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 PXN, Livingston James, Johnston Carmichael and MBM Commerical 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 (GCR).
  • Are an SME (2-249 staff).
  • Operate within one of the following sectors: advanced manufacturing; clean energy; creative; defence; digital and 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

Programme details 

  • 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 Group)
    • 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: 9 February 2026 
  • Applications closed: Mid/late February 2026
  • Applicants notified of application outcome: Mid/late February 2026
    • Workshop 1: Financial Projections and Modelling: Friday 6th March (9:30-12pm )
    • Workshop 2: Building an Investor Pipeline: Friday 6th March (12:30 -3pm)
    • Workshop 3: Understanding Term Sheets: Friday 13th March (9:30-12pm )
    • Workshop 4: Board Governance and Development: Friday 13th March (12:30 -3pm)
  • 1:1 office hours sessions: 1 hour slots Wednesday 18th/Thursday 19th March (all day)
  • Cohort event Thursday 19th March 4:30-6pm 
Apply today

Glasgow City Innovation District Venture Studio Funding 

This project is funded by Glasgow City Council and UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and is delivered in partnership with British Business Bank. 

Funded by UK Government
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