Six Scottish cyber firms will get the chance to exhibit at a London industry expo thanks to support from Scotland’s tech trade body.
ScotlandIS will support the companies to take a presence at the International Cyber Expo in September after securing funding from Scottish Enterprise.
The delegation will travel to the capital’s Olympia venue for the event on 26 and 26 September, which features leading speakers from the private and public sectors.
The selected companies will secure a ten-minute pitching slot to showcase their products to potential investors at the event, providing not only networking opportunities with industry professionals, but also 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 cybersecurity 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 a taste of the Scottish market. 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.