You can search for business funding information and sources of advice at:
https://www.mygov.scot/funding-advice-search
Public Agencies
This is Scotland’s national economic development agency that helps businesses to innovate and scale. They particularly focus on innovation, investment and international.
This is a national source of business advice in Scotland delivered and supported by local authorities. More information on Business Gateway Fife is at:
Scottish Enterprise/Scottish National Investment Bank
Match funding - The Scottish Co-investment Fund (SCF) helps with finance gaps alongside accredited co-investment partners. Investment can be made in companies from start-up, early-stage to expanding businesses seeking to develop products and/or markets. Whilst this is not sector specific, certain sectors such as banking or hospitality might be ineligible unless proposals concern innovative, disruptive or technology approaches. Companies need to get support from an accredited investor before applying. This fund:
- Matches accredited co-investment partners up to a maximum of 50% of the total funding package on a commercial basis
- Typically provides £100K to £2m, as part of total deal sizes typically £200K to £10m.
- Is an equity fund – SNIB takes shares on equal terms with investment partners.
Companies must be:
- Commercially viable high-growth potential business
- Have, or be in the process of developing, a significant operational presence in Scotland proportionate to the investment being sought
- A Small to Medium Enterprise (SME) – broadly maximums of 250 employees, €50m turnover, €43m balance sheet total.
- Have or be developing or be committed to developing a net zero plan.
- Commit to the key principles of fair work practices.
For an idea of the process to become an accredited investor take a look at:
https://www.scottish-enterprise.com/media/2569/scf-partner-form-sib.pdf
This is the UK’s national development bank and helps businesses find funding routes and offers free financial tools and expert information.
British Business Bank - other forms of finance
British Business Bank- search finance experts
Private Venture Capital
Business angel investment topped a record £50 million in 2022 according to angel group, Linc Scotland. This is the national business angel network for Scotland with a membership comprising both individual investors and most well know groups / syndicates.
Linc Scotland Member Directory
Venture Capital (VC) provides finance and operational expertise for entrepreneurs and start-up companies, typically, although not exclusively, in technology-based sectors such as ICT, life sciences or fintech. Private equity tends to be for more established companies. A more limited group of VCs will look at media and Games.
Sources of information include:
British Venture Capital Association
Includes a directory of investor organisations – 1 year access is available for £150.
UK Business Angels Association (UKBAA)
UKBAA builds and connect the investment ecosystem, creating a coherent and diverse landscape for financing high-potential entrepreneurs across the UK. It also helps to coordinate diverse programmes ranging from access to investment support to investor education and training. Working alongside industry leaders, they help to drive investment into the regions, diversify the investment ecosystem and shine a spotlight on leading UK innovators. Membership is for investors starting at £195 per year.
A free to search directory and additional paid-for services available such as review of proposals.
https://findvc.co.uk/vc-directories/
Growth Business UK venture capital directory, a comprehensive guide to every British VC investing in start-ups and scaleups.
Project finance
Loans are more common for business finance that equity investment/venture finance. Generally this involves loans and lenders might require the creation of a special purpose company. Lenders generally charge a fee from the game budget or a premium payable from game revenues. They might also want a revenue share. Project Finance is well established for media production. While this is not the case for games, there is a small but growing number of lenders.
To get project finance, you have to show strong commercial potential such as through sales forecasts, track record and examples of previous similar successful projects.