Three Scottish tech businesses have been named on a select list of companies from across Europe to win a place on the prestigious AG Elevate tech mentoring scheme run by international law firm Addleshaw Goddard.
Innovative Chemical manufacturing business CataNiTek, vehicle rental and hire system Coastr, and Frontier Robotics – which provides autonomous software to revolutionise underwater exploration – are among the 13 high-growth technology businesses chosen for the 10-month accelerator programme.
The businesses will receive a tailored package of legal advice, regular mentorship meetings with world-class legal teams and access to AG’s global roster of seminars and networking events.
Two of the Scottish businesses, CataNiTek and Frontier Robotics are university spin-outs, from the University of Strathclyde and Heriot Watt respectively, demonstrating the strength of that sector for generating entrepreneurial Scottish companies.
Altogether, the cohort includes businesses from a range of different sectors including automotives, commodities, cyber-security, green energy and finance. Four of the businesses use AI as part of their core product offering.
The businesses will work with AG’s legal teams across its global offices and benefit from advice on handling complex legal issues such as intellectual property protection, data privacy compliance, corporate governance, contracts and trade regulations.
Since its launch in 2017, the annual programme has helped around 60 businesses tackle a range of legal and operational challenges. Previous Scottish alumni of AG Elevate include Tumelo, Amiqus and Intelligent Growth Solutions.
David Anderson, Partner at Addleshaw Goddard, said: “Navigating the complex landscape of legal and operational challenges can be particularly daunting for new tech businesses. Through our AG Elevate programme, we offer a comprehensive suite of legal guidance, tailored mentorship and access to an extensive network of industry-leading professionals to support these companies on their growth journeys.
“Each year, we aim to partner with innovative, forward-thinking businesses that show exceptional promise across a range of sectors. This year’s cohort reflects the diversity and dynamism of the tech industry, from AI and green energy to cybersecurity and mobility solutions. I think the businesses that have been chosen this year are particularly exciting and I look forward to working with them closely on their growth journey.”
Addleshaw Goddard is a full-service international law firm that works with many of the world’s leading businesses. AG advises on more than 50 areas of business law across over 100 jurisdictions and is considered one of Europe’s leading legal advisors for the technology sector.
The Scottish businesses selected for AG Elevate 2024 are:
- CataNiTek: A spin-out from the University of Strathclyde, CataNiTek is innovating in the field of fine chemical synthesis with its development of nickel catalysts, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional precious metal catalysts.
- Coastr: Coastr is creating a new shared mobility ecosystem with its end-to-end platform solution designed for car rental, sharing, leasing and subscription businesses, enhancing operational efficiency and user experience.
- Frontier Robotics: Specialising in underwater robotics, Frontier Robotics develops plug-and-play autonomy solutions to enable scalable and efficient inspection of ocean infrastructure.
The remaining businesses selected for AG Elevate 2024 are as follows:
- Aetha Motors: Pioneering the UK’s first fully electric sports car brand, Aetha Motors introduces capex-lite manufacturing to revolutionize the automotive industry.
- Exabler: Exabler offers a cutting-edge supply chain technology platform, utilising AI to enhance trade compliance, unlock commercial opportunities and foster client relationship improvement.
- Secretarium: Secretarium is leading the way in confidential computing, offering encrypted data processing within an “Honest Computing” framework for secure and privacy-focused data handling.
- SuperFi: As a social impact FinTech, SuperFi is dedicated to assisting users in managing bills and avoiding problem debt, particularly during the Cost of Living crisis.
- Delos Intelligence (France): Delos Intelligence specialises in the development of both tailor-made and generic generative AI software solutions for the tertiary sector, enhancing operational efficiencies.
- Symphonics (France): Symphonics introduces an innovative electrical equipment management platform designed to make energy cheaper, greener, and more accessible for all.
- Crespect (Estonia): Crespect revolutionizes legal practice management with its AI-powered system featuring built-in CRM capabilities, aimed at boosting law firm efficiency and business growth.
- Buildlinx (Germany): Buildlinx is transforming technological control in non-residential buildings with its software ecosystem, aimed at significantly reducing energy costs and CO2 emissions.
- Protostars AI (Ireland): Protostars AI leverages artificial intelligence for security audit reporting, aligning with EU cybersecurity regulation and earning recognition at the 2023 EY Startup Academy.
- Shakers (Spain): Shakers provides a dynamic platform that enables companies to address tech challenges by accessing flexible talent at scale, fostering innovation and growth.