Johnston Carmichael and Stac tie-up to ‘empower’ Scotland’s tech entrepreneurs
“Collaborations like this accelerate that ambition by giving founders access to the financial and strategic expertise they need to compete globally” – Paul Wilson, Stac CEO
Johnston Carmichael, the accountancy and business services heavyweight, has forged a strategic partnership to help accelerate growth for Scotland’s tech innovators.
The firm said its tie-up with the Smart Things Accelerator Centre (Stac) underlined its “commitment to Scotland’s innovation economy” and would support the next generation of technology entrepreneurs.
Based in Glasgow, Stac is the country’s industry-led accelerator for product-focused tech start-ups. It provides an 18-month programme combining mentorship, investment readiness, and access to world-class facilities to help founders launch, build and scale globally competitive businesses.
A key focus is on transformative technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, artificial intelligence and advanced materials.
As part of the new collaboration, Johnston Carmichael will provide “extensive support” to the 35 businesses enrolled in Stac’s current programme. This will include finance, tax and fundraising expertise.
There will also be one-to-one mentoring, enabling Stac’s founders to address strategic and operational challenges, and specialist workshops, covering “critical topics” for high-growth businesses, such as investor tax reliefs and enterprise management incentives.
Stac will also get access to the firm’s technology specialists, including partner Neil Wilson, who is seen as an expert in working with high-growth businesses, and Stephen Oates, partner and head of entrepreneurial taxes.
Calum Purdie, head of technology and life sciences at Johnston Carmichael, said: “Partnering with Stac allows us to build on our growing role in Scotland’s tech ecosystem. By sharing our expertise in finance, tax, and growth strategies, we aim to empower these businesses to scale successfully and contribute to Scotland’s reputation as a hub for technology and innovation.”
Paul Wilson, chief executive and co-founder of Stac, said: “Our mission has always been to create a centre of excellence for smart and connected technologies here in Scotland.
“Collaborations like this accelerate that ambition by giving founders access to the financial and strategic expertise they need to compete globally. Together, we’re building companies that will define the next era of innovation.”
To date, Stac has supported almost 90 early-stage companies, including Nooku, which has created a range of smart indoor air quality monitors.
Since completing the programme, the firm has secured commercial collaborations with Dulux to showcase the measurable benefits of low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paint and is joining with social housing landlord Wheatley Homes to install its indoor air quality technology in tenants’ homes. The Wheatley Homes initiative is part-funded by Innovate UK.
Stefan Raue, chief operating officer and co-founder of Nooku, said: “Having access to Johnston Carmichael’s experts and network will be a huge boost for the founders taking part in Stac’s programme. Connecting with the right partners and receiving practical support is key to building a sustainable business.”
Of the 35 businesses taking part in the current programme at the Smart Things Accelerator Centre, 15 are spin-out ventures from Glasgow University’s “Infinity G” initiative, several are spin-outs from Strathclyde University, while the remainder were founded independently.
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