Techscaler Programme 2022-2024: early evaluation - executive summary

Engaged members feedback

The programme is supporting progression

Many members who responded to the survey were at the ideation or early‑stage when they joined Techscaler and more than half now self-describe as being at growth or scaling stage, suggesting that the programme has supported progression in their entrepreneurial journey. Engagement levels with the programme varied, with just over half reporting high involvement, while the remainder have engaged less intensively. Motivations for joining Techscaler centred on building community, accessing mentorship, and gaining practical resources. Finance was consistently identified by members (61%) as the most significant barrier to startup and growth, alongside limited ecosystem knowledge and connectivity.

Satisfaction with programme processes

Satisfaction with marketing, onboarding, and CodeBase’s responsiveness was generally high, with members praising the clarity of the application process and the speed of initial engagement. However, member feedback also pointed to challenges around regional branding, central belt bias, and the need for clearer differentiation between the Techscaler Programme and CodeBase. Relationship management was rated positively by most members who took part in the survey, but nearly one-third described it as ‘average’ or ‘poor’, calling for more personalised and proactive contact, regular check‑ins, and a single point of contact.

Satisfaction with programme support

Mentorship emerged via the members survey feedback as the most accessed and valued form of Techscaler Programme support, with members highlighting the quality of matching and the confidence gained from one‑to‑one advice.

Education courses such as Startup Basics, First Steps, and Next Steps were widely used, though feedback suggested that content was sometimes too generic or basic, with calls for more tailored, sector‑specific provision and improved follow‑up. International programmes and Reforge were highly valued, with 100% satisfaction among survey participants who had accessed this type of support, offering exposure to global markets and scaleup‑relevant expertise.

Use of physical hubs was limited among members who responded to the survey, largely due to cost, location, or lack of need, though many members expressed interest in future use, particularly for networking and workspace as companies grow.

Overall satisfaction with Techscaler Programme support was strong, with most members reporting that the programme met their expectations, addressed barriers, and supported their needs.

Benefits and impacts

Benefits were particularly evident among ideation and early-stage members, who reported improved knowledge of startup fundamentals, new networks, increased confidence, and greater motivation (among other benefits). Business benefits included (among other things) improved understanding and access to ecosystem support, signposting, and in some cases, successful startup formation. Harder outcomes such as funding raised remain limited at this stage, but softer impacts — such as enhanced resilience, investor readiness, and community belonging — are clear.

Lessons learned

• Early-stage founders need clearer positioning, more tailored pathways, and simplified onboarding that signals exactly who each offer is for.
• A differentiated pathway for growth and scaling companies — with deeper specialisation and stronger investor access — is essential for retaining relevance.
• A structured, proactive relationship management model — with predictable touchpoints and personalised follow‑up — is essential for maintaining engagement and perceived value.
• Techscaler’s role as an ecosystem guide and connector is critical — members expect more deliberate, visible brokerage into funding, partners, and complementary support.
• A more regionally nuanced, multi‑channel, and founder‑centred marketing strategy could ensure equitable reach and early clarity.
• Mentorship is the programme’s strongest asset — but requires operational tightening, clearer expectations, and more structured progression to maximise impact.
• International programmes are a high‑impact differentiator — improving timelines, preparation, and communication would amplify their value.

Summary

The Techscaler Programme is delivering value in building Scotland’s startup ecosystem, particularly through mentorship, education, and international exposure. While satisfaction among members is high, they consistently called for more tailored, proactive, and regionally balanced support, alongside stronger investor connectivity activity/support. These findings highlight both the programme’s early successes and the opportunities to refine delivery to maximise impact as it evolves/matures.