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
  • Half-day 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 on 29th September 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 VC

Ecosystem Builders Network is the professional network for Ecosystem Builders.

Sun & Planet VC 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
  • Have raised less than £100k to date
  • Are post-concept with an MVP (can be pre- or post-revenue)
  • Headquartered in Scotland
  • Founder-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: Finance 

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

Week Three: The Story

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

Week Four: Finding Value

How to think about dilution, CAP Tables and valuations

Week Five: Finding Investors

Identifying, qualifying and reaching investor targets

Week Six: Common Pitfalls

How to avoid common pitfalls and ensure that you find the right investors for you.

Week Seven: Feedback

Group feedback and support from those delivering the programme

Week Eight: Demo Day

Pitch to a room full of pre-seed investors looking for ambitious startups to invest in
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