Techscaler hub in Silicon Valley: FOI release

Information requested

With regard to the Techscaler hub in Silicon Valley.

Can I ask how much it cost to set that up, including how much it cost to buy the building or rent the building per year (over what period) and what the hub consists of?

Can I ask how much the running costs are of it per year?

Can I ask where this hub is, in other words the address?

Can I also ask when the Techscaler hub was operational and when it is due to remain there for.?

The pilot programme was to provide office space for 12 startups in San Francisco?

Can I ask how many businesses have gone from Scotland to locate to the US, whether that it is in full or in part, how much in total that cost to transfer to the US has been to date, what are the names of the companies that have located there and what briefly is their USP, in other words what is it they are producing?

Response

The Techscaler Silicon Valley Hub was delivered as a pilot programme throughout February 2024, to build links between Scotland’s and Silicon Valley’s start-up ecosystems. It consisted of a “pop-up” hub in San Francisco, which provided office space for 12 Scottish start-ups to use as a base for several weeks, from where they built a new business network, learned from other world class businesses insimilar markets, connected with US founders, partners, potential customers and investors. The programme also offered support for founders to find their way around San Francisco and Silicon Valley, signpost relevant events and facilitate introductions as relevant.

The programme does not include financial (or other) support for companies to relocate. All of the
businesses involved returned to Scotland and remain located here.

Hub location – The Techscaler Hub was located at Mindspace San Francisco, 575 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94105. No: +1 833-663-7722.

Operational date – The pop up hub was operational from Monday 5th February until Thursday 29th February.

Cost – The cost of the pilot Techscaler Silicon Valley Hub was £56,394.21. This includes all costs, including rent, travel and administrative expenses.

Business details – There were 12 start-ups that took part in the pilot programme:

Krucial – Digital/cellular connectivity
Playmaker – Business software integration
eCERTO – Cloud based project development platform
National Support Network – Connects customers to external support services
Infix – Clinician-led digital solutions
Unbaggaged – On-demand luggage storage platform
Valla – Legal platform
Refer My Jobs – Showcase for start-up jobs
notation.dev – Developer toolkit
Lovat Compliance – Tax management solutions
Estendio – Inclusive technology
Your Spin Ltd – In-venue game for the Hospitality

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at http://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.