We're teaming up with Converge to celebrate the next generation of Scottish entrepreneurs! Converge's Kickstart programme helps students, researchers and recent graduates from across Scotland's universities dip their toes into entrepreneurship. It's where people learn the basics, test whether their idea has legs, and decide if this path is for them.
On June 11th, we're bringing this year's cohort together with the wider Venture Café Edinburgh community, because building a good network takes time, and the earlier you start, the better. Whether you're just starting out or have been around the block, this is a chance to make connections that will matter at every stage of the journey. We'll also hear from experienced founders and ecosystem builders on the science behind strong connections and how your networks and relationships are what help open doors, challenge your thinking, and support you when things get hard. Come along, meet the cohort, and help us welcome the next wave of Scottish academic entrepreneurs into the community.
In partnership with Converge
Powered by Advanced Research + Invention Agency
Grab a drink, and join the conversation! Whether you're looking to meet potential collaborators, exchange ideas, grow your network, or simply continue the conversation, this is a great opportunity to connect with fellow innovators, entrepreneurs, and members of the community. You never know where a conversation might lead!
Join us in the Conversation Corner for an informal chat with PRIMED Edinburgh, a programme supporting researchers and innovators to turn cutting-edge ideas into real-world impact. Working at the intersection of academia and entrepreneurship, PRIMED helps individuals explore the commercial potential of their work and take early steps towards building ventures.
This is a relaxed opportunity to learn more about what they do, ask questions, and connect - whether you’re curious about innovation, exploring an idea, or just keen to meet others working across Edinburgh’s ecosystem.
With the World Cup in full swing, we're bringing a classic football favourite to Venture Café Edinburgh.
Drop by throughout the evening and challenge fellow attendees to a game of Subbuteo – the iconic tabletop football game that has been bringing people together for generations. For this tabletop version of football, players take turns flicking miniature footballers across the pitch in an attempt to pass, tackle, and score goals.
Whether you're a seasoned Subbuteo champion or completely new to the game, this is a fun and informal way to meet new people, spark conversations, enjoy a little friendly competition, and explore the science behind connection through the simple act of play!
Get into the World Cup spirit by creating your own football-inspired biscuit masterpiece!
Armed with icing, sprinkles, and a little imagination, you'll have the chance to design your own cookie inspired by the beautiful game. Let your creativity guide you, and tuck in once you've brought your vision to life!
Step into a unique 10-minute insight session combining Tarot Colour Reading, Face Reading and NLP techniques designed to inspire personal growth, self-awareness and fresh perspective.
Discover what your colour choices, facial characteristics and thinking patterns may reveal about your communication style, strengths, behaviours and untapped potential. These engaging mini sessions offer thought-provoking insights into mindset, relationships, confidence and personal development. Whether you are seeking clarity, motivation or a deeper understanding of yourself, this experience provides a powerful conversation starter and a memorable opportunity for reflection, insight and positive change.
This the first of two sessions, and offers discrete one-to-one slots - please preregister to save your spot!
How do you know who's actually right for an early‑stage team?
In this practical workshop, Craig Jackson will guide you through one of the hardest parts of building a business: bringing those first key people in. How do you attract talent without a big brand or budget? How do you avoid the hires that look great on paper but sink the culture? We'll cover real‑world tactics for those who are ready to stop flying solo and start building a team
Craig Jackson is the friend you need when "people issues" have you stuck. He's been on the boot‑strapped journey himself: hired well, hired badly, grew a business from 3 to 15 people, and had learned lessons the hard way. The scars didn't kill his passion for entrepreneurship. Now, he helps founders navigate the messy, human side of building a team: who to hire, how to attract them, and what to do when it's not working (without everything blowing up).
Hear from Claudia Cavalluzzo, Director of Venture Café Edinburgh and Lissa Herron, Deputy Director and Head of Enterprise at Converge, who will set the scene for the evening.
Sandy Kennedy (Director for Commercial Relationships, Intelligent Growth Solutions) shares why your network might be your most valuable asset; how the right relationships can open doors, challenge your thinking, and carry you through the hard bits of building something new.
Andrew Scott, CEO of Orbital Marine Power, sits down with presenter and writer Sepi Golzari‑Munro for a candid conversation about turning ambitious ideas into world‑leading technology, and the relationships that make it possible.
Step into a unique 10-minute insight session combining Tarot Colour Reading, Face Reading and NLP techniques designed to inspire personal growth, self-awareness and fresh perspective.
Discover what your colour choices, facial characteristics and thinking patterns may reveal about your communication style, strengths, behaviours and untapped potential. These engaging mini sessions offer thought-provoking insights into mindset, relationships, confidence and personal development. Whether you are seeking clarity, motivation or a deeper understanding of yourself, this experience provides a powerful conversation starter and a memorable opportunity for reflection, insight and positive change.
This the second of two sessions, and offers discrete one-to-one slots - please preregister to save your spot!
We're teaming up with Converge to celebrate the next generation of Scottish entrepreneurs! Converge's Kickstart programme helps students, researchers and recent graduates from across Scotland's universities dip their toes into entrepreneurship. It's where people learn the basics, test whether their idea has legs, and decide if this path is for them.
On June 11th, we're bringing this year's cohort together with the wider Venture Café Edinburgh community, because building a good network takes time, and the earlier you start, the better. Whether you're just starting out or have been around the block, this is a chance to make connections that will matter at every stage of the journey. We'll also hear from experienced founders and ecosystem builders on the science behind strong connections and how your networks and relationships are what help open doors, challenge your thinking, and support you when things get hard. Come along, meet the cohort, and help us welcome the next wave of Scottish academic entrepreneurs into the community.
In partnership with Converge
Powered by Advanced Research + Invention Agency
Grab a drink, and join the conversation! Whether you're looking to meet potential collaborators, exchange ideas, grow your network, or simply continue the conversation, this is a great opportunity to connect with fellow innovators, entrepreneurs, and members of the community. You never know where a conversation might lead!
Join us in the Conversation Corner for an informal chat with PRIMED Edinburgh, a programme supporting researchers and innovators to turn cutting-edge ideas into real-world impact. Working at the intersection of academia and entrepreneurship, PRIMED helps individuals explore the commercial potential of their work and take early steps towards building ventures.
This is a relaxed opportunity to learn more about what they do, ask questions, and connect - whether you’re curious about innovation, exploring an idea, or just keen to meet others working across Edinburgh’s ecosystem.
With the World Cup in full swing, we're bringing a classic football favourite to Venture Café Edinburgh.
Drop by throughout the evening and challenge fellow attendees to a game of Subbuteo – the iconic tabletop football game that has been bringing people together for generations. For this tabletop version of football, players take turns flicking miniature footballers across the pitch in an attempt to pass, tackle, and score goals.
Whether you're a seasoned Subbuteo champion or completely new to the game, this is a fun and informal way to meet new people, spark conversations, enjoy a little friendly competition, and explore the science behind connection through the simple act of play!
Get into the World Cup spirit by creating your own football-inspired biscuit masterpiece!
Armed with icing, sprinkles, and a little imagination, you'll have the chance to design your own cookie inspired by the beautiful game. Let your creativity guide you, and tuck in once you've brought your vision to life!
Step into a unique 10-minute insight session combining Tarot Colour Reading, Face Reading and NLP techniques designed to inspire personal growth, self-awareness and fresh perspective.
Discover what your colour choices, facial characteristics and thinking patterns may reveal about your communication style, strengths, behaviours and untapped potential. These engaging mini sessions offer thought-provoking insights into mindset, relationships, confidence and personal development. Whether you are seeking clarity, motivation or a deeper understanding of yourself, this experience provides a powerful conversation starter and a memorable opportunity for reflection, insight and positive change.
This the first of two sessions, and offers discrete one-to-one slots - please preregister to save your spot!
How do you know who's actually right for an early‑stage team?
In this practical workshop, Craig Jackson will guide you through one of the hardest parts of building a business: bringing those first key people in. How do you attract talent without a big brand or budget? How do you avoid the hires that look great on paper but sink the culture? We'll cover real‑world tactics for those who are ready to stop flying solo and start building a team
Craig Jackson is the friend you need when "people issues" have you stuck. He's been on the boot‑strapped journey himself: hired well, hired badly, grew a business from 3 to 15 people, and had learned lessons the hard way. The scars didn't kill his passion for entrepreneurship. Now, he helps founders navigate the messy, human side of building a team: who to hire, how to attract them, and what to do when it's not working (without everything blowing up).
Hear from Claudia Cavalluzzo, Director of Venture Café Edinburgh and Lissa Herron, Deputy Director and Head of Enterprise at Converge, who will set the scene for the evening.
Sandy Kennedy (Director for Commercial Relationships, Intelligent Growth Solutions) shares why your network might be your most valuable asset; how the right relationships can open doors, challenge your thinking, and carry you through the hard bits of building something new.
Andrew Scott, CEO of Orbital Marine Power, sits down with presenter and writer Sepi Golzari‑Munro for a candid conversation about turning ambitious ideas into world‑leading technology, and the relationships that make it possible.
Step into a unique 10-minute insight session combining Tarot Colour Reading, Face Reading and NLP techniques designed to inspire personal growth, self-awareness and fresh perspective.
Discover what your colour choices, facial characteristics and thinking patterns may reveal about your communication style, strengths, behaviours and untapped potential. These engaging mini sessions offer thought-provoking insights into mindset, relationships, confidence and personal development. Whether you are seeking clarity, motivation or a deeper understanding of yourself, this experience provides a powerful conversation starter and a memorable opportunity for reflection, insight and positive change.
This the second of two sessions, and offers discrete one-to-one slots - please preregister to save your spot!