Royal Bank to hold first ever startup Accelerator Pitch competition in Scotland

The Royal Bank of Scotland has announced that it will bring its Accelerator Pitch competition to Scotland for the very first time.

Entrants are already able to compete for a £30,000 prize pot which will be awarded at a live final on 24 April. The final will take place at the formal opening of the Royal Bank’s new Accelerator hub building in Edinburgh.

One of the award winners will also receive an Out-of-Home advertising campaign delivered by JCDecaux UK.

Royal Bank Pitch competitions are designed to help founders build the confidence they need to secure investment, while also recognising the innovative ideas that will deliver future growth.

To enter, entrepreneurs based in Scotland, are required to submit a 60 second pitch video on their product and business by 5pm on 26 March. Six businesses will then move forward to the final to make their pitch in front of a live audience.

The announcement follows successful Accelerator Pitch Live events delivered in Manchester and London, with another due to be held in Northern Ireland at the Belfast Telegraph Business Awards later this month.

Heidi Simpson, Regional Accelerator Director, Royal Bank of Scotland, said: “We are delighted to announce that we will be bringing our Pitch competition to Scotland for the very first time.”

“This Royal Bank Pitch competition is all about recognising the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation that is at the heart of so many founder’s stories. We are looking for the exciting ideas that will transform and grow Scotland’s economy and build the employers of the future.

“I can think of no better way to launch our new Edinburgh Accelerator Hub building than hosting the Pitch final. The competition has gone live today, and I wish all entrants the best of luck.”

Thanh Catachanas, Head of Collaboration and Acquisition, JCDecaux UK, said: “Following the success of our collaboration with the NatWest Accelerator Pitch in London last November and our ongoing partnership with Royal Bank of Scotland, it’s fantastic to be involved again by offering an Out-of-Home advertising campaign to the winner of the Edinburgh pitch final. Edinburgh has a thriving startup and scale-up community, and it’s exciting to support founders who are building the next generation of ambitious businesses. As brands grow, visibility becomes critical, and Out-of-Home plays a powerful role in helping scale-ups reach new audiences and build trust. With our strong presence across the city and partnerships with Edinburgh City Council, Network Rail and Edinburgh Airport, we’re proud to help connect innovative businesses with the people and places that help them grow”