Scottish Business Network
Scottish Business Network is a non-profit membership organisation that connects 20,000+ Scottish entrepreneurs and business leaders globally through the SBN Family digital platform, a 54-ambassador network across 40+ countries, tiered premium and corporate partnership programmes, and a content ecosystem spanning podcast, video and thought leadership.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2016
- HeadquartersLondon, United Kingdom
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Scottish Business Network does
Scottish Business Network (SBN) is an independent professional non-profit membership organisation founded in 2016 and headquartered in Edinburgh, with a stated mission of uniting the Scottish diaspora globally for the benefit of Scotland. It serves Scottish entrepreneurs, business leaders, Scotland-based SMEs with international ambitions, and international businesses with Scottish roots, operating a community of 20,000+ members across five continents supported by 54 global ambassadors in 40+ countries.
SBN's core product is the SBN Family digital membership platform, built on Squarespace CMS with Very Connect powering the member directory and community interaction features. Around this platform sits a content ecosystem including SBN Podcast, SBN TV, the Saltire Sentinel thought-leadership publication, and the Asks & Opportunities feature, which gives members a curated gateway to business leads and requests across a network of 100,000+ Scots. Distribution is amplified through strategic partnerships with Scottish innovation and public-sector organisations such as CivTech, GovTech Scotland, Nexus Scotland, Zero Nation, Interceltic Business Forum and Fora Workspaces, alongside a calendar of global events including NYC Tartan Week, regional meetups and Celtic-nation forums.
SBN runs a freemium commercial model. The basic Member tier is free and provides directory access and SBN Insights, while monetisation flows through three recurring streams: a paid Premium tier for leaders seeking tailored board-level support, a corporate Partnership Programme giving strategic access and visibility, and an Ambassador tier representing SBN regionally. Specific pricing is not publicly disclosed. Operating status is active with events scheduled through 2026; no funding rounds, M&A, or revenue figures are disclosed in the source material.
Scottish Business Network firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Scottish Business Network
- Legal name
- Scottish Business Network
- Website
- https://sbn.scot
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2016
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Scottish Business Network is a non-profit membership organisation that connects 20,000+ Scottish entrepreneurs and business leaders globally through the SBN Family digital platform, a 54-ambassador network across 40+ countries, tiered premium and corporate partnership programmes, and a content ecosystem spanning podcast, video and thought leadership.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Scottish Business Network industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Professional Networking Services
- NAICS
- Business, Professional, Labor, Political, and Similar Organizations (8139), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813), Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers (51621)
- SIC
- Services-Membership Organizations (8600)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Professional & Business Networking Communities (MPACAJAB)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Mentoring, Coaching, Alumni Networking & Peer Support Platforms (EDAFAMAN)
Keywords
Where Scottish Business Network is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- London
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Scottish Business Network business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Premium Membership: Tiered membership model with free basic membership providing access to the community directory and SBN Insights, and paid Premium membership offering tailored support, direct access to board of experts, and enhanced resources for business leaders.
- SBN Partnership Programme: Strategic partnership programme connecting ambitious businesses with the global Scottish network. Partners receive warm introductions, business intelligence, global brand visibility, and strategic collaboration opportunities through co-branded content and event opportunities.
- Ambassador Programme: Global ambassador network of 54 senior leaders representing SBN in key regions worldwide. Ambassadors expand Scottish business connections in their local markets.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Monthly | Free digital membership with access to community directory, SBN Insights, and exclusive market opportunities. |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels6 records
Scottish Business Network product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Scottish Business Network operates a global non-profit membership organisation that connects Scottish entrepreneurs and business leaders through the SBN Family digital platform (community directory, SBN Insights, and Asks & Opportunities member-to-member business lead sharing). It offers tiered membership (free Member and paid Premium), a SBN Partnership Programme for businesses seeking strategic connections, and a SBN Ambassador Programme with 50+ global representatives in 54 regions. Supporting content channels include the SBN Podcast series, SBN TV on YouTube, the Saltire Sentinel thought-leadership platform, and a weekly LinkedIn newsletter, complemented by a global calendar of member events and partnerships with organisations such as CivTech, GovTech Scotland, Nexus, and the Interceltic Business Forum.
Product overview
The Scottish Business Network (SBN) operates as a professional non-profit membership organisation offering a suite of interconnected digital platforms and membership services for the global Scottish business community. The core offering consists of the SBN Family digital membership platform providing directory access and community features, complemented by content channels including the SBN Podcast (audio discussions with global business leaders), SBN TV (video library of interviews and event recordings), and Saltire Sentinel (written thought-leadership platform). The network facilitates business development through Asks & Opportunities (member-to-member business lead sharing) and organizes global events. Membership is structured in four tiers (Member, Premium, Ambassador, Partner) offering progressively enhanced access to board experts, regional representation, and strategic business introductions.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Saltire Sentinel: The official thought-leadership platform of SBN, providing a dedicated space for members to publish and explore articles that drive the global business conversation
- SBN Podcast
- SBN TV
- SBN Family
- Asks & Opportunities
Products and services
- SBN Membership (Member and Premium tiers) Tiered digital membership providing access to the SBN Family community directory, SBN Insights, the Asks & Opportunities business-lead sharing feature, and a weekly LinkedIn newsletter. The Member tier (free) keeps individuals informed of SBN activities and global opportunities, while the Premium tier adds direct engagement with the SBN board of experts and tailored support for senior leaders. Designed for Scottish entrepreneurs, business leaders, and global diaspora members seeking international business connections.
- SBN Partnership Programme The SBN Partnership Programme connects ambitious businesses (Scotland-based SMEs or international businesses with Scottish roots or interests) with the global Scottish network of innovators, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders. Partners gain warm introductions, business intelligence, global brand visibility, and strategic collaboration through co-branded content and event opportunities. Designed for organisations seeking international market access, business development, or visibility among Scottish business leaders.
- SBN Ambassador Programme The SBN Ambassador Programme is a global network of 50+ senior leaders representing Scottish Business Network in 54 regions across five continents. Ambassadors serve as regional representatives who expand Scottish business connections in their local markets, facilitate introductions, and surface international opportunities for the wider SBN community. Designed for senior business leaders seeking to represent and grow the Scottish business diaspora in their region.
Companies that use Scottish Business Network
Customer profileSegments5 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Scottish Business Network technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Scottish Business Network partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.
- CivTechcoreStrategic partner connecting SBN with the CivTech Scotland ecosystem, supporting innovation and public sector collaboration in Scotland.
- GovTech ScotlandcorePartnership with GovTech Scotland supporting digital transformation and technology innovation across Scottish public sector.
- Zero Nation (Net Zero Nation)supportingPartner focused on sustainability and net zero initiatives, connecting SBN members with green economy opportunities.
- Nexus ScotlandsupportingStrategic partner supporting innovation ecosystem development in Scotland through cross-sector collaboration.
- DotScotsupportingPartner for Scottish domain and digital identity initiatives, supporting Scottish businesses in establishing their online presence.
- Interceltic Business ForumcoreAnnual forum bringing together entrepreneurs, business leaders, investors, and elected officials from across Celtic nations for networking, cross-border collaboration, and innovation. SBN promotes this event and hosts sessions at the forum.
- AutomateNowsupportingSales and marketing focused partner co-hosting events such as The State of Sales Breakfast in London and AI for Growth Mastermind sessions.
- Sustainability EnergysupportingPartner in the sustainability and energy sector, connecting SBN members with green business opportunities.
- BNA (Business Network Albania)supportingInternational business network partner fostering cross-border business connections between Scotland and Albania.
- Fora WorkspacescorePremium workspace partner hosting monthly SBN coworking sessions at Fora venues across London, providing SBN community members with professional co-working facilities and networking opportunities.
- Very ConnectcoreTechnology partner providing the digital infrastructure for SBN's member interaction platform and community directory functionality.
- Sales Geek ScotlandsupportingSales-focused partner hosting the Sales Growth Expo 2026 at Hampden Park, Glasgow, in partnership with SBN.
- Innovation Forum GlasgowsupportingCo-hosting Founders Unfiltered event featuring medtech, health-tech, and deep-tech sector founders at the University of Glasgow.
- Business Isle of MansupportingHosting partner for Isle of Man Interceltic Business Forum, bringing together business leaders from Celtic nations for collaboration and networking.
- IBM Innovation StudiosupportingExclusive event venue partnership for SBN New York Global Innovation event showcasing AI applications through world-class brands including Ferrari F1, Wimbledon, and Sevilla FC.
- Polish Business LinksupportingInternational business network partner co-hosting Summer Business Drink Event in London, expanding cross-border networking opportunities.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Scottish Business Network competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- GlobalScot: Scottish Government-backed global business network connecting Scottish diaspora business leaders worldwide — directly overlaps with SBN's value proposition of connecting Scottish entrepreneurs and business leaders globally, and represents the most direct competitive peer with institutional backing.
- Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO): Global peer-to-peer network of entrepreneurs offering tiered membership, chapter-based events, executive education, and member introductions — directly comparable business model to SBN's Premium membership and Ambassador network with similar horizontal segmentation approach.
- YPO (Young Presidents' Organization): Premium global leadership community of chief executives offering tiered membership, regional chapters, peer forums, and curated introductions — directly comparable to SBN's premium member benefits, ambassador structure, and event-driven engagement model.
- TiE (The Indus Entrepreneurs): Global non-profit fostering entrepreneurship through a diaspora-tied network of chapters, mentorship programs, and events — directly comparable to SBN's diaspora-led community model with chapter structure, mentorship, and global-to-local networking.
- British-American Business (BAB): Transatlantic membership organization connecting UK and US business leaders through events, content, and curated introductions — directly comparable diaspora/business community model with tiered membership and partnership programmes across multiple geographies.
Emerging players
- Swissnex: Swiss government-backed global network connecting Swiss and international academia, startups, and innovation ecosystems through outpost locations and events — comparable government-supported model with similar mission of connecting a national diaspora to international opportunities.
Broad incumbents
- British Chambers of Commerce: Umbrella organization for accredited UK Chambers of Commerce providing networking, policy advocacy, and international trade support — broader incumbent offering similar membership-based business networking services across UK but without Scotland/diaspora specialization.
- Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI): Scotland-focused economic development membership organization connecting businesses, public sector, and academia — comparable Scotland-rooted business membership model with policy influence, events, and international trade support, though broader and more institutional than SBN.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Scottish Business Network social profiles
Digital presenceScottish Business Network financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Scottish Business Network leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Scottish Business Network subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Scottish Business Network funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Scottish Business Network M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Scottish Business Network
What does Scottish Business Network do?
Scottish Business Network operates a global non-profit membership organisation that connects Scottish entrepreneurs and business leaders through the SBN Family digital platform (community directory, SBN Insights, and Asks & Opportunities member-to-member business lead sharing). It offers tiered membership (free Member and paid Premium), a SBN Partnership Programme for businesses seeking strategic connections, and a SBN Ambassador Programme with 50+ global representatives in 54 regions. Supporting content channels include the SBN Podcast series, SBN TV on YouTube, the Saltire Sentinel thought-leadership platform, and a weekly LinkedIn newsletter, complemented by a global calendar of member events and partnerships with organisations such as CivTech, GovTech Scotland, Nexus, and the Interceltic Business Forum.
Is Scottish Business Network a public or private company?
Scottish Business Network is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Scottish Business Network founded?
Scottish Business Network was founded in 2016. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Scottish Business Network based?
Scottish Business Network is headquartered in London, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Scottish Business Network make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Premium Membership is the primary driver. The others are SBN Partnership Programme and ambassador Programme.
Who are Scottish Business Network's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are GlobalScot, Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO), YPO (Young Presidents' Organization), TiE (The Indus Entrepreneurs) and British-American Business (BAB). Swissnex is listed as an emerging player. Broad incumbents are British Chambers of Commerce and Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI).
Does Scottish Business Network have an API?
No public API is recorded for Scottish Business Network.
What industry is Scottish Business Network in?
Scottish Business Network's product category is Professional Networking Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPACAJAB, Professional & Business Networking Communities, with a secondary code of EDAFAMAN, Mentoring, Coaching, Alumni Networking & Peer Support Platforms. Its NAICS code is 8139 and its SIC code is 8600.