ALL eyes will be on 50 ambitious tech companies who will be pitching for investment in Edinburgh next month after the capital was named the best location in the UK for establishing a technology company.
The accolade came in the Tech Nation 2018 report ahead of Engage, Invest, Exploit (EIE), the international investor event for data-driven innovation.
Edinburgh can boast successes such as Skyscanner and Fanduel, and with the backing of the £1.3 billion Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal, its tech eco-system is continuing to thrive as it aspires to become the Data Capital of Europe.
EIE is now in its eleventh year and has a good track record, having been a springboard for more than 350 companies who have benefited from the investor-ready programme.
They have gone on to raise in excess of £650m, and include the likes of mLED Ltd, Mallzee, and Two Big Ears. Nine of this year’s cohort have now been selected to make an extended pitch at the event at Edinburgh’s McEwan Hall.
Steve Ewing, director of operations at Informatics Ventures, which runs EIE, said: “This year’s cohort of companies range from very early stage to five-plus years, and each of them will use the opportunity to pitch to a room of global investors.
“All of the companies pitching are seeking funding to scale their business and manage growth.”
Among companies taking part in the extended pitch is Amiqus Resolution, whose first product is an encrypted online tool that helps firms to collect, analyse and manage anti-money laundering and compliance information.
Another, Cyan Forensics, is developing rapid digital forensics technology, which would allow police to search a suspect’s digital device for content relating to child sexual exploitation and counter-terrorism investigations.
“Our technology represents a vital step forward for police investigations of this kind, helping them catch dangerous criminals and safeguard victims,” said Cyan.
“The technology also helps internet and social media networks to find and remove dangerous online content.”
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