Fourteen tech founders from Scotland will head to San Francisco this May as part of the third Techscaler Silicon Valley cohort, a flagship international programme delivered by CodeBase on behalf of the Scottish Government. The initiative is designed to give high-potential tech startups from Scotland access to global networks, knowledge, and opportunities.
Running from 12th to 31st May 2025, the three-week immersive experience includes participation in SaaStr Annual, the world’s leading SaaS conference, followed by time in downtown San Francisco at co-working hub Mindspace, where participants will tailor their own schedules of meetings, events, and networking, supported by the Techscaler team and a vibrant peer community.
The Techscaler Silicon Valley cohort is right on the heels of another key Techscaler international programme, Techscaler Japan, which is currently supporting eight promising gaming companies as they engage with one of the world’s most influential gaming markets.
This Techscaler Silicon Valley Spring 2025 cohort reflects the diversity and drive of Scotland’s tech scene. Participating Techscaler members include:
- Arc53: Enterprise AI tools and open-source platform DocsGPT
- danceSing: Digital wellbeing platform for older adults and care homes
- Energy Mutual: Software to optimise distributed energy assets
- ePass: Secure platform for digital licences and credentials
- Fyne Labs: Universal App Studio enabling no-code cross-platform apps
- LingoTeach.ai: AI that compresses teachers’ workloads from 60 minutes to 90 seconds
- LumiAIres: Photonic chips delivering AI with 90% less energy
- MarktoMarket: Data intelligence for private capital markets
- NeuroCreate: Neuroscience-informed AI for workplace productivity and wellbeing
- Practest: Streamlining patient care with automated admin tools
- Pure Purpose: AI and gaming tech for neurodiverse digital therapeutics
- Tethered: A mindfulness app for escapism, relaxation, and sleep
- ThermaFY: Heating efficiency software helping people cut energy bills
- WITR – Who’s In The Room?: Smarter in-person networking events
A Flagship Programme in Motion
Techscaler Silicon Valley has quickly become a cornerstone of Techscaler International, with this third cohort building on the strong foundation of two earlier groups that have already seen significant benefit from the experience.
The first cohort launched in February 2024, bringing 12 startups to San Francisco for up to a month of ecosystem immersion. The second cohort, in August 2024, focused on SaaS startups with a product in market, less than £500k in ARR, and no offices or permanent staff in the US. Participants refined their products, joined hackathons, deepened peer networks, and attended SaaStr to learn how AI is reshaping SaaS globally.
“The experience was surreal. Opportunities were plentiful, and while it took me many months to get the right intros to potential clients in Scotland and London, I nearly doubled the number of those intros within days in the US.”
— Kayla Megan–Burns, Founder, Podplistic (Techscaler Silicon Valley, Second Cohort)
The Techscaler International approach
Techscaler’s International approach exists to unlock the global potential of tech startups from Scotland. Through carefully designed, immersive international programmes, we expose founders to the best startup practices, ecosystems, and mindsets in the world, essential for any company that aspires to compete at the highest level.
The Silicon Valley programme is a prime example. Unlike traditional accelerators, this initiative is founder-led. While Techscaler provides the access, support, and scaffolding, such as onboarding workshops, curated resources, and community-building events, the experience is ultimately shaped by each founder. Participants choose how they spend their time in-market, whether it’s investor meetings, customer discovery, networking, or product refinement.
This approach is intentional. By putting founders in the driver’s seat, we empower them to:
- Connect with peers, customers, and investors from around the world
- Be inspired by the scale and speed of leading global ecosystems
- Build meaningful international relationships without having to relocate
- Showcase innovation from Scotland on a global stage
- Access pathways to market entry, investment, and growth
We’ve seen time and again how international exposure leads to real, tangible benefits: increased ambition, better execution, new market opportunities, and stronger business outcomes.
Voices from the Ecosystem
Barry Leaper, CEO and Founder of LiberEat, a food safety startup that joined last year’s cohort, shared:
“The programme was hugely beneficial for us and directly led to investment from the US, as well as being an invaluable learning experience.”
Anaïs Guillemaud, Head of Scaleup Growth Programmes at CodeBase, added:
“International connections are instrumental to startup growth, leading to economic development through inward investment and job creation. In San Francisco and Silicon Valley, the ecosystem is at such a mature level, there is no language barrier, so meeting investors, customers, and peers happens very organically, supported by attending a world-class conference like SaaStr. The immersive experience will be invaluable for our startups, understanding that if they want to compete internationally, they have to reach the same standard as the best startups worldwide.”
The Bigger Picture
Delivered by CodeBase on behalf of the Scottish Government, Techscaler now supports over 1,400 members across Scotland. By providing education, mentorship, peer-led communities, and flexible workspaces, Techscaler ensures that startups at every stage of the journey have what they need to thrive.
The Silicon Valley programme is more than a trip abroad; it’s a statement of intent. It signals that Scotland is building a globally competitive startup ecosystem, powered by ambitious founders, connected communities, and international opportunity.
To be considered for future cohorts of our international programmes, become a Techscaler member today and keep an eye on our social media channels for announcements.
