🪙 Scotcoin launch date, Rovtech acquires VALOR, Maidsafe launches Autonomi, Chatbot & Conversational AI summit
Plus an ask, a correction, and so many events.
Here's your Campfire for the 13th of January, 2025. Happy New Year’s Day to any founders on the island of Foula.
💼 ASK: How effective are our sponsorships?
Campfire only exists with sponsors, and we want to understand the kind of ROI they get by advertising in Campfire.
Last year, we worked with three organisations: Shepherd and Wedderburn, Geovation Scotland, and Johnston Carmichael.
Because of Campfire, have you 1) attended an event, 2) reached out/interacted with them, and/or 3) decide to work with them?
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🌊 Updates
🤦 Correction: Last week we wrote that Phlo had acquired Remedi Solutions. This was incorrect. The acquisition was made by Nadeem Sarwar (founder of Phlo) directly. Phlo has no involvement in Remedi, or in the deal. We have updated the web version of last week’s issue, and apologise for making the error.
💰 Glasgow-based cryptocurrency company Scotcoin is set for a February listing, targeting a £200 million valuation. Funds raised will support management recruitment, partner ecosystem growth, and initiatives focused on food, clothing, and shelter. Scotcoin, held by 6,000 people globally, aims to “create a more equitable world through its purpose-driven approach”. TS
📈 FinTech Scotland reports that the FinTech Scotland Cluster expanded by 8% in 2024, now employing over 11,300 people, with fintech SMEs growing tenfold since 2018. The Financial Regulation Innovation Lab contributed £18m in investment and generated jobs by tackling industry challenges through collaboration with 25 financial and technology institutions. DGT IN
🤝 Rovtech is acquiring the VALOR Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) business from Westhill-based Seatronics, boosting its robotics capabilities for nuclear and subsea operations. Backed by Aberdeen-based Ventex, the deal doubles Rovtech’s workforce and “strengthens its position in advanced, low-carbon subsea solutions”. IN TS
🚀 That’s what I call a long sprint: After 18 years of development, Ayr-based tech firm MaidSafe will launch its decentralised network, Autonomi. The system stores encrypted data on everyday devices, promising privacy without corporate servers. Launching this month, it includes developer programmes and incentives for node operators. FS
🏆 Nominations for the 2025 Digital Technology Awards, hosted by ScotlandIS, are open until January 14 (tomorrow). Taking place on March 20 at the Radisson Blu in Glasgow, winners will be selected by an expert panel, celebrating achievements from startups to enterprises. Apply here. DGT
🤖 Working in conversational AI and generative AI? The 5th edition of the European Chatbot and Conversational AI Summit is taking place from March 18-20th in Edinburgh. Network with over 300 global industry leaders, gain access to the latest insights and best practices. Get a 30% discount if you use the code EU202520. More info here. Tickets here.
📣 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.
📈 Growth mentoring for businesses with £1m+ rev: Baclays Eagle Labs is offering a new mentoring programme for companies who are at seed/series A, and are growing between 10-20% per year who’ve crossed that milestone. More info 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!
📅 Events
🌱 14/01, 10:30 🗺️ Hawick: Get ahead on your Self-Assessment: Self-assessment deadlines are fast-approaching! Get ahead with this helpful session getting you organised for self-assessment season. MORE INFO
💡 14/01, 18:30 🗺️ Glasgow: JS:January Meetup - Magically optimising your fonts: 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
💡 15/01, 09:30 🗺️ Glasgow: Your Voice, Your Story: Discover, create and refine your founding stories in this dynamic workshop led by Catherine Bateson. MORE INFO
🎯 15/01, 10:00 🗺️ Galashiels: Pathways Project - A Look Back, A Leap Forward: An opportunity for those curious around starting their own business or want to find our more about joining the Pathways programme. MORE INFO
👨🏻🏫 15/01, 11:00 🗺️ Online: Webinar: Mastering Cap Tables and Equity Strategies: This webinar is an opportunity to learn about how to manage cap tables and equity. There will also be the chance to ask questions towards the end of the session. MORE INFO
👣 15/01, 11:30 🗺️ Edinburgh: NetWalking in the Park (Jan 2025): Join this Mindful Netwalking experience: Meet other Founders, enjoying the healthy way to network, inspired by a gentle walk. MORE INFO
➰ 15/01, 17:30 🗺️ Edinburgh: Prewired: Prewired is here to help enthusiastic young coders of any ability to take their ideas and make it into a software reality. MORE INFO
💻 16/01, 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
🌾 16/01, 10:00 🗺️ Dumfries: Rural InnovatE programme: Six week programme to help agricultural & rural businesses in Dumfries & Galloway to innovate and inspire new business ideas. MORE INFO
🌐 16/01, 10:00 🗺️ Online: Online Office Hours with Potter Clarkson: In this 25 minute one-to one session, you will receive direct, personalised advice from an IP Attorney for Potter Clarkson. MORE INFO
🤝 16/01, 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
💻 16/01, 15:00 🗺️ Edinburgh: Pitching Workshop (Edinburgh): This is a chance to workshop your pitch in a small, supportive environment. With very limited numbers, you'll have the opportunity to practice and get feedback on your pitch - no matter what stage your business is at. MORE INFO
🔴 16/01, 17:30 🗺️ Edinburgh: Founders Live Edinburgh: The ultimate entrepreneurial experience and global pitch competition returns to Edinburgh! MORE INFO
🍺 16/01, 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
🚀 17/01, 08:00 🗺️ Glasgow: E-FWD: UK's Energy Tech & Innovation Hub: Join us at one of Glasgow's most prestigious venues, an ideal historic backdrop to a conversation centred on the future of tech in energy. MORE INFO
🌐 20/01, 18:00 🗺️ Edinburgh: Startup Founders Meetup - January 2025: Tactical fireside chats with experienced entrepreneurs and speed networking with other founders, potential cofounders, and investors! MORE INFO
🏷️ 21/01, 06:30 🗺️ Online: Selling Online series - fulfilling your ecommerce orders & returns - online: Learn about selling online as a great way to start, diversify or grow a retail business – and anyone can do it! MORE INFO
🎯 21/01, 10:00 🗺️ Edinburgh: Workshop: What is an IP strategy and why do you need one?: Join Potter Clarkson at CodeBase Edinburgh for a 2-hour workshop on IP strategy, hosted by Craig Brownlie and Andrew Pearson. MORE INFO
🛒 21/01, 10:00 🗺️ Online: EOI - Ecommerce: Direct-to-Consumer and Business-to-Business Accelerator: Unlock the potential of direct-to-consumer ecommerce with our accelerator programme, which also offers business-to-business support. MORE INFO
⚡ 21/01, 10:30 🗺️ Dumfries: SOSE AcceleratE Programme - Dumfries: AcceleratE your business! Don’t miss this opportunity to join our business programme designed to help you develop your growth strategy. MORE INFO
💪 21/01, 18:00 🗺️ Glasgow: Start 2025 Strong from Grow Your Money Live: Start 2025 strong with an unmissable evening of financial empowerment! Whether you want to save more, reduce debt, or grow wealth, this event is for YOU. MORE INFO
🎯 22/01, 09:00 🗺️ Perth: Introduction to Lean Workshop: Join this breakfast workshop and discover lean tools and techniques for productivity from the Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service (SMAS). MORE INFO
🤝 22/01, 10:00 🗺️ Aberdeen: Meet the Funder 2025 Aberdeen: Major funding organisations will come together to share their expertise, helping you discover grant opportunities and funding strategies to support your projects and initiatives. MORE INFO
➰ 22/01, 17:30 🗺️ Edinburgh: Prewired: Prewired is here to help enthusiastic young coders of any ability to take their ideas and make it into a software reality. MORE INFO
👥 22/01, 18:15 🗺️ Edinburgh: People Peeps Edinburgh: Everyone is welcome to the third meetup of People Peeps Edinburgh (previously known as Organisational and People Development). This month’s focus will be: Leadership traits, transition points and development needs. MORE INFO
🤖 23/01, 09:30 🗺️ Online: Unleash the Power of ChatGPT/AI for global business growth: Join this interactive webinar and learn more about how you can use AI applications for business growth. MORE INFO
📦 23/01, 10:00 🗺️ Online: EOI - Scaling Internationally with Amazon & Other Global Marketplaces: Looking to further your business internationally? Learn how to succeed on ecommerce platforms like Amazon with our new programme. MORE INFO
🏆 23/01, 11:00 🗺️ Edinburgh: Britain's Got Startups: Scotland Regional Final: The Scotland Regional Final is an invite-only event, ensuring a focused and high-quality experience for all attendees. We're looking for active investors with capital to deploy into businesses similar to one's we showcase. There is a questionnaire to be completed and you will need to be accepted to the event to attend. MORE INFO
👨🏻💻 23/01, 17:30 🗺️ Aberdeen: Tech Trends 2025 - Aberdeen: This year we’ll be looking at both pushing the limits of the new, some things that help bridge the gap and, as always, we’ll take a peek at what is just hype and how trends from previous years have fared. MORE INFO
☁️ 23/01, 18:00 🗺️ Edinburgh: Cloud Native and Kubernetes Edinburgh January 2025: The first meetup of 2025 is generously sponsored by none other than Coder! We'll do the usual with doors opening at 6pm for food and drink, and then kick off with the first talk at 6:30pm sharp. MORE INFO
🌟 24/01, 09:30 🗺️ Glasgow: Understanding Co-ops for Creative Industry Businesses: Whether starting a new venture or seeking a new approach for your existing business, a co-op could be perfect for your creative business. MORE INFO
🎯 25/01, 17:00 🗺️ Edinburgh: Makers gonna make - Episode 4: This is the place where you can start, learn and conquer all the features that have been sitting in your backlog for ages. MORE INFO
🏷️ 28/01, 06:30 🗺️ Online: Selling Online series - managing your ecommerce customers - online event: Learn about selling online as a great way to start, diversify or grow a retail business – and anyone can do it! MORE INFO
🤝 28/01, 18:00 🗺️ Dundee: Dundee Data Meetup: Join us for our monthly Dundee Data Meetup, featuring two expert speakers who will share their insights into getting started with data and sustainable business analytics. MORE INFO
🚀 29/01, 09:30 🗺️ Dumfries: Leadership and Management 6-week Programme: Unlock your leadership potential: join our free 6-week development programme for business owners and senior leaders in the South of Scotland. MORE INFO
🎯 29/01, 12:00 🗺️ Dumfries: AccelerateHER + Techscaler Meetup: South of Scotland: 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. MORE INFO
➰ 29/01, 17:30 🗺️ Edinburgh: Prewired: Prewired is here to help enthusiastic young coders of any ability to take their ideas and make it into a software reality. MORE INFO
💡 29/01, 18:00 🗺️ Inverness and Online: Ideation Workshop - Hybrid Event: A collaborative, interactive workshop in which we'll explore where tech startup ideas can come from, how to ensure you have a 'good' idea to work on, and techniques you can use to map out your idea in more detail. MORE INFO
🤝 29/01, 18:00 🗺️ Edinburgh: Entrepreneurs Social Club (ESC) - January 2025: 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
💻 30/01, 08:30 🗺️ Kinross: Breakfast Networking at the Court House: Open to everyone, join us in Kinross' Court House to connect with members of the local tech and business community and regulars of The Court House's workspace. Come along for coffee, breakfast and networking! MORE INFO
🚀 30/01, 09:00 🗺️ Edinburgh: Productivity Tips for Tech businesses: As part of National Productivity Week, Eagle Labs are teaming up with Peers Works, as Eleonora Vanello runs a session tailored to Founders. The Workship focuses on helping Founders to enhance their prioritisation skills and mater time management – helping them to be more Productive! MORE INFO
🤝 30/01, 09:30 🗺️ Kinross: Coworking at the Court House: Join us at Kinross' Court House 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 motivation. MORE INFO
🤖 30/01, 09:30 🗺️ Online: Mastering Prompt Engineering with ChatGPT: Join this webinar and discover the world of AI communication for improving productivity. MORE INFO
⛓️ 30/01, 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
💻 30/01, 17:30 🗺️ Edinburgh: WORKSHOP - Intro to Hoshin Kanri: Creating strategic clarity. LIMITED SPOTS!: The workshop is ideally suited for Product Managers and leaders who are unfamiliar with Hoshin Kanri. However it is suitable for anyone with a desire to improve the quality of setting strategy and planning at work or in their personal lives. MORE INFO
🍾 30/01, 18:00 🗺️ Glasgow: 2025 Kick Off Mixer: Be Bold, Take Action, Go Global 🌍: This isn’t business as usual. It’s the night we kick-start 2025 with ambition, fun and a little bit of swagger. Expect a vibrant mix of sharp ideas, high-energy networking, and the kind of atmosphere that gets you thinking big. MORE INFO
🎯 Deadlines
🇬🇧 Upcoming Innovate UK deadlines:
Mindset extended reality (XR): Digital therapeutics for mental health Applications close 15 January
Design Foundations Round 6 Applications close 15 January
Innovate UK Smart grants: November 2024 Applications close 22 January
AI solutions to develop AI competencies in key sectors Applications close 29 January
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That’s all for this week - have a great one, and a happy New Year!
Team 🔥 Campfire