Startup First Steps

Startup First Steps was a Techscaler accelerator course for early stage tech startup founders looking to develop a tech startup idea to launch.

What was Techscaler Startup First Steps?

Startup First Steps was a practical course, designed for startup founders in Scotland at  the early stages of their startup journey with the goal of getting a first version of their product into the market.

After two years, and three cohorts of Startup First Steps, the Techscaler team have used the extensive feedback from previous participants, course contributors and partner feedback to design a refreshed educational offering to early stage members, Techscaler Catalyst. There will be no more cohorts of Startup First Steps.

You can see an overview of programme learnings that have led to the programme redesign in the Techscaler Annual Report 2024 (see pages 23 and 24).

What does Techscaler Catalyst mean for previous participants of Startup First Steps

Startup First Steps, and member feedback, is the basis of the design of Catalyst.

There will be an overlap of content between First Steps and Catalyst, but the content has been updated, and reformatted, with additional content added.

Previous participants of First Steps are very welcome to enrol in Catalyst should they decide that it is a valuable use of time, however, having already completed an early-stage course through Techscaler, our team would be keen to catch up to understand what has been a blocker for you in making progress.

See more from Startup First Steps Alumni

Showcase Video • January 8, 2025

Startup First Steps Showcase: Autumn '24 Cohort

Techscaler Startup First Steps alumni and Techscaler partners and mentors gathered at Platform in Glasgow to celebrate the successes of Techscaler members who took part in the course.

Blog Post • November 7, 2024

Launching WITR App Through Techscaler, Craig Somerville is Making Networking Efficient

Craig Somerville, with Techscaler’s support, launches WITR, a networking app that streamlines event connections by syncing LinkedIn profiles via QR codes.

Showcase Video • April 15, 2024

Startup First Steps Showcase: Winter '24 Cohort

The showcase for the Techscaler Startup First Steps Winter '24 cohort took place at the YOTEL Edinburgh on Thursday 28th March 2024. In this video, hear from course participants and the team.

Showcase Video • July 12, 2023

Startup First Steps Showcase: Spring '23 Cohort

The Spring '23 Cohort of Techscaler's Startup First Steps course came together at The Scotsman Hotel for a showcase of everything they had achieved over the past 10 weeks.

Join Techscaler

If our education courses are of interest to you, apply for Techscaler membership. Membership is for people working in startups who are at all stages of the startup journey, from ideation through to scaling phase, based in Scotland, and with ambitions to grow their business. Fill in the application form and Team Techscaler will get back to you as soon as possible to let you know your suitability for Techscaler membership and benefits available to you.

You can also keep up to date with our tech events and sign up to receive the latest news from Techscaler and the Scottish tech ecosystem.