This document discusses how to build a successful tech startup. It begins by providing statistics on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Scotland, noting that SMEs employ over 1 million people and deliver nearly 40% of private sector turnover. It then discusses challenges in attracting candidates, including a shift from job boards to referral and social media sites. The document emphasizes the importance of founding a startup with the right team, with the necessary skills and experience. It provides suggestions for where to find qualified candidates to build a strong founding team, such as experienced entrepreneurs, advisors, and recruiters. Finally, it provides contact information for Eden Scott, the client operations manager who authored the document.

1. Eden Scott :
How to build a Tech Start Up
Craig Jackson | Client Operations Manager | March 2014

2. Introduction
Client Operations Manager
Craig Jackson

3. Market Dynamics
Key figures
 99.3% of Private Sector
Companies in Scotland are classed
as an SME
 As a sector is employees over 1.09
Million people
 That equates to 54% of Total
Private Sector Employment in
Scotland
 SME’s also deliver nearly 40%
(37.7%) of the Total Private Sector
Turnover in Scotland

4. Candidate Attraction – The Challenges

5. Candidate Behaviour Changes
Placement Source
% FY
08-09
% FY
12-13
Job Boards
59%
39%
Eden Scott Database
14%
18%
Referral
8.5%
14%
External Database
7%
10%
LinkedIn
1%
8%
Eden Scott Website
0.5%
7%
Headhunt
10%
4%

6. 60% of Equity Gap’s decision making is based on the top team in an early
stage company. These are the people that we are investing in to deliver the
plans they have sold us. We need to believe that they can do it, we do not
want to spend time and money helping to create the team.”
Jock Millican, LINC Scotland Chairman and Gatekeeper of the Equity Gap angel
syndicate.

7. The “Dream Team”
The Challenge:
•
Where do you find them?
•
In the main this is a Hidden market
•
We all live in a “passive candidate” market
•
Very relationship and network centric

8. The “Dream Team”
The good news is the candidates are out there!
•
Large corporate retirees who want to add value
•
Entrepreneurs like yourselves who have been through the cycle
•
Business advisors and mentors
•
Non executive Directors
•
Scottish Enterprise
•
The Saltire Foundation
•
The investment community
•
Chambers of Commerce
•
Recruiters
•
Andrews team here at Alba
•
The Global Scot network

9. Summary
At the
right
time
The
right
skills
The right
person

10. Contact Us
Eden Scott Website
www.edenscott.com
Twitter
www.twitter.com/edenscottltd
LinkedIn
www.linkedin.com/company/eden-scott

11. Thank You