A free eight-week investment readiness programme to help early-stage founders has opened for applications.
Round One is designed to equip those who join the programme with the tools, networks and confidence to raise their first round of £150,000+.
It is led by Ecosystem Builders Network and Sun & Planet in partnership with the RBS Accelerator and supported by The Scottish Government Ecosystem Fund.
Round One will bring together 10 high-potential pre-seed startups from across Scotland for intensive, in-person support from experienced founders, investors and industry experts.
The programme responds to a critical funding gap in Scotland’s startup landscape.
“Far too many talented founders in Scotland are missing out on the investment they need, not because their ideas aren’t strong, but because they haven’t had access to the right networks, knowledge and preparation,” said Bruce Walker, founder of Ecosystem Builders.
“Round One is here to change that, levelling the playing field and helping founders raise with confidence.”
Participants will benefit from:
- Weekly expert-led workshops on fundraising strategy, financial modelling, investor outreach, and deal negotiation.
- One-to-one mentoring and pitch coaching.
- Connections with active pre-seed investors across the UK and Europe.
- A flagship Demo Day to showcase their business to investors, corporates, and the media.
Alex Rowe, programme lead and founder of Sun & Planet, added: “Round One is built for founders, by founders. We’re taking the lived experiences of people who’ve successfully raised millions and putting them in the room with entrepreneurs who are just starting their funding journey. It’s about real-world advice from those that have been there and done it, not just theory.”
Eligibility
- Scotland-based startups that are post-concept with an MVP, prototype or first version of their product/service (can be pre- or post-revenue)
- Raised less than £100,000 to date.
- Aiming to raise at least £250,000 equity investment in the next 12-18 months
- Founders must commit fully to the 8-week programme.
- Priority given to underrepresented founders including women, minority ethnic, disabled, neurodiverse, and rural entrepreneurs.
Applications opened on 18 August and close on www.ecosystembuilders.network/round-one. The programme runs from early October to late November 2025 in Edinburgh and Glasgow.For more information and to apply, visit www.ecosystembuilders.network/round-one
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