Founders Meetup Glasgow - January 2026
Founders Meet Up Glasgow is an extension of the tactical fireside chats with experienced entrepreneurs and speed networking with other founders, potential cofounders, and investors that happen in Edinburgh and London.
Join us on Wednesday 14th of January to kick start the 2026 momentum and be part of the communities making Glasgow the best place to build.
Founders Meet Up fills the void between the knowledge, connections and ambition that first time founders and early stage founders don't at first possess, by mixing them with those who have 'been there, done that.' Big it up for the second time founders, investors and serial entrepreneurs coming along on 14.1.2026!
With thanks to our sponsor Eden Scott, lunch will be served and our top tier guests will lead the conversation with founder-to-founder insights you do not hear so swiftly in other rooms.
See you all at The Collectors Hall!
Agenda
Our format is as follows:
11:30 - Arrival and Coffee
11:50 - Welcome and Sponsor Shout Out
12:00 - In conversation with Bryan McMillan (TyreRunner) and Danae Shell (Valla)
12:40 - Bryan and Danae will be joined by Rob Geld (serial entrepreneur, newly appointed at early stage investors, TechStart)
13:00 - Dave Hughes (Halya) and Genna Masterton (kinoro) lead audience Q&A
13:15 - Lunch and Learn
14:00 - Close
Why should you attend?
You're currently building a startup
You have an idea and are thinking of starting a business
You're looking for a co-founder or potential team members
You're an investor looking for new opportunities
You want to learn from experienced startup operators and successful founders
You want to work for a start-up!
What is a startup?
There are many definitions for a startup, often contradictory. To keep things simple, a startup is a newly established business that aims to develop and sell a new product or service under conditions of extreme uncertainty. Startups are usually founded by entrepreneurs seeking to innovate and disrupt existing markets.
Some key differences between startups and small businesses:
Growth - Startups are focused on rapid growth and scaling their business model. Small businesses are usually more focused on stability and serving an existing market need.
Funding - Startups typically raise, or consider raising, outside investor funding through venture capital to fuel their growth rather than through revenue or loans alone. This is a generalisation, and there are certainly startups that instead opt for the bootstrapped approach.
Risk profile - Startups tend to be higher risk since they are often pioneering a new product or business model. Small businesses tend to have lower risk profiles.
Culture - Startup cultures tend to emphasise speed, iteration, and disruption. Small business cultures can be more risk-averse.
Impact - Successful startups aim to be high-impact and reach scale quickly. Small businesses have a smaller, more localised impact.
Exit strategy - Many startups aim to eventually be acquired or go public. Small businesses focus on stability and generating profit.
Overall, the key difference is that startups are focused on innovation, high growth, and disruption, while small businesses provide existing services to a local market. Of course, there is often a lot of overlap, and startups can eventually evolve into small businesses over time.
If you’re looking to learn about any of the above or sharpen your startup tools, this is the Meetup for you! 😎
Special Ask
To make Founders Meet Up Glasgow sustainable in 2026 we are on the look out for new sponsors, supporters and partners. Please reach out to us on LinkedIn to express your interest.
Please choose the ticket type that best fits you. There is a free option for early-stage or pre-start founders; a contribution option for founders who are able to £ support us; and a ticket price for those who are part of the ecosystem in another capacity. #founderfriends
Let's go global from Glasgow!