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Thursday Gathering Edinburgh
Funding That Fits: A Night for Female Founders, Funders & Investors
May 28, 2026, 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Every business needs the right support to grow, but female-led businesses often face a narrower view of what that support looks like. Equity investment is a powerful route, but it’s not the only option. From crowdfunding to IP-backed lending, many businesses thrive on a mix of funding sources, yet these options often lack visibility, leaving founders unsure what’s available or right for their stage and sector.

This special Thursday Gathering, in partnership with Scottish EDGE and supported by Pathways Forward, is designed to make connections that matter and focus on practical actions, not just another diagnosis of the problem.

Who is this for?
  • Founders looking for the right kind of finance at the right time.
  • Investors and funders who are serious about backing women-led businesses.
  • Anyone who wants to shift from talking about the issues to making progress.

What to expect?You’ll leave with a clear view of what different funders and supporters are looking for, along with actionable takeaways on the funding mix that could work for you.

Come ready to ask questions, make connections, and leave with a clearer sense of your next step.
Sessions
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5:00 PM - 5:45 PM
Networking
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5:15 PM - 5:45 PM
Sip & Paint with Adelphe Connect
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5:15 PM - 5:45 PM
Tasting Experience with Sablière
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5:45 PM - 5:50 PM
Welcome from Venture Cafe Edinburgh + Partners
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5:50 PM - 6:30 PM
Reverse Pitching: Funders in the Hot Seat
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6:30 PM - 6:45 PM
'What I’m Looking for in the Room'
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6:45 PM - 7:30 PM
Funding Roundtables
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7:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Continued Networking
Speakers
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Emma Biasiolo
Investment Director
Beringea
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Jack Chalkey
Crowdfunding Advisor
Freelance
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Eloho Efemuai
Founder and CEO
Adelphe Connect
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Elizabeth Fairley
COO/CDO, Founder
Talking Medicines
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Alisha Fuller-Armah
Founder & CEO
Draconite™
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Cameron Gordon
Entrepreneur Acceleration Manager
Royal Bank of Scotland Business
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Jack Greenwood
Ecosystem Manager
Barclays
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Dawn Harris
Founder and CEO
Kedras Clinics
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Jessica Mullen
Founder, Board Member and Angel Investor
Apollo Informal Investment / HolisticShift
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Lesley O'Neill
Loan Officer
DSL Business Finance
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Soumya Palliyil
CEO & Co-Founder
Brigidbio
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Jolene Roberts
Founder
Òir Soap
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Billy Stewart
Business Development Manager
Royal Bank of Scotland Business
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Gemma Stuart
Founder
Gut Wealth
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Jessica-Rose Watson
Co-Founder & CEO
Gloriah
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Kim Wilson
Co-founder
Sablière
Location
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