Techscaler Programme 2022-2024: early evaluation - main report

4 Engaged members feedback

4.1 Introduction

This chapter provides a summary of the feedback received from Techscaler members who have engaged with the programme over the first two years of delivery.^[17] Where appropriate we have provided anonymised quotes from Techscaler members to provide greater insights and to highlight the diversity of views.

The survey methodology is described in Chapter 2 and Appendix B, and the full survey findings are presented in the supplementary report.

The surveys aimed at engaged Techscaler members resulted in a total of 173 interviews, against a target of 200 interviews (86% achieved). As outlined earlier, Research Resource conducted a telephone survey using a randomised sample of Techscaler members. Due to self-selection, the sample cannot be viewed as wholly representative, and the results cannot be generalised to all Techscaler members.

4.2 Members who responded to the surveys

Key points to note on the companies/individuals that responded to the engaged Techscaler members surveys included that:

• the vast majority (90%) of survey respondents were founders or co-founders.
• the vast majority (97%) of survey respondents run a startup with less than 10 employees — this included a significant proportion who said they were startup founders (with no other employees).
• sizeable proportions of Techscaler members who responded to the survey run female-led (41%), family-owned (34%) and/or minority ethnic group-led businesses (20%).

For the telephone survey (140 of the 173 interviews), CodeBase provided details of key company contacts’ stage of development (from ideation to scaling) at the time of joining Techscaler.

A majority (68%) of survey respondents were categorised by CodeBase as at an early-stage when they joined Techscaler (that is, either ideation or early-stage).

When these company contacts were asked in the survey where they see their company now, over half (54%) reported that their company was at the growth or scaling stage, Figure 4.1.

Based on the survey feedback, this suggests that the Techscaler Programme has supported some members to progress in their startup journey.

Source: EKOS Techscaler member survey. Base=140 (telephone survey).

Note: Other responses include: decided not to start up the company; have since stopped trading; decided to start/are considering starting up a different business.

4.3 Engagement with the Techscaler Programme

Figure 4.2 shows that engagement with the Techscaler Programme has varied among members who responded to the surveys, for example:

• over half of survey respondents have been more engaged with the programme (‘a lot’ or ‘high’).
• while almost half have been less engaged (‘some’ or ‘low’).

Source: EKOS Techscaler members surveys. Base=172.

Note: For the telephone survey sample, CodeBase provided details of its internal coding for level of service engagement for companies, while for the online survey members were asked to indicate their own level of engagement with the Techscaler Programme.

4.4 Prior to joining the Techscaler Programme

The surveys found that the main way members first heard about the Techscaler Programme was either through:

• an existing relationship with CodeBase (22% of survey respondents).
• via word of mouth from family or friends (19% of survey respondents), see Figure 4.3.

Based on the survey feedback, direct contact and/or promotional activity from CodeBase (or promotional activity by the Scottish Government) appears to have been much less of a feature.

Source: EKOS Techscaler members surveys. Base=173.

Note: ‘Other’ responses include: LinkedIn, through my employer; support teams; professional networks; and community events.

Multiple response question where respondents could select more than one option and all that applied. Percentages may total more than 100% as a result.

Main motivating factors for joining the Techscaler Programme

The main motivating factors for becoming a Techscaler member were reported by members who responded to the surveys as to:

• meet and connect with like-minded founders and peers (part of the ‘community’) (39% of survey respondents).
• access expert mentorship advice, guidance, and support (39% of survey respondents), Table 4.1.

Table 4.1: What were your main motivations for applying to the Techscaler Programme for support?

Reasons for applying	Number	Percentage
To meet and connect with like-minded founders and peers (part of the ‘community’)	68	39%
To access expert mentorship advice, guidance, and support	67	39%
To attend events to meet fellow founders, expand our network, and hear from industry experts	65	37%
To access resources and tools to help startup a business	62	36%
Wanted to access skills development support for myself/founder/co-founder	58	33%
To help access finance (for example, grants, self-funding/bootstrapping, fundraising — in exchange for equity or convertible debt, bank loans, crowdfunding, Series A, B, and C funding rounds)	50	29%
To test the viability of my business idea	36	21%
To increase our understanding of, and ability to navigate the tech support ecosystem in Scotland	26	15%
To increase our investor connectivity	19	11%
Wanted to access skills development support for our wider team	14	8%
To enhance our financial readiness	14	8%
To start/increase our internationalisation	11	6%

Source: EKOS Techscaler members surveys. Base=173.

Multiple response question where respondents could select more than one option and all that applied. Percentages may total more than 100% as a result.

Barriers faced at that time

The main barrier faced by members at the time of joining Techscaler was reported to be access to finance (61%). Other key barriers to startup, growth and scaling were reported by members as:

• a limited understanding of the tech support ecosystem (50% of survey respondents).
• a lack of wider ecosystem connections (48% of survey respondents).
• a lack of connections with founders and startup peers (48% of survey respondents).

A positive finding (as reported at Chapter 4.6) is that a majority of respondents reported that the Techscaler Programme support had helped them either ‘very much so’ or ‘to some extent’ address the barriers they faced to startup, growth or scaleup.

Techscaler marketing and promotion

A majority of Techscaler member survey respondents said that they were either ‘satisfied’ or ‘very satisfied’ with aspects of the marketing and promotion of the Techscaler Programme. This ranged from 71% (‘Ease of finding out about the support’ and ‘Clarity on how the Techscaler Programme could help them’) to 73% (‘clarity on eligibility’), full findings presented below:

• Clarity on eligibility (73%)
• Clarity on type of support Techscaler offers (72%)
• Ease of finding out about the support (71%)
• Clarity on how Techscaler could help you/your company (71%)

Source: EKOS Techscaler members surveys. Base=173.

A significant minority were either neutral or dissatisfied, mainly neutral.

While satisfaction with Techscaler Programme marketing and promotional activity was high, a majority of survey respondents also suggested ways for how this could be further improved.

“There are issues with how they are reaching founders across the central belt. Ayrshire falls in the South region and Glasgow in the West region and Ayrshire seems to be completely missed as we are not in the South although they class it as the South. There are not enough people in the CodeBase team to support the number of startups in Glasgow, so people are falling through the net.”

“It was confusing regarding onboarding. I applied for a course but to do the course I had to apply to Techscaler. I was accepted by Techscaler but was unsure if I was also accepted onto the course, so this could be clearer.”

“There is no distinct branding for Highlands and Islands, so sometimes I go onto Eventbrite and get excited about things coming up to then find out it is in Glasgow. There could be more distinctive branding for each area.”

Thinking back to when members joined Techscaler these survey respondents said that:

• programme information was too ‘generic’ and ‘wide-ranging’ — and that they were unclear on whether the programme was for them.
• marketing and promotional activity was considered to have been central belt focussed — it was suggested that a greater use of social media channels and greater visibility of the Techscaler Programme brand at other events could have helped to raise early awareness of the programme.
• they were not sure of the difference between Techscaler (the programme) and CodeBase (the delivery partner).

A positive message is that a few members noted in their survey response that promotion of the Techscaler Programme has improved since they first joined.

4.5 Techscaler application process and initial engagement with CodeBase

The vast majority of Techscaler members who responded to the surveys expressed high levels of satisfaction with aspects of the Techscaler member application process and with their initial engagement with CodeBase. This ranged from 77% (‘Ongoing communication from CodeBase’) to 83% (‘Online application process’ and responsiveness from CodeBase once their application was submitted’). Full findings are presented below:

• Online application process (83%)
• Responsiveness of CodeBase once application was submitted (83%)
• Initial contact and communication with CodeBase (81%)
• Time taken for support to start (79%)
• Ongoing communication from CodeBase (77%)

Source: EKOS Techscaler member survey. Base=173.

Qualitative survey feedback was also largely positive. Members who responded to the surveys appreciated the speed of onboarding and initial conversations with CodeBase who were considered knowledgeable and responsive and interested to find about more about their idea/company and support needs.

“They are good at checking in. The mentor they have paired me up with understood me.”

“I found them fairly responsive once we applied. The process was clear from the application onwards. The initial call was also quite good.”

“The challenges were around being able to draw down the full spectrum of what the Techscaler Programme can offer — I have not had the benefit from anything else other than the mentorship.”

Another positive message was that over two-thirds (69%) of members who responded to the surveys rated CodeBase’s relationship management as ‘good’ or ‘very good.’

“Everyone is super friendly and welcoming. Feels like a community.”

“They are always keen to help and promote the system.”

“They are quite hands on and fixed any problems through the community hub.”

Almost one-third (31%) of survey respondents said relationship management was average or poor.

“They are all nice people but there is not a lot of contact. They could reach out more often to check how we are doing, more personal contact.”

“It started off well, and had heavy content, but the communication has not been good.”

“More targeted support would be good.”

Suggested areas for improvement (made by all respondents regardless of how they answered the question on relationship management) included:

• a more personalised and proactive approach to relationship management as some members considered CodeBase’s current arrangements to be ‘hands-off’ or overly reliant on ‘impersonal’ emails.
• calls for a single point of contact, regular check-ins, follow-ups after events, etc., as well as more in-person contact.

4.6 Techscaler Programme support accessed and satisfaction

Support accessed

Members who responded to the surveys reported that they have accessed a range of Techscaler Programme support — the main types of support received were reported as mentorship (78% of survey respondents) and participation in education courses (Startup Basics and First Steps, both 50% of survey respondents), Table 4.2.

Table 4.2: Which support have you accessed from the Techscaler Programme?

Support accessed	Number	Percentage
Mentorship	135	78%
Startup Basics	86	50%
First Steps	86	50%
Next Steps	44	25%
Attended community events, meetups, and networking opportunities	24	14%
International programmes	20	12%
Reforge	11	6%
Use of a Techscaler hub to work and meet from (for example, flexible hotdesking or coworking space, access to meeting space)	10	6%
Funding readiness	4	2%
Tenant of a Techscaler hub	3	2%
Other	1	1%

Source: EKOS Techscaler member survey. Base=172. Note: ‘Other’ response included: Discovery. Multiple response question where respondents could select more than one option and all that applied. Percentages may total more than 100% as a result.

Few members who responded to the surveys (8%) indicated that they were tenants of a Techscaler physical hub or have used them for hotdesking or co-working space.

This was largely due to members reporting that they had no requirement for this type of provision (for example, homeworking, already have premises, have a full-time job in addition to a business idea). A positive finding was that around two-thirds (68%) of members who responded to the surveys said that they would consider using a regional hub in the future, see Table 4.3.

Table 4.3: Would you consider using a regional hub in the future?

Response	Number	Percentage
Yes, for flexible hotdesking or coworking space	78	47%
Yes, for accessing meeting space	61	37%
Yes, as a tenant	36	22%
No, unlikely	33	20%
No, definitely not	20	12%

Source: EKOS Techscaler member survey.

Base=166.

Multiple response question where respondents could select more than one option and all that applied. Percentages may total more than 100% as a result.

Some members mentioned they have had a positive prior experience of other hotdesking spaces and that they valued the networking opportunities hubs provided, or that they may need workspace as their company grows.

Satisfaction with Techscaler Programme support

The surveys found that member satisfaction with the Techscaler Programme support accessed was very high, most notably for:

• international programmes (100% of survey respondents who had accessed this type of support were very satisfied or satisfied with it).
• Reforge (100% of survey respondents).
• attending community events and meetups (88% of survey respondents).
• mentorship (86% of survey respondents).

The main exception was satisfaction with the ‘use of a Techscaler hub to work and meet from’ (50% of survey respondents who had accessed this type of support were satisfied), albeit absolute numbers were small.

Qualitative survey feedback from members highlighted aspects of the Techscaler Programme support which was considered to have worked well as well as aspects which were said to have worked less well.

This diversity of feedback reflects the largely subjective nature of members’ personal experience of engagement with the Techscaler Programme:

• mentorship:
• what worked well — this type of support was identified as the most valued by members who had accessed it; effective matching process; added value of one-to-one expert advice and support from someone who has been there and done it; and mentor input and commitment —this has helped to build mentees confidence and has been a useful sounding board.
• what worked less well — some confusion about how to go about booking sessions and the number of mentoring sessions founders can access; a one-hour session was not considered sufficient in some cases; others reported delays in the matching process; some said that they had experienced inappropriate matches; and there was felt to be a lack of follow up from CodeBase.
• Reforge:
• what worked well: members who had accessed this support considered it highly relevant provision — designed by those with direct knowledge and experience of scaleups.
• Startup Basics:
• what worked well: this was considered an accessible online course and useful for those at a very early-stage.
• what worked less well: some felt the course was too basic or generic —and was not as relevant as they had expected. Some said the self-paced online course felt impersonal because there was no direct interaction with CodeBase (or others).
• First Steps and Next Steps :
• what worked well: hybrid delivery approaches were considered helpful. These courses were said to be well-designed and delivery was also said to be good. They helped to build a sense of community and peer support.
• what worked less well: timing of education course delivery could be a barrier to access for members with, for example, other full-time jobs or caring responsibilities). Some felt that First Steps was too basic for their needs/stage, and that there was a lack of follow-up from CodeBase.
• International programmes:
• what worked well: these were considered very valuable opportunities for founders. Helped to build confidence and provided useful networking opportunities. They also allowed founders to explore the international market.
• what worked less well: some said that confirmation of their successful application was received late in the day — these members said they felt rushed and not as prepared as they could have been with more notice.
• hubs:
• what worked less well: barriers to access — cost (considered prohibitive) and location (do not live near to a hub, particularly those in rural locations) were identified.
• investor readiness and connectivity
• what worked less well: not as much of this type of activity as members had anticipated at the outset — viewed as vitally important to help them to grow and scale.

More generally, some members who responded to the surveys called for more targeted and tailored support aligned to their business stage and/or sector.

“Next Steps — overall it was a good course — was informative, well-structured and provided opportunity to meet other people. Mentorship — my mentor was very good at helping me address problems with investors and he invited me to Aberdeen to meet some of his connections.”

“Reforge — it was really relevant, and I gained knowledge I would not gain anywhere else. Mentorship — I only had one session, but it was really useful in speaking through a problem I had at the time and finding a resolution.”

“International programmes — the hands-off approach to it, so putting it on the founders to find the support they need was good. Mentorship — the availability of mentors was great; the choice of mentors was good.”

“The First Steps support could probably be improved by being slightly more tailored for specific sectors. Even though it had value and provided different perspectives, it focused on a too-wide/ generic guidance, with too much emphasis, in my opinion, on the 'fail fast' as this is heavily dependent on the product, sector and customers you have, given that on specific sectors/products we only get to fail once.”

Perceptions of the support offered by the Techscaler Programme

The surveys found that members were largely positive in terms of the extent to which support from the Techscaler Programme has met their expectations, met their/company’s needs, and helped them address the barriers they faced to startup, growth or scaleup, see Figure 4.4. A majority of respondents reported either ‘very much so’ or ‘to some extent’ to each of these three statements (this ranged from 70% to 80%).

Wider qualitative survey feedback emphasised the quality and relevance of the support received, including specific praise for the mentorship programme, and that the programme support has helped to build knowledge, confidence, and skills as well as increased members understanding of the wider ecosystem.

“The networking aspect, the community aspect and meeting up with likeminded individuals worked really well. Communication and alerts to seminars and courses worked well.”

“I think overall, the access to really up-to-date information and how to go about applying for finance and being able to collaborate with other founders has been useful.”

“Filled in the gaps of the knowledge, solid foundation. Ongoing mentorship is invaluable.”

Source: EKOS Techscaler member survey.

Note: Figure does not include those that responded ‘don’t know’ (1% for each statement)

Between 12% and 20% of Techscaler members who responded to the surveys indicated ‘in a limited way’ or ‘not at all’ at these questions. Notably, around two-fifths of respondents with low engagement with the Techscaler Programme responded in this way.

These members said that they:

• continue to be a little unclear on Techscaler Programme processes and support.
• would like more in-person support and more direct follow-up/check-ins from CodeBase.
• had expected more signposting to, and connections made with, funders and investors.
• felt that more time was needed with mentors to have a greater impact.

“Accessibility and flexibility of the mentorship programme could be improved. More ability to have a better tailored experience. In person meetings work better for me. I would have engaged with Next Steps more if it was in-person rather than online.”

“Because it is not an in-person accelerator, I think more frequent contact over the phone would be good to check how we are getting on and to keep us involved.”

4.7 Benefits and impacts

The benefits and impacts questions were split in the survey into two categories —one for members at the ideation or early-stage at the time of joining the Techscaler Programme, and the other for members at the growth or scaling stages.

The survey found positive signs of emerging impacts, in particular softer outcomes and impacts. It is understood that it will take time for the Techscaler Programme to generate ‘harder’ outcomes and impacts — this recognises the lead-in time for genuine transformation in the companies supported and ecosystem will take years.

Ideation and early-stage

The vast majority (96%) of members at the ideation or early-stage at the time of joining the Techscaler Programme who responded to the survey said that they have achieved, or expected to achieve, personal benefits as a direct result of the support received from the Techscaler Programme.

The main personal benefits achieved by these members are:

• improved knowledge of startup fundamentals (77%).
• new relationships, contacts, and networks (74%)
• increased confidence (70%), see Table 4.4.

Table 4.4: Have you achieved to date any of the following personal benefits as a direct result of the support accessed or received from the Techscaler Programme? (ideation or early-stage)

Response	Number	Percentage
Improved knowledge of startup fundamentals	84	77%
New relationships, contacts, and networks	81	74%
Increased confidence	76	70%
Increased motivation	73	67%
Improved mindset	69	63%
Skills development	66	61%
Part of the Techscaler ‘community’	66	61%
Higher quality of pitches delivered	47	43%

Source: EKOS Techscaler member. Base=109.

Multiple response question where respondents could select more than one option and all that applied. Percentages may total more than 100% as a result.

Note: the main future personal benefits were reported as: new relationships, contacts, and networks developed (63%), skills development (58%), and improved knowledge of startup fundamentals (how to go about starting a business) (52%).

Similarly, the vast majority (95%) of members at the ideation and early-stage when they joined the Techscaler Programme who responded to the survey said that they have achieved, or expected to achieve, business benefits as a direct result of the Techscaler support.

The main business benefits achieved by these members are:

• it helped me to startup a business (43%).
• improved understanding of ecosystem support (41%)
• improved access to ecosystem support (39%), see Table 4.5.

Table 4.5: Have you achieved to date any of the following business benefits as a direct result of the support accessed or received from the Techscaler Programme? (ideation or early-stage)

Response	Number	Percentage
It helped me to startup a business	42	43%
Improved understanding of ecosystem support	40	41%
Improved access to ecosystem support	38	39%
Signposted to other ecosystem support	34	35%
Access to workspace and meeting space with like-minded people and founders	28	29%
Greater confidence in company resilience/sustainability	27	28%
Enhanced investor readiness	21	22%
New or improved products or services	19	20%
Funding raised/secured	9	9%
Increased number of funding/investment deals completed	5	5%

Source: EKOS Techscaler member. Base=97.

Multiple response question where respondents could select more than one option and all that applied. Percentages may total more than 100% as a result.

Note: the main future benefits were reported as enhanced investor readiness (39%) and improved understanding of ecosystem support (35%).

The majority of members (at the early-stage) who responded to the survey had started their business prior to joining the Techscaler Programme and are still trading (65%), see Figure 4.5.

Further positive findings include that almost one-fifth of those at the ideation or early-stage started their business since joining the programme and accessing support, and most of those who said they were in the process of starting up a business expect to do so in 2025.

Source: EKOS Techscaler member survey. Base=96.

The number of companies who responded to the survey at the ideation or early-stage when they joined the Techscaler Programme that reported the benefits and impacts achieved/forecast were either fully or mostly attributable to the Techscaler Programme was relatively low (13%), see Figure 4.6.

Source: EKOS Techscaler member survey. Base=107.

While most members (75%) at the ideation and early-stage when they joined the Techscaler Programme who responded to the survey said that they would have started their business in the absence of programme support, the qualitative survey feedback confirmed an element of timing (and to a lesser extent scale) additionality. That is, it would have taken longer for some members to have achieved the reported benefits and impacts without Techscaler Programme support (or benefits and impacts would have been smaller scale).

Table 4.6: What do you think would have happened if you had not received Techscaler Programme support?

Response	Number	Percentage
I would have started in business anyway, but it would have taken longer without this support	10	29%
I would have started in business anyway, but it would have been on a smaller scale without this support	10	29%
I would have started up a business anyway	6	17%
I would not have started in business without this support	5	14%
Don’t know/ Not sure	4	11%

Source: EKOS Techscaler member survey. Base=35.

Multiple response question where respondents could select more than one option and all that applied. Percentages may total more than 100% as a result.

Growth-stage and scaling companies

The vast majority (95%) of members at the growth or scaling stages at the time of joining the Techscaler Programme who responded to the survey said they have achieved, or expected to achieve, personal benefits as a direct result of the Techscaler Programme support.

The main personal benefits achieved by these growth and scaling Techscaler members are:

• new relationships, contacts, and networks (82%).
• increased confidence (67%).
• skills development (64%)
• improved mindset (62%), see Table 4.7.

Table 4.7: Have you achieved to date any of the following personal benefits as a direct result of the Techscaler support accessed or received? (growth or scaling stages)

Response	Number	Percentage
New relationships, contacts, and networks	45	82%
Increased confidence	37	67%
Skills development	35	64%
Improved mindset	34	62%
Increased motivation	30	55%
Part of the Techscaler ‘community’	30	55%
Higher quality of pitches delivered	24	44%

Source: EKOS Techscaler member survey. Base=55.

Multiple response question where respondents could select more than one option and all that applied. Percentages may total more than 100% as a result.

Note: the most commonly reported future personal benefits were new relationships, contacts, and networks developed (56%), and skills development (51%).

Similarly, the vast majority (95%) of growth or scaling stage Techscaler members who responded to the survey have achieved, or expected to achieve, business benefits as a direct result of the Techscaler Programme support.

The main business benefits achieved by these growth and scaling Techscaler members are:

• signposted/referred to other ecosystem support (44%).
• helped me to grow and/or scale the business (40%).
• improved understanding of ecosystem support (40%), see Table 4.8.

Table 4.8: Have you achieved to date any of the following business benefits as a direct result of the Techscaler support accessed or received? (growth or scaling stages)

Response	Number	Percentage
Signposted/referred to other ecosystem support	24	44%
Helped me to grow and/or scale the business	22	40%
Improved understanding of ecosystem support	22	40%
Skills development — wider team	20	36%
New or improved products or services	19	35%
Improved access to ecosystem support	17	31%
Access to workspace and meeting space with like-minded people and founders	15	27%
Enhanced investor readiness	13	24%
Increased inbound international inquiries	7	13%
Increased outbound international startup productivity (customers/suppliers)	6	11%
Funding raised/secured	5	9%
More inbound investor activity	4	7%

Source: EKOS Techscaler member survey. Base=55.

Multiple response question where respondents could select more than one option and all that applied. Percentages may total more than 100% as a result.

Note: the most commonly reported future business benefits reports were: helped me to grow and/or scale the business (44%), signposted/referred to other complementary partner activity (other ecosystem support) (40%) and increased outbound international startup productivity (customers/suppliers) (40%).

The number of companies at the growth or scaling stages when they joined the Techscaler Programme who responded to the survey reported that the benefits and impacts achieved/forecast were either fully or mostly attributable to the Techscaler Programme was relatively low (16%), see Figure 4.7.

The feedback from growth or scaling members also confirmed a significant element of timing (and to a lesser extent scale) additionality. That is, it would have taken longer for some members to have achieved the reported benefits and impacts without support from the Techscaler Programme (or benefits and impacts would have been smaller scale).

Source: EKOS Techscaler member survey. Base=32.

4.8 Any other support accessed at or around the same time as Techscaler support

Around half (51%) of Techscaler members who responded to the survey said they have received other support to help with business startup, growth or scaleup since joining the Techscaler Programme.

A positive finding was that 38% of these members said they had been signposted to other support providers by CodeBase or by their Techscaler mentor. Increasing awareness of other available support across the ecosystem is vitally important and CodeBase and its Techscaler mentors play an important connecting role in this regard.

Figure 4.8 shows where members reported having accessed other support from — and this was largely in the form of financial support.

Source: EKOS Techscaler member survey. Base=87.

Note: ‘Other’ responses included: publishers, female founders, previous employers.

Multiple response question where employers could select more than one option and all that applied. Percentages may total more than 100% as a result.

4.9 Would you recommend the Techscaler Programme support to others

The Net Promoter Score (NPS) from the Techscaler engaged‑members survey reflects strong satisfaction with the programme. As outlined earlier, NPS is a market‑research metric based on a single question asking respondents how likely they are to recommend a company, product, or service to a friend or colleague. Techscaler members reported a high willingness to recommend the programme, resulting in an NPS of 42, which is considered a “great” score.*

Source: EKOS Techscaler member survey. Base=171.

Note *: A NPS of -100-0 (needs improvement), 1-29 (good); 30-69 (great); 70-100 (excellent). A detailed description of NPS is provided in Chapter 3.5.

4.10 Accessing Techscaler Programme support in the future

The vast majority (89%) of Techscaler members who responded to the survey said that they would likely access support from the Techscaler Programme in the future, see Table 4.9.

Table 4.9: Do you plan to access support from the Techscaler Programme in the future?

Response	Number	Percentage
Yes, definitely	114	66%
Yes, maybe	39	23%
No	11	6%
Not sure	9	5%

Source: EKOS Techscaler member survey. Base=173.

Wider qualitative survey feedback from these members included that:

• the support received from the Techscaler Programme was considered helpful and valuable — members were happy with the support received to date (for example, quality and range of support) and their experience of engaging with the programme.
• continued support would be required to help these members gain additional knowledge, skills, capability, resources, tools and tips for startup, growth and scaling.
• some members may look at developing additional elements to their offering or develop a new business altogether and would look to the Techscaler Programme for support when doing this.

“My personal growth and business growth has been very good. They have helped alleviate some of my anxiety.”

“Because the mentor is great for us. Also, there are other Techscaler Programme support in the pipeline which will be good like the AI Accelerator course, this seems to be very appropriate for us.”

Over the short-term, mentorship, financial support and networking opportunities were most commonly mentioned in survey responses as support that would be required by these Techscaler members. Some similar types of support were identified as needed over the medium term (mentorship, funding/finance) as well as tailored support to grow and scale.

“We need support in reaching out more to potential investors. We need to work on improving our pitch. It is better to reach out to the investors through Techscaler, they take you more seriously.”

“Scaling my product will be very important — so support in marketing and sales. Also, at the same time trying to reach out to the right investors to raise funds.”

Members who responded to the survey (11%) who said that they did not plan to access Techscaler Programme support in the future, or who were not sure, said that the Techscaler Programme did not provide support that was relevant to their business/idea and/or that they thought the support was not geared sufficiently towards growth or scaling companies. This is something which is now being addressed by the Techscaler Programme.

“I understand it is only two years in. The content is good just not enough contact for me, but I think this will be rectified over the coming years.”

“They need to update the resources and support, not quite there yet for what I need.”