Just under a year ago I blogged about going to TechCrunch Disrupt with Cyacomb, and finished by saying “I hope to be back here again next year with the same company at a later stage of development” – well, the company certainly has developed, and I am going back. I also asked “Why not a Scotland pavilion next year?” and although I have been very busy with Cyacomb, that is happening too. There will be five of us in this first Scottish Pavilion, which I hope will continue to grow in future years. Thanks to everyone who has helped put this together!
Here is a release (thanks to the team at Mallzee) telling our story:
Edinburgh entrepreneurs are currently dominating news headlines; from Skyscanners £1.4 billion sale to the city being crowned British Entrepreneurial City of the Year at the Great British Entrepreneur awards. Next week, five of the Capital’s brightest entrepreneurs are heading to TechCrunch Disrupt to showcase some of the most exciting new businesses at the specially dedicated Scottish Pavilion.
TechCrunch Disrupt widely recognised as the world’s leading authority in debuting revolutionary startups and introducing game-changing technologies has built up an enviable reputation for gathering the best and the brightest entrepreneurs, investors, hackers and tech fans together. The hand-picked Scottish contingent is proof of the calibre of attendees.
The Scottish Pavilion is made up of five Edinburgh based entrepreneurs, each hailed as pioneers within their own industries;
- Cally Russell – Founder and CEO of Mallzee, the UK’s leading multi-retailer personalised shopping app
- Ian Stevenson – CEO of Cyacomb, pioneering rapid forensic triage for law enforcement
- Alex McAndrew – Co-founder and MD at Yavi, the organiser app for managing shift working teams
- James Varga – Founder and CEO of The ID Co – improving digital security via a virtual passport, miiCard for individuals and DirectID – a bank verified identity for businesses.
- Eddie Robb, Founder and CEO of Make it Social, the one stop group booking/planning/paying platform.
Edinburgh beat Cambridge, Leeds, London and Manchester to be named British Entrepreneurial City of the Year. The City was judged against four criteria; quality of life that attracts smart, entrepreneurial people, access to capital and talent, start up ecosystems and entrepreneurial culture and access to mentors and support networks. With a vibrant tech scene Edinburgh has also gained a reputation as a progressive innovative city with readers of European Business magazine recently voting Edinburgh as the best city to locate your tech business.
Visit the Scottish Pavilion at TechCrunch Disrupt on 6th December at the Copper Box Arena, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, E20 3HB, to find out more (or get in touch with me through info@cyanforensics.com).
