ONFIFE has partnered with CodeBase to drive tech startup growth in the region. The partnership plans to build Fife’s tech ecosystem and a network of Techscaler ‘pop-up’ hubs will be established at Adam Smith Theatre in Kirkcaldy, Rothes Hall in Glenrothes, and Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries.
OnFife is Fife’s Cultural Trust supported by Fife Council, while CodeBase runs the Scottish Government’s startup support programme Techscaler aimed at driving startup growth across Scotland.
Co-working and hotdesking space will be made available at OnFife’s venues, from where CodeBase will offer a range of in-person and online community events, and entrepreneurs supported by the partnership will have access to the Techscaler programme itself, which helps companies and entrepreneurs start and scale-up their businesses through education programmes, expert mentoring, and a growing network of physical hubs.
Launched in 2022, Techscaler supported more than 500 companies in 2023, now has around 2,500 members, and companies supported by Techscaler attracted investment of more than £50 million last year.
OnFife Chief Executive Heather Stuart said: “This is a hugely exciting opportunity for Fife tech businesses, start-ups and entrepreneurs. We’re looking forward to working in partnership with CodeBase to help with its plans to create a network across the kingdom that supports tech innovation through culture, community, businesses and education.”
Chris Boyland, VP of Regional Engagement at CodeBase, said: “At its heart, Techscaler is community focussed and driven. Our regional teams and hubs, operated by colleagues with strong connections to their local areas, work closely with enterprise agencies, local partners and stakeholders to mitigate the challenges faced by founders and startups in regions around Scotland. We look forward to developing the partnership with OnFife, and the considerable opportunity to help grow the tech ecosystem and support entrepreneurs and founders across Fife.”
Fife-based entrepreneur Julie Grieve, former Founder and CEO of hotel and hospitality app Criton, said: “Techscaler is an excellent resource for startups, scale-ups, and those who have an idea for a business they want to validate. I believe that Fife businesses will find this new partnership very useful and I look forward to working with more businesses from the region.”
Pamela Stevenon, Fife Council’s Service Manager for Economic Development, said: “The partnership with OnFife and CodeBase represents a great stride towards nurturing innovation and fostering entrepreneurship in Fife. Our team is committed to working with OnFife to empower the next generation of Techscalers.”
To mark the start of the partnership’s community-focused engagement in Fife, an ‘Unplugged Kirkcaldy’ event takes place at Adam Smith Theatre on Tuesday 23rd July between 12-2pm, the first of a series of events, which will bring together entrepreneurs, techies, creatives, students, investors, and other regional stakeholders to network, share ideas, and find out more about Techscaler support across Fife and the Central Belt.
