A tech investor showcase is set to return to Edinburgh next year after a two-year hiatus.
EIE, founded by the University of Edinburgh, will put entrepreneurs and local start-ups and scale-ups in front of an audience of investors on April 30-May 1 next year.
The event will bring together over 130 investors from around the world for two days of networking, discovery, and deal-making with some of Scotland’s most innovative companies.
Established in 2008, EIE connects global investors with Scotland’s thriving tech ecosystem and the country’s most promising globally relevant tech companies of tomorrow. Past EIE events have supported over 540 companies, helping them go on to raise more than $1.5 billion in downstream funding.
The latest Local Digital Index by techUK revealed that the estimated 14,504 companies in Scotland’s tech sector – some 400,000 people – have grown by 2.8 per cent this year and the cumulative growth in tech companies in Scotland had increased by 82% in 10 years.
EIE24, which will be hosted by BBC Scotland’s Innovation Correspondent Laura Goodwin, will take place at iconic Edinburgh locations, including Edinburgh Castle, The John McIntyre Conference Centre and Dynamic Earth on 30th April and 1st May 2024.
Investors can expect two days of networking opportunities and the ability to meet innovative companies, who are providing globally significant solutions.
Duncan Martin, head of entrepreneurship at the University of Edinburgh’s Bayes Centre, said:“We are excited to announce the return of EIE in 2024 with a bold new vision. EIE is a key event in Scotland’s thriving tech scene and in 2024 we are evolving it to become a wider platform, showcasing the best opportunities our ecosystem has to offer to our international investor colleagues.
“Scotland has an incredible tech ecosystem, with innovative high potential companies looking for investment that are ready to deliver global impact. EIE24 will shine a light on investment-ready, high-growth technology companies, as well as start-ups with the potential to scale with the right investors.”
The relaunched EIE24 event is delivered in partnership with the Data Driven Initiative and represents a cornerstone of the region’s £1.3 billion Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal.
Mark Logan, chief entrepreneurial advisor to Scottish Government, said: “I’m delighted to see EIE return to Scotland, in an enhanced and updated format that will comprehensively showcase Scotland’s most exciting and innovative new tech companies to the national and international investor community.”
As well as access to some of the most exciting high-growth companies around, the event will also incorporate insightful discussions and opportunities for attendees to connect with key figures across Scotland’s tech ecosystem.
Registration is now open so investors and companies interested in finding out more about EIE24 can register interest at www.eie-invest.com