Scottish Business Network

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.

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

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

• Diaspora business networking
• Professional membership network
• Entrepreneur community platform
• International business network
• Trade association services

Headquarters

HQ city

London

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core 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.

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• CivTechcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partner connecting SBN with the CivTech Scotland ecosystem, supporting innovation and public sector collaboration in Scotland.
• GovTech ScotlandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with GovTech Scotland supporting digital transformation and technology innovation across Scottish public sector.
• Zero Nation (Net Zero Nation)supportingGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner focused on sustainability and net zero initiatives, connecting SBN members with green economy opportunities.
• Nexus ScotlandsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partner supporting innovation ecosystem development in Scotland through cross-sector collaboration.
• DotScotsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner for Scottish domain and digital identity initiatives, supporting Scottish businesses in establishing their online presence.
• Interceltic Business ForumcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnnual 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.
• AutomateNowsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerSales and marketing focused partner co-hosting events such as The State of Sales Breakfast in London and AI for Growth Mastermind sessions.
• Sustainability EnergysupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner in the sustainability and energy sector, connecting SBN members with green business opportunities.
• BNA (Business Network Albania)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational business network partner fostering cross-border business connections between Scotland and Albania.
• Fora WorkspacescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPremium 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 or IntegrationTechnology partner providing the digital infrastructure for SBN's member interaction platform and community directory functionality.
• Sales Geek ScotlandsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerSales-focused partner hosting the Sales Growth Expo 2026 at Hampden Park, Glasgow, in partnership with SBN.
• Innovation Forum GlasgowsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-hosting Founders Unfiltered event featuring medtech, health-tech, and deep-tech sector founders at the University of Glasgow.
• Business Isle of MansupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerHosting partner for Isle of Man Interceltic Business Forum, bringing together business leaders from Celtic nations for collaboration and networking.
• IBM Innovation StudiosupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerExclusive 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 LinksupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerInternational 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

Direct 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

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@scottishbusinessnetwork7062
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/newsletters/scottish-business-network-news-7180564684926787586

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Scottish Business Network