who’ve been in your shoes!

It's been quite a few years for all of us and at Startup Grind Scotland we’ve loved using our platform to bring people together to share ideas, spark conversation, and bring a sense of familiarity since we started way back in 2014. It's our 10th anniversary this year, so plenty of reasons to make it extra special.

🗣[Speaker Stories]

Oli Norman is the founder and CEO of itison, a company connecting 1.5 million members with 5,000 local businesses. Known for creating incredible experiences like GlasGLOW and Elfingrove, Oli also operates seven of Glasgow’s top hospitality venues. With a team of 250 and a spot in the Sunday Times Top 100 employers, Oli is passionate about fun work environments and giving back through itison us, which supports local charities and communities.

Evelyn McDonald is the CEO of Scottish EDGE, a competition that has invested over £26.5 million in 635 of Scotland’s most promising startups, including Ooni, Beer52, and Current Health. Under her leadership, Scottish EDGE introduced revolving loan funds, mentoring, and business support, transforming it into a powerhouse for early-stage entrepreneurs. Evelyn’s extensive experience includes her work with the Prince’s Trust and her role as Chair of the Scottish Design Exchange, solidifying her as a key figure in Scotland’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Allan Cannon is the CEO and Co-Founder of Krucial, an award-winning digital tech company that uses satellite, IoT, and analytics to help organizations drive digital transformation. With over $10M raised in global investment, Allan brings 20+ years of expertise in space and defence, leading high-tech projects and mentoring the next generation of space entrepreneurs through initiatives like Creative Destruction Lab and Techscaler.

Garry Boyle is a Senior Venture Associate at Sustainable Ventures, a venture fund based in London that boasts one of the largest communities of climate tech startups in the world. Since 2011, Sustainable Ventures has supported over 800 companies, helping them raise over £1.1Bn in investment and creating over 6500 green jobs. Garry's experience includes being a founder in Scotland and 4 years spent working for Innovate UK, where he helped startups in London access around £40m in funding and finance.

Agenda:

1. Welcome and Networking

2. Let's Get Talking - Panel Session

3. An open mic session where any attendee is free to speak their mind or ask for a piece of advice (60-seconds each) from the community and receive feedback.

4. A networking session in which attendees talk to each other freely over some drinks and delicious food. There's no Startup Grind event where you don't leave with new friends and exciting connections.

Spaces will be limited to save your spot now, prepare your on-stage 'ask' and join us for our next event!

Why attend?

- Is it the great debate? Bootstrapping vs Seeking Investment

- Share an ask or a project you’re excited about with the community open mic

- Share reflections on the year and discuss your upcoming aspirations and goals

- Get advice from industry experts

- Catch up with friends and make new ones

- Free drinks and delicious food from our brilliant local partners Naked Kimchi

What you need to know:

What: Funding Your Startup: From Bootstrapping to Seeking Investment

When: Wednesday 25th September

Time: 6.00pm - 8:30pm

Where: CT, Second Floor, 201 West George Street, Glasgow, G2 2LW

We are delighted to be hosted by CT for this event. CT are entrepreneurial business advisers and tax experts, with unrivalled knowledge of the Scottish investment and startup market. They are there every step of the way, giving support to help take start-ups to the next level, work with investors, and structure their businesses.