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What the Bank looks for in a potential investment.
How the Bank invests
One of the first questions you’ll have is what are we looking for and why.
We seek to invest in projects that align with our missions, and approach every opportunity on an individual basis, so that the financing offered is tailored to the needs of the individual business or project.
We invest in businesses and projects connected to Scotland, or businesses seeking to move to Scotland.
Typically, we will invest in businesses and projects seeking more than £1m in investment support (debt or equity). If your business satisfies those requirements, then we would be keen to hear from you.
Your investment journey
Once you submit all the information we need, we aim to complete our investment process within 3-4 months.
Step 1: Investment opportunity
Whether you make an inward enquiry or meet us at an event - the initial contact will be with our new business team who will work with you to get the information we need to take the proposition forward.
Step 2: New business forum
This is the first assessment of your investment and we will look at the fit and alignment with our missions and impact requirements. If you are successful or not, we will provide feedback.
Step 3: Investment panel and investment committee
These are two further stages of the process where we will analyse your business in more detail and look at the likely impact the investment will have. We will then provide feedback as to whether your proposal has gone to the next stage and provide feedback.
Step 4: Finalisation
At this point, if your investment has been agreed, there will be some document finalisation and investment close. We will also work with you at this point to announce the investment publicly.
What you will need to submit an enquiry
We welcome enquiries from all businesses who meet our criteria. Here is the information we will need from you to help assess your application.
- Which of the Bank's missions your business or project supports
- The amount of investment you are looking for, and whether this is equity or debt
- A summary of the opportunity, ideally including:
- Background: overview of the business or project
- Market Potential: overview of the market and competitive landscape
- Management: background and experience of key management team
- Financials: summary of historic and projected financial performance
- Investment: current capital structure, investment opportunity and proposed involvement of the Bank
Any investments will be assessed rigorously by the investment team and must deliver both commercial returns and mission impact returns that support at least one of the missions.
The Bank Investment Strategy
Working with the Bank
Can we invest in your business?
There are some criteria that we need all businesses to meet before we can consider an investment. To give you a better idea of what we’re looking for, please take a closer look at our investment requirements.
Our New Business team
Contact the team
If you would like to discuss your options further or get more information, our experienced team is here to help. You can contact our team directly.
FAQs
While we seek to invest widely and diversely in projects that mirror its missions, there are clear areas where do not provide financial assistance. Our FAQs should answer all your questions and help you decide whether you’re eligible before you begin the application process.
