🏄‍♀️ SEIS Remains, New NZTC Accelerator, Innovate UK Reverses Decision

But mostly dozens of events happening in the next few weeks

Here's your Campfire for the 9th of September, 2024. Not a lot of updates this week, which works because there sure are a bunch of events happening!

💼 Want to create template legal agreements in minutes for free? Check out what Shepherd and Wedderburn making available for Campfire readers below in the ‘Asks and Offers section’. Also follow the Start to Scale LinkedIn page for useful videos and posts designed to help founders.

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🌊 Updates

🏛️The Labour government has decided to extend the SEIS and other startup support programs until 2035, providing tax relief for early-stage investments. It includes the continuation of schemes like the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and the Venture Capital Trust (VCT), which are considered pretty important for UK startups. DGT

💰 Innovate UK got into hot water last week when it seemingly withheld grant funding to women founders and has reversed its decision. Initially, only 25 out of 1,400 applicants received funding despite there being allocated 50 pots of up to £75k each. Following public pressure, and questions around the seemingly high cost of judging the competition, Innovate UK acknowledged its mistake, apologised, and restored the funding. Questions remain about how the funds were suddenly made available after the backlash, raising concerns about fairness and transparency in the decision-making process. DGT

📌 The Net Zero Technology Centre (NZTC) is now open for applications for its 2025 TechX Clean Energy Accelerator. Start-ups can apply for a spot in the program, with each of the 10 selected companies eligible for up to £50,000 in funding (which could be grant or an advanced subscription agreement) from a total pool of £500,000. The accelerator also offers mentorship, technology development guidance, and commercial growth support to help scale promising clean energy ventures. NZTC is seeking applications from companies at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) three to six, focusing on low carbon hydrogen, CCUS and methane capture, renewable energy, or alternative fuels. IN

📣 Asks & Offers

🚨Start to Scale by Shepherd and Wedderburn is offering eligible subscribers of Campfire exclusive access to their ‘Start to Scale Hub’ which helps companies create template legal agreements in minutes for free. To learn more and request access click here.

📢 Una Watch is hiring! Una Watch, an innovative start-up focused on creating a unique, modular, repairable, and upgradeable GPS running watch, is hiring a Digital Marketing Manager. As they prepare for their Kickstarter launch in early 2025, they’re looking for someone to lead their digital marketing efforts. Interested candidates should send their CV and cover letter to admin@unawatch.com. For more details, click here.

🥃 Are you a problem-solver driven by curiosity and a passion for your work? Do you thrive on deep, meaningful conversations and value fostering long-lasting relationships? Do you love whisky? If so, we invite you to become a founding member of Dram & Discourse. Learn more here

🦅 Barclays Eagle Labs launched their new Eagle Labs Academy, funded by the UK Government. The Academy provides access to free learning content and entrepreneurship training from different sources. Aiming for those starting their journey to those wanting to scale. Aside from the content, Eagle Labs has partnerships and access opportunities with the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology, and their Demo Directory. Find out more here.

👭 Interested in connecting with possible co-founders? Fill in your listing on Cofounder Curious today! Connect with others for possible cofounder matching here.

👷Are you hiring? Send us a blurb and we’ll include it in the next newsletter!

✍️ Want to write something for Campfire? Have an opinion you'd like to share? get in touch!

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📅 Events

🤝 09/09, 18:30 🗺️ Inverness: Inverness Tech Meetup: Whether you're a seasoned professional, tech-curious, or attending for the first time, whether you're seeking new contacts, eager to learn from others, or ready to share your expertise—please book a ticket now, as places are limited. MORE INFO

🗣 10/09, 11:00 🗺️ Dundee: Dundee Presentation Club: Join us in the Abertay cyberQuarter for a chance to practice your pitches and public speaking in a friendly, supportive setting. MORE INFO

🚀 10/09, 18:30 🗺️ Glasgow: September Meetup - Volunteering in tech and Personal Sites with Astro: Our talks are geared towards introducing members of our community, to facilitate networking, mentorship, learning and collaboration. People with all levels of technical expertise are welcome. MORE INFO

🛡️ 11/09, 08:30 🗺️ Glasgow: Scot-Secure West 2024 – Cyber Security Summit: Scot-Secure West‘s programme is focussed on improving awareness and best practice through shared learning: highlighting emerging threats, new research and changing adversarial tactics, and examining practical ways to improve resilience, detection and response. MORE INFO

👩🏻‍💻 11/09, 12:00 🗺️ Aberdeen: Developing Standard Work Methods: Learn to think lean as we support you through the development of a continuous improvement plan aligned with energy transition priorities. MORE INFO

🤖 11/09, 17:00 🗺️ Aberdeen: Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs): This event aims to bring together business owners of non-technical business looking to understand how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can optimise business operations, improve customer engagement, and create new insights. MORE INFO

⛓ 11/09, 17:00 🗺️ Edinburgh: Blockchain Scotland Meetup: ​Welcome to the Monthly Blockchain Scotland Meetup at the Bayes Centre in Edinburgh. The event takes place at the ground floor in G.03. MORE INFO

🚀 11/09, 17:15 🗺️ Glasgow: Space Sector Drinks Reception from Shepherd and Wedderburn: Following the day’s events at Space Comm Expo Scotland, we would be delighted if you could join us at a drinks reception being held at the Red Sky Bar, Radisson RED, Glasgow. There will be a chance to network and catch up over some drinks and canapés. Spaces are limited so please RSVP by clicking the button below. MORE INFO

♻️ 11/09, 17:30 🗺️ Edinburgh: Saving the World with the Circular Economy by The Melting Pot: The first in our debut series of Social Impact Speaker events sponsored by Charisma Charity Recruitment, ‘Saving the World with the Circular Economy’ will explore the contributions of members of our social innovation ecosystem working towards a brighter future with a circular economy mindset embedded within it. MORE INFO

🤖 11/09, 17:30 🗺️ Edinburgh: Data Science + AI Meetup: Inside Vector Databases + AI for Drug Discovery The Edinburgh community meetup for all things Data Science - join us at Codebase to learn about how Vector Databases work from Weaviate's Developer Educator and Edinburgh local JP Hwang. We'll also hear from Rohan Gorantla about how AI is being applied to drug discovery in academia. MORE INFO

🌞 12/09, 08:30 🗺️ Perth: Perth Tech Mornings: Open to everyone, join us in the Famous Grouse Ideas Centre in Perth Creative Exchange to connect with members of the local tech community. Come for a coffee, networking and build connections. MORE INFO

🚀 12/09, 10:30 🗺️ Perth: Perth Coworking Day: Join us at the Famous Grouse Ideas Centre in Perth Creative Exchange for a day of free coworking. This is a great opportunity to connect with the regional tech and business community, use the excellent facilities available and get an extra dose of Friday motivation. MORE INFO

💼 12/09, 12:00 🗺️ Online: Selling Your Business Masterclass: Do you have a business succession plan? Join our free webinar to learn about selling your business to an employee ownership trust. MORE INFO

👥 12/09, 12:30 🗺️ Edinburgh: Mindful NetWalking in the park: Join this Mindful Netwalking experience: Meet other Founders, enjoying the healthy way to network, inspired by a gentle walk. MORE INFO

🔌 12/09, 17:00 🗺️ Stornoway: Unplugged - Stornoway - Hybrid: Open to everyone, CodeBase Unplugged is a networking event for professionals working in, or interested in, tech startups. Join us for some conversation, short talks and light refreshments. We’ll have a session on the opportunities available through the Techscaler programme. MORE INFO

🍺 12/09, 18:30 🗺️ Edinburgh: Edinburgh - Small99's People, Planet, Pint™: Sustainability Meetup: Pop down to your local People Planet Pint meetup to find more about what's going on locally with sustainability and how you can get involved. MORE INFO

💻 13/09, 09:30 🗺️ Online: Online Coworking Session - Week 1: Join our virtual coworking session and experience a productive and collaborative work environment from the comfort of your own space! In this online gathering, participants will have the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, discuss and decide on a specific task or project to accomplish during the day. MORE INFO

♻️ 16/09, 12:00 🗺️ Online: Clean Energy Transition Partnership 2024 Research & Innovation Funding Call: Join this webinar and learn about the 2024 CETP funding call, with funding across ten areas that support the energy transition. MORE INFO

👥 16/09, 18:00 🗺️ Edinburgh: Startup Founders Meetup - September 2024: ​Each month, we'll have a combination of tactical fireside chats with experienced entrepreneurs and plenty of opportunities to network with other founders, potential cofounders, and investors. MORE INFO

🚀 17/09, 12:00 🗺️ Aberdeen: AccelerateHER + Techscaler Meetup: Aberdeen: This Meetup will be a space for women and non-binary founders, of all industries, to come together, hear inspiring stories from fellow founders, and connect for ongoing peer-support. The mission of AccelerateHER is to accelerate growth for UK female founders to scale companies, access investment and be visible to inspire others. MORE INFO

🤝 17/09, 12:00 🗺️ Dunfermline: Dunfermline Founders Meetup: Join us for our Dunfermline Founders meetup! Open to all entrepreneurs, founders, and everyone involved with tech startups in Dunfermline and further across Fife. Come along and meet other founders and members of the CodeBase team. MORE INFO

🍃 17/09, 13:00 🗺️ Online: How to Assess your Product’s (or Service) Carbon Impact: Interested in the net zero credentials for your product or service? Join our free webinar and learn how to quantity the carbon benefits. MORE INFO

♻️ 17/09, 13:30 🗺️ Glasgow: Corporate Connections Sustainability Showcase: Barclays Eagle Labs are helping corporates to find faster solutions to some of the challenges they're facing by harnessing the innovation and agility of startups. In this showcase you will hear from founders, demonstrating sustainable solutions to aid potential challenges across your organisation. The event will include a networking arcade featuring exhibitions and prototypes with the innovators showcasing across the stages. MORE INFO

⚡ 18/09, 12:00 🗺️ Online: Scottish Enterprise Clean Heat Strategic Workforce Development Fund: Are you looking to diversify into the Clean Heat Market, join this Webinar learn about the Clean Heat Strategic Workforce Development Fund. MORE INFO

🔌 18/09, 16:00 🗺️ Montrose: Unplugged Montrose: Open to everyone, CodeBase Unplugged is a networking and information session for those involved with or interested in tech startups. It will be a great opportunity to meet others in the local tech and business community and hear about the support for buildling tech startups offered by CodeBase through the Scottish Government's Techscaler programme. We hope to see you there! MORE INFO

🍺 18/09, 19:00 🗺️ Aberdeen: Aberdeen - Small99's People, Planet, Pint™: Sustainability Meetup: Pop down to your local People Planet Pint meetup to find more about what's going on locally with sustainability and how you can get involved. MORE INFO

⛺ 19/09, 09:00 🗺️ Aberdeen: Ideation Bootcamp Programme | Aberdeen: ​Join us for an intensive 3-day bootcamp designed to empower BAME entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge to launch successful startups. Whether you have an existing idea or are seeking inspiration, this event will help you refine your concept and develop a solid foundation for your business. MORE INFO

💼 19/09, 12:00 🗺️ Online: The Employee Ownership Transition: A Deep Dive: Do you want to learn more about the employee ownership trust process? Attend our deep dive interactive workshop to find out more. MORE INFO

🗝️ 19/09, 17:30 🗺️ Edinburgh: Product Therapy Night: Sharing Stories & Solving Challenges: Need a space to vent, share, and learn? Welcome to our first Product Therapy Night—a casual, open forum where product people come together to discuss the highs, lows, and everything in between. Whether you're struggling with stakeholder alignment, juggling too many priorities, or celebrating a recent win, this is your safe space. MORE INFO

🍽️ 19/09, 18:00 🗺️ Edinburgh: Turing Fest Founders Dinners: Where founders & execs of product startups relax together and connect with peers over food and drinks. MORE INFO

🌃 19/09, 18:00 🗺️ Glasgow: FuckUp Nights Glasgow Vol.2: Join us for FuckUp Nights Glasgow Vol. 2, where inspiring speakers will share their stories of professional failures and the valuable lessons they’ve learned. It’s an evening of honesty, growth, and surprises that you won’t want to miss! MORE INFO

🍹 19/09, 18:00 🗺️ Dundee: Dundee & Tayside Founders Mixer: Join us for our Dundee & Tayside founders mixer! Open to everyone involved with tech startups in the region. Come along and try a selection of amazing cheeses from The Cheesery and meet other founders and members of the CodeBase team. MORE INFO

🌐 20/09, 09:30 🗺️ Edinburgh: Internationalisation: Attracting international investors and customers: YCF's annual conference will be exploring the topic of growing young companies by accessing international markets and investors. MORE INFO

🚀 21/09, 10:00 🗺️ Edinburgh: Makers gonna make: If you have a side project or app idea you want to work on but struggle with time or motivation, this monthly event might be for you. It's a space for indie makers to build, hack, and tinker together, with the chance to present your work to a supportive community that values honest feedback and accountability. The goal is to create something from nothing and share it with the world. MORE INFO

📝 23/09, 16:30 🗺️ Online: Access to Finance: Join our free webinar and hear from a panel of experts as they explain the funding available to you and your business. MORE INFO

🦅 24/09, 10:00 🗺️ Aberdeen: Eagle Has landed - Barclays Eagle labs September Drop in Clinic: Drop in and let’s have an open discussion about your business goals and ambition and learn more about how your ecosystem manager here at Eagle Labs can support you and your business here at One Tech Hub. MORE INFO

🌎 24/09, 12:00 🗺️ Edinburgh: Edinburgh International Connectivity and Expansion Roundtable Discussion: Join us for an exclusive roundtable discussion featuring CEOs, entrepreneurs, and academics passionate about international expansion. MORE INFO

🏦 25/09, 08:30 🗺️ Edinburgh: Fintech Summit 2024 – Financial Technology Conference: The conference will reflect on the evolution of financial technology against this backdrop of volatility; considering the key trends, challenges and market disruptions, and discussing the opportunity for Fintech to help customers manage the cost of living crisis and help the country to build back better. MORE INFO

🩺 25/09, 11:00 🗺️ Dundee: Barclays Eagle labs at MSIP September Drop-in Clinic 2024: Drop in, Relax and let’s have an open discussion about your business goals and ambition and learn more about how your ecosystem manager here at Barclays Eagle Labs can support you and your business here at MSIP. MORE INFO

🌐 25/09, 12:00 🗺️ Glasgow: Glasgow International Connectivity and Expansion Roundtable Discussion: Join us for an exclusive roundtable discussion featuring CEOs, scale-up entrepreneurs, and academic experts passionate about international expansion. This event will delve into the strategies and challenges of building international connectivity and achieving successful global expansion led by Open University and TIN Ventures in the lead up to the launch of their Business Export Exchange Programme. MORE INFO

💡 25/09, 15:30 🗺️ Kirkcaldy: Lightbulb Sessions: Fife Creative Tech Workshop and Meetup: The Lightbulb Sessions are monthly workshops looking at a different aspects of data driven theatre: From exploring what data driven tech is and how you could/should use it, to IP and contracts, from finding and commissioning technologists, to designing inclusivity and accessibility into new tech, to thinking about security and ecologically responsible tech. MORE INFO

🤝 25/09, 18:00 🗺️ Edinburgh: Entrepreneurs Social Club (ESC) - September 2024: Welcome to our monthly Entrepreneurs Social Club (ESC) gathering! Skip the talks, presentations and lectures - in favour of going straight to the bar, where real connections are made! MORE INFO

🏆 25/09, 18:30 🗺️ Edinburgh: Scottish Financial Technology Awards 2024: The awards is an evening to celebrate the development of the Scottish Financial Technology ecosystem, with a series of awards categories designed to recognise outstanding individual and organisational achievements within the sector. MORE INFO

🤝 26/09, 09:00 🗺️ Edinburgh: Edinburgh Professionals Networking - Thurs 26th Sep: This month's meetup activity is still being designed, but make sure to bring plenty of business cards as the activity will get you meeting lots of different people! MORE INFO

🎯 26/09, 17:15 🗺️ Edinburgh: Barclays Eagle Labs and CodeBase monthly Quiz - Edinburgh (September): Dave, from Barclays Eagle Labs, and Sarah, from CodeBase, will be hosting a pub quiz each month from the CodeBase, Edinburgh, event space. The winning team will receive a trophy that they can display proudly in their office/on their desk for the month, until someone else tries to win it at the next quiz! MORE INFO

☀️ 27/09, 08:30 🗺️ Dundee: Breakfast Networking at the Flour Mill: Open to everyone, join us in Dundee's Flour Mill to connect with members of the local tech and business community and those who use the Flour Mill. Come along for coffee, breakfast and networking! MORE INFO

💻 27/09, 09:30 🗺️ Online: Online Coworking Session - Week 2: This event is designed to foster accountability and provide a sense of community as participants work together towards their goals. Whether you're a freelancer, entrepreneur, or remote worker, this virtual coworking session offers a platform to share ideas, seek advice, and celebrate achievements. MORE INFO

🤝 27/09, 10:30 🗺️ Dundee: Coworking at the Flour Mill: Join us at the Flour Mill Dundee for a day of free coworking in their space. This is a great opportunity to connect with the local tech and business community, use the excellent facilities available and get an extra dose of Friday motivation. MORE INFO

🎯 Deadlines

🎯 Scottish EDGE Round 24 is now open for applications until 2pm on Wednesday, 11th September 2024. Early-stage Scottish businesses can apply for categories like Scottish EDGE, Social Enterprise EDGE, Young EDGE, or Wild Card EDGE. The competition offers a funding pot of £1.5 million, with individual awards of up to £100,000. A free online support workshop will be held on 28th August 2024 to guide applicants. More details Apply by September 11 here.

🇬🇧 Upcoming Innovate UK deadlines:

• Innovate UK Smart grants: July 2024 Applications close 23 October

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That’s all for this week - have a great one!

Team 🔥 Campfire