Initiative to grow Ip-rich Scots start-ups

CMS Scotland is launching an initiative aimed at helping Scottish start-ups to scale up.

The law firm’s “CMS equip” programme will invest in young Scotland-based firms that are rich in intellectual property (IP) to maximise their full potential.

It provides access to exclusive training, discounted legal services and an active peer network, to help startups establish the robust governance and compliance processes they need for growth.

The initiative has already worked with 60 start-ups in the UK, Singapore and Dubai, and through its offices in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen, CMS has now tailored the offering to Scotland’s startup community.

Businesses accepted onto the programme will receive a 50 per cent discount on legal services up to the value of £25,000 each year during an initial three-year period, along with access to a dedicated relationship manager.

CMS Scotland’s managing director, Allan Wernham, said: “We are delighted to be launching CMS equip in Scotland.

“Following its success in London, and more recently in Singapore and Dubai, we are confident it will also benefit and inspire our rich community of entrepreneurs and young businesses here in Scotland.”

CMS partner Anthony Waller, who founded the equip programme, added: “Through the CMS equip programme we are well-placed to help nurture great ideas, develop innovation and foster business growth, supporting the tech stars of the future.” 0 ‘Delighted’: Allan Wernham, CMS Scotland