Impact

Investment Lab - GCID Venture Studio Programme for SMEs raising investment

The Glasgow City Innovation District Venture Studio, in partnership with the British Business Bank, has launched a new business support programme for SMEs in the Glasgow City Region who are looking to raise investment.

The Venture Studio Investment Lab aims to provide practical, professional support from industry experts including Livingston James, Johnston Carmichael and MBM Commercial to early-stage technology companies preparing for equity fundraising.

Why apply?

The programme will:

Equip participating companies with the knowledge and tools required to access investment or make informed decisions about financing options;
Strengthen the investor readiness of each company across financials, governance and narrative development;
Provide a clear view of the investor journey and key milestones required to progress towards a successful funding round; and
Provide opportunity to make connections across the investment community.

Apply today

Who can apply?

The programme will support participants who:

Are based within the Glasgow City Region.
Are an SME with 2-249 staff.
Operate within one of the following sectors: advanced manufacturing; clean energy; creative; defence; digital & tech; financial services; life sciences; and professional and business services.
Are raising investment in the next 12 months.
Have previously raised a minimum funding value of £200,000 via equity, debt or grant funding, and / or have annual recurring revenues (ARR) of £100,000 or more.
Can attend all of the workshops and activities in-person in Glasgow, details below within the timeline section.

Find out more

What does the programme involve?

Four half day in-person workshops in Glasgow delivered by leading experts on key topics to prepare you for investment:
- Workshop 1: Financial Projections and Modelling (Johnston Carmichael)
- Workshop 2: Building an Investor Pipeline (PXN)
- Workshop 3: Understanding term sheets (MBM Commercial)
- Workshop 4: Board Governance and Development (Livingston James)

A 1:1 office hours session with a GCID ecosystem expert to provide bespoke advice and provide connections to key investment opportunities.
A cohort networking event at the conclusion of the programme.

Timeline

Applications open: 27 March 2026
Applications closed: 13 April 2026
Applicants notified of application outcome: Mid/late April 2026
Programme workshops:
- Workshop 1: Financial Projections and Modelling: Monday 27th April (9.30am-12pm)
- Workshop 2: Building an Investor Pipeline: Monday 27th April (12.30pm-3pm)
- Workshop 3: Understanding Term Sheets: Thursday 30th April (9.30am-12pm)
- Workshop 4: Board Governance and Development: Thursday 30th April (12.30pm-3pm)
1:1 office hours sessions: 1 hour slots Tuesday 5th May and Wednesday 6th May (all day)
Cohort get-together: Wednesday 6th May (4.30pm-6pm)