Round One: Pre-Seed Investment Readiness Programme

Round One is a brand new peer-led investment readiness programme for pre-seed stage startups in Scotland, led and delivered by experienced fundraisers, founders and investors.

Feel confident when raising your First Round.

  • 8-Week Programme
  • 3 Hour Sessions Weekly
  • Cohort based programme

Catalysing Scotland's Pre-Seed Startups

Built for ambitious entrepreneurs who are looking for high-value, real-world support from those who’ve actually done it before, this comprehensive programme is the first of its kind to be delivered in Scotland. 

The programme will kick off week commencing 6th October 2025 and is free to access for all participating startups and is funded through The Ecosystem Fund and sponsors. 

Delivered by
Ecosystem Builders Network and Sun & Planet

Ecosystem Builders Network is the professional network for Ecosystem Builders.

Sun & Planet provides pre-seed/seed fundraising support for European startups raising £150K - £3M

Supported by
The Ecosystem Fund


The Scottish Government's Ecosystem Fund supports projects that contribute to the growth and development of Scotland's entrepreneurial ecosystem.

#pre-seed | #resources | #investment | #startups

Why apply?

1:1 feedback and support from those delivering the programme
A comprehensive library of tailored content - best practice templates and fundraising resources 
A carefully curated list of pre-seed investors across the UK, Europe and further afield with contact details 

Ready to Raise?

This programme is for ambitious founders looking to learn how to raise your first round of investment.

We encourage applications from underrepresented founders across gender, ethnicity, neurodiversity and geography.

There are just 10 spots available for startups.

Criteria:

  • Raising £250k+ (1st or 2nd round) in the next 12 months
  • Are building technology companies
  • Have raised less than £100k to date
  • Are post-concept with an MVP (can be pre- or post-revenue)
  • Headquartered in ScotlandFounder-led, but founders don’t need to be full-time yet
  • Open to learning and building in public

What to expect from Round One?

Each week we will explore a new topic, brought to life by real-world examples, practical insights and stories from founders and investors, at every session.

Week One: Getting Prepared

The startup funding funnel, investor profiles and what they look for.

Week Two: The Story  

How to structure and craft an investor deck, data rooms and handle investor due diligence.

Week Three: Finance

Financial modelling, the legal mechanics of fundraising and tax reliefs.

Week Four: Identifying Investors

Identifying, qualifying and reaching investor targets

Week Five: Finding Value

How to think about dilution, CAP Tables and valuations

Week Six: The Legals

Term sheets, shareholder agreements, CAP tables, founder protections & legal pitfalls

Week Seven: Outreach & Pitching

How to run a smooth fundraise process, effective follow ups, communication & pitching guidance

Week Eight: Due Diligence & Demo Day

Investor criteria, data rooms and due diligence & your opportunity to pitch to a room full of pre-seed investors
Organisers

Who is behind
Round One?

Round One is led by Bruce Walker, founder of Ecosystem Builders, and Alex Rowe, founder of Sun & Planet. 

Bruce has spent over a decade building platforms that support early-stage founders and accelerate regional ecosystems whilst Alex brings deep fundraising expertise, having worked with 40+ startups, contributing to fundraises totalling £30m+ across his career as a startup operator, advisor, and fractional fundraising lead.

Together, they’re combining forces to deliver a high-intensity, no-fluff programme rooted in lived experience and real investor insight.

We’re also excited to welcome the RBS Accelerator as a key partner in the programme, who will host the in person sessions in their Glasgow & Edinburgh hubs and also provide participants with access to their mentorship network as well as other benefits.
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