London Stock Exchange Group launches new Scottish initiative with cohort of seven companies

ELITE Scotland is the first initiative of its kind for ELITE in the UK.

It builds up on the existing strong contingent of Scottish ELITE companies, including M Squared Lasers, Skyscanner and BrewDog, as well as the vibrant entrepreneurial community in Scotland. ELITE Scotland is being launched in collaboration with Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise to support the growth of Scotland’s most ambitious companies.

To celebrate the launch of ELITE Scotland, LSEG CEO David Schwimmer, ELITE CEO Luca Peyrano and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon welcomed the seven Scottish company CEOs to open trading in London.

The seven new Scottish companies represent a diverse set of businesses providing products and services from enterprise technology solutions to industrial engineering.

Scottish companies will benefit from the core ELITE offering to help companies reach their next stage of growth. ELITE provides education, business support and mentoring, networking, access to our community of Scottish and global investors, as well as ELITE’s own funding platform. ELITE Scotland will feature tailored events, training and a mentorship network in Scotland. ELITE companies become part of the global community of over 1000 companies and more than 400 advisers and investors, remaining members for the long term.

Mr Schwimmer said: “London Stock Exchange Group is pleased to be supporting ambitious entrepreneurial Scottish businesses through ELITE. By providing these high-growth companies with the skills, networks and access to capital, ELITE helps companies reach their next stage of growth and compete on a global stage. ELITE Scotland builds on the Group’s commitment to Scotland’s businesses and the immense talent and potential they offer to provide the innovation, jobs and economy of the future.”

Ms Sturgeon said: “Scotland’s business community is dynamic and innovative, and the Scottish Government will continue to play our part in supporting its long-term success, including helping it to address the challenges posed by Brexit.

“London Stock Exchange Group’s global ELITE programme has helped many companies around the world to secure funding, succeed and grow – including some from Scotland such as BrewDog and Skyscanner.

“I’m very pleased there is now a dedicated Scottish programme – ELITE Scotland – bringing together investors, public sector agencies and some of Scotland’s best and most ambitious companies.

“My warm congratulations to the initial cohort of companies that have signed up, and I’m sure many more in the future shall benefit from this fantastic initiative.”

Mr Peyrano added: “I am delighted to welcome these seven new Scottish companies today, with whom we launch ELITE Scotland, becoming part of our global ELITE network. Jointly with Scottish Enterprise, Scottish Investment Bank and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, we look forward to working with Scotland’s vibrant businesses, providing them access to the expertise, networks and funding they need to achieve their potential.

“ELITE is delighted to support Scotland’s most ambitious companies, connecting them to capital and supporting them to compete on a global stage, as well as working to develop a connected funding ladder for such businesses. The launch of ELITE Scotland today underlines the track record and enormous potential of high-growth Scottish businesses.”

Paul Lewis, managing director of International Operations at Scottish Enterprise, said: “Initiatives like the ELITE programme have proven to be essential platforms for promising home-grown businesses to scale-up their operations and fulfil their undoubted growth potential.

“Working with our colleagues at Highlands and Islands Enterprise, we have helped to identify the companies forming this first ELITE Scotland cohort – seven ambitious, fast-growing Scottish enterprises that will benefit from joining a vibrant global community of entrepreneurs, advisers and investors.”