What STAC does

STAC (Smart Things Accelerator Centre, legal entity Filament Smart Things Accelerator Centre Ltd) is an industry-funded technology accelerator founded in 2021 and headquartered in Glasgow, Scotland. It supports early-stage companies building smart things and connected hardware across verticals including IoT, AI, quantum, photonics, medtech, and advanced manufacturing. The programme is structured around four integrated pillars: STAC Scale (an 18-month mentorship programme), STAC Invest (an investment arm deploying capital into portfolio companies), STAC Jobs (a talent platform connecting startups with engineers and specialists), and STAC Source (corporate technology sourcing). STAC reports it has supported 116 portfolio companies, facilitated £51M+ of investment into them, and contributed to the creation of 400+ jobs.

The business model is primarily B2B sponsorship-driven rather than cohort-fee-driven: STAC states that 90% of its operations are funded by industry partners. Revenue mechanics comprise corporate sponsorship and partnership fees from a named roster including RBS, Plexus, Volvo Cars, Eurofins, Pelion, Sonos, Meta, Keysight, and Intel, supplemented by returns and management economics from STAC Invest's deployed capital. The platform is physically anchored at thebeyond, a 22,000 sq ft hardware and deep-tech prototyping facility at Skypark Glasgow backed by a £2.5M investment. STAC also reports the UK's highest density of female founders among accelerators (40%), positioning diversity as a programmatic feature.

STAC's recent strategic posture has shifted toward deeper capital and corporate integration. In February 2026 it appointed Jim Rowan, former CEO of Volvo Cars and Dyson, as Chair and launched a £15M STAC Invest fund with a stated ambition to scale toward a £15–30M first deep-tech fund. Two STAC Invest rounds have been disclosed to date (£1M+ into three female-led healthtech companies in August 2025 and £772K into three deep-tech companies in April 2026). Geographically, STAC has extended beyond Glasgow via partnerships with the National Robotarium and the University of Glasgow's Infinity G, with RBS-led expansion to Edinburgh announced in 2026.

Name

STAC

Legal name

Filament Smart Things Accelerator Centre Ltd

Website

https://stac.ac

Company type

Private

Founded year

2021

Operating status

Operating

Short description

STAC is a Glasgow-based, industry-funded technology accelerator founded in 2021 that supports smart-things, IoT, and deep-tech startups via four pillars — Scale, Invest, Jobs, and Source — anchored in a 22,000 sq ft hardware facility and backed by 30+ corporate sponsors.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Technology Accelerator & Venture Capital Services

NAICS

Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151)

SIC

Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373)

akta.pro primary industry

Emerging Tech & Specialized Computing (IoT, Edge, AR/VR, Blockchain, HPC) (EDABAFAO)

akta.pro secondary industry

GRC Platforms & Workflow Automation (HDADAIAA)

Keywords

• Technology accelerator services
• Deep tech venture building
• Pre-seed investment syndicate
• Startup mentorship programmes
• IoT smart things startups

Headquarters

HQ city

Glasgow

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Accelerator Programme Fees: STAC operates as an industry-funded accelerator. The core programme is supported by corporate partners who fund the accelerator's operations in exchange for access to innovation pipelines, mentorship, and early sight of emerging technologies. The model is 90% industry-funded.
2. Investment Returns — STAC Invest Syndicate & Fund: STAC Invest provides first-in pre-seed capital of circa £250K per company to STAC Scale graduates. The investment arm generates returns through equity stakes in portfolio companies. STAC is currently fundraising for its first Deep Tech fund targeting £15–30 million. First investment round (August 2025) backed three female-led healthtech companies totalling over £1 million. Second investment round (April 2026) was £772,000 across three deep tech companies (Quantcore, Vuabl, Airspection).
3. Corporate Partnership & Sponsorship: STAC generates revenue through corporate sponsorship and partnership fees. Premium partners (Pelion, Eurofins, Plexus, Filament) and standard partners (Solutions Driven, Turner, Intel, Murphy Wealth, IGII, Johnston Carmichael, Arceptive, Scintilla, Prospero Hub, Burness Paull, Arrow, Keysight, Stewart Technology, RBS, Exmel, Censis, GS Group, HTR) pay for brand visibility, innovation pipeline access, and exclusive early access to vetted startups and technologies.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

STAC operates an industry-led technology accelerator and venture-building platform serving smart, connected, and deep tech startups across IoT, drones, robotics, quantum computing, photonics, AI, medtech, and advanced materials. The core offering combines an 18-month structured mentorship programme (STAC Scale), integrated pre-seed investment of circa £250K per company (STAC Invest), a talent matching platform (STAC Jobs), corporate technology-sourcing partnerships (STAC Source), and a 22,000 sq ft co-working and lab facility (thebeyond) at Skypark Glasgow.

Product overview

STAC (Smart Things Accelerator Centre) operates as a full-suite scaling platform offering four integrated pillars: STAC Scale (18-month venture-building programme), STAC Invest (investment arm with syndicate and fund), STAC Jobs (talent acquisition platform), and STAC Source (technology-sourcing partnerships). Additionally, STAC operates thebeyond, a 22,000 sq ft co-working and lab facility at Skypark, Glasgow. The organisation focuses on smart, connected, and deep tech startups across IoT, drones, robotics, quantum computing, photonics, medtech, and advanced manufacturing, providing mentorship, investment, talent, and corporate partnership access to help companies scale globally from Scotland.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• STAC Scale: 18-month venture-building programme delivering globally competitive startups.
• STAC Invest
• STAC Jobs
• STAC Source
• thebeyond

Products and services

• STAC Scale 18-month venture-building and mentorship programme for smart, connected, and deep tech startups covering 7 key business disciplines and 116 essential business-building elements across four phases (Propose, Create, Grow, Lead). It is designed for early-stage to scaleup founders targeting global competitiveness.
• STAC Invest Accelerator-linked investment syndicate and fund providing first-in pre-seed capital of circa £250K per company to STAC Scale graduates, with 3-month deep due diligence and ongoing 15-month mentorship post-investment. It makes up to 10 investments per year and is currently fundraising for a £15–30M Deep Tech fund.
• STAC Jobs Talent platform connecting high-growth smart and deep tech startups with product design and engineering talent. Employers including Sonos, Plexus, Pivot, iOpt, and Krucial list roles across IoT, robotics, drones, advanced materials, big data, sensors, med-tech, and other smart tech sectors.
• STAC Source Boutique technology-sourcing partnership service connecting vetted startups and emerging technologies with global corporate partners through a four-stage process (Collaborative Discovery, Targeted Technology Sourcing, Strategic Matching & Curation, Mentor/Invest/Scale follow-through). Focus areas include robotics, drones, edge computing, IoT, machine vision, nanotech, energy harvesting, and sustainable innovation.
• thebeyond Co-Working and Lab Facility 22,000 sq ft co-working and lab facility at Skypark in Glasgow, including a Keysight-powered electronics lab, fabrication lab, R&D makerspace, prototyping lab, media lab, event spaces, and a 250-desk co-working area. Positioned as Europe's largest Smart Things and IoT innovation hub.

Quantifiable outcome

• 120+ startups supported since 2021, with 400+ jobs created and over £50M in investment facilitated into the portfolio
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• RBS (Deep Tech Partnership Expansion)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 June 2026RBS and STAC have expanded their deep tech partnership to Edinburgh, building on their existing collaboration. This expansion extends the industry-led accelerator's reach into Scotland's capital city.
• Jim RowanflagshipOthers · 3 February 2026Jim Rowan, former CEO of Volvo Cars and Dyson, appointed Chair of STAC in February 2026. Rowan brings three decades of global technology leadership, international networks, and strategic direction. He was previously recognised as CEO of the Year by Newsweek and Autonews, and named to Time magazine's global 100 climate leaders list. He champions Scottish deep tech capabilities on the world stage and leverages his global networks to open international markets for STAC portfolio companies.
• RBScoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 February 2026RBS (Royal Bank of Scotland) is one of STAC's founding corporate partners in its industry-funded accelerator model. RBS participates in mentorship programmes, shares industry expertise, and provides access to banking and financial networks for portfolio companies. RBS was part of the expert panel at the People & Planet Showcase event.
• Wheatley GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 July 2025Wheatley Group (the UK's largest social housing operator managing 65,000 properties) partnered with STAC to support technologies that improve lives and drive sustainable futures. Vuabl completed a successful pilot with Wheatley Group using its LIDAR-based property scanning software. Stephen Devine, Director of Assets and Sustainability at Wheatley Group, participated in STAC showcase events.
• University of Glasgow — Infinity GcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 December 2024STAC partnered with the University of Glasgow to launch Infinity G, Scotland's first deeptech accelerator. The 13-week programme hosted at thebeyond supports 15 ventures including 10 spinouts in AI, quantum computing, and biotechnology. The programme is partly funded by Glasgow City Council-UK Shared Prosperity Fund. STAC provides its tech company-building methodology to university ventures.
• University of Glasgow — Digital Health Validation Lab (DHVL)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 November 2024STAC partnered with the University of Glasgow's Digital Health Validation Lab (DHVL) to expand mentorship offerings for STAC Scale Cohort 5. DHVL provides health tech companies with access to clinical experts, patients, clinical trials, regulatory pathway guidance, and structured go-to-market support for digital health innovations.
• MetacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 November 2024Meta (VP of Global Supply Chain Sean Murphy serves on the STAC Advisory Board) partners with STAC for innovation pipeline access. Meta seeks 'first of kind' technologies from STAC's portfolio that will change how people live, communicate, and play. Meta's representatives have spoken at STAC showcase events on wearable devices and novel sensor technology.
• National RobotariumcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 October 2024STAC partnered with the National Robotarium (the UK's centre for robotics and AI, part of the Data-Driven Innovation initiative and Edinburgh and South-East Scotland City Region Deal) to support the next generation of robotics and AI entrepreneurs. The partnership combines STAC's thebeyond Glasgow facility with the National Robotarium's Edinburgh facility, offering enhanced acceleration support across Scotland.
• Volvo CarscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 June 2024STAC announced a strategic partnership with Volvo Cars in June 2024 to provide an innovation pipeline for the Swedish EV pioneer. Volvo Cars CEO Jim Rowan serves on the STAC Advisory Board. The partnership provides STAC's portfolio companies with access to Volvo's global automotive technology ecosystem and supply chain. Volvo recognised STAC's excellence in smart products and deep tech enabling technologies including AI, advanced materials, and battery solutions.
• PlexuscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 June 2024Plexus is a global leader in design and manufacturing services and one of STAC's founding industry partners. Plexus provides access to world-class supply chains and manufacturing expertise, helping STAC portfolio companies reach volume production with competitive, high-quality products. Plexus is also a hiring partner on the STAC Jobs platform.
• EurofinscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 June 2024Eurofins is one of STAC's premium industry partners, providing testing, inspection, and certification services relevant to medtech, quantum computing, and advanced materials companies in the portfolio. Eurofins contributes to STAC's industry-funded accelerator model.
• PelioncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 June 2024Pelion is a premium industry partner of STAC, contributing to the industry-funded accelerator model and providing technology and IoT connectivity expertise to portfolio companies. Pelion is a specialist in connected device platforms relevant to STAC's smart things focus.
• SonoscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 June 2024Sonos is an Innovation Partner of STAC and a hiring partner on STAC Jobs. Sonos has recruited senior audio engineers and audio technology researchers from the Glasgow area through STAC. Greg Jackson & Rory Buchanan from Sonos have shared their experience of building and growing a Glasgow-based team at STAC Jobs Showcase events.
• Burness Paull LLPminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 June 2024Burness Paull is a professional services partner of STAC, providing legal expertise and support to portfolio companies. Representatives from Burness Paull participated in panel discussions at STAC showcase events on building strong legal and governance foundations.
• ScintillaminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 June 2024Scintilla (IP specialists) is a partner of STAC providing intellectual property guidance and protection strategies for portfolio companies. Scintilla participated in STAC panel discussions on building strong foundations in IP strategy.
• Solutions DrivenminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 June 2024Solutions Driven is a talent solutions partner of STAC. Gavin Speirs from Solutions Driven has delivered talks at STAC Jobs Showcase events on the current job market. Solutions Driven provides savvy talent acquisition mentorship that has made a real impact on the growth of STAC cohort companies.
• FilamentcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 June 2024Filament (Filament PD) is a Premium partner of STAC, supporting the industry-funded accelerator model. The company name appears alongside STAC in legal references (Filament Smart Things Accelerator Centre Ltd), indicating a close operational relationship.
• IntelcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 January 2024Intel is a partner of STAC supporting the industry-led accelerator model with technology expertise relevant to IoT, edge computing, and advanced chip technologies. Intel contributes design and manufacturing knowledge to STAC's portfolio companies.
• Keysight TechnologiescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 October 2023Keysight Technologies (a Premium partner) provides the electronics lab at thebeyond facility in Glasgow, kitting it out with cutting-edge test equipment. Keysight also delivers hands-on sessions for STAC cohort companies on production testing for high-volume IoT products, including practical demonstrations with cohort members' own projects.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Wayra (Telefónica): Wayra is the corporate venture and accelerator arm of Telefónica, providing mentorship, investment, and corporate access to early-stage startups. It is comparable to STAC through its corporate-led accelerator model and focus on emerging technology verticals including IoT and AI.
• Founders Factory: Founders Factory is a UK-based venture builder and accelerator that creates and invests in startups across multiple verticals including deep tech. It is comparable to STAC through its accelerator-plus-investment model and corporate partnership-driven approach to startup creation.
• Antler: Antler is a global early-stage venture firm running multi-cohort accelerator programmes with pre-seed investment and intensive founder mentorship. It competes with STAC for the same early-stage deep tech founder pool and has a strong UK presence.
• Techstars: Techstars operates a global network of industry-focused accelerators with structured mentorship and seed investment. It is a direct peer in the venture acceleration space and competes for the same cohort of early-stage deep tech founders across multiple verticals including IoT and hardware.
• HAX (SOSV): HAX is the premier global hardware and IoT-focused accelerator, run by SOSV. It is the most direct competitor to STAC given both specialise in deep tech hardware, IoT, robotics, and connected devices at pre-seed stage with structured mentorship and equity investment.
• Entrepreneur First: Entrepreneur First is a global deep tech and "talent first" accelerator that recruits individuals and helps them co-found deep tech companies. Its focus on deep tech verticals and pre-seed stage investment makes it a strong comparable to STAC's deep tech specialisation.
• MassChallenge: MassChallenge is a global non-profit accelerator network running industry-specific programmes for early-stage startups. It is comparable to STAC in providing equity-free mentorship and connecting startups with corporate partners, though it operates at much larger global scale.
• Plug and Play Tech Center: Plug and Play is a large global innovation platform running corporate-led accelerator programmes across multiple verticals including IoT, hardware, and deep tech. Its corporate partnership model (matching startups with enterprise customers) directly mirrors STAC's STAC Source offering.

Regional players

• SETsquared Partnership: SETsquared is a UK university-linked accelerator network supporting deep tech and science-based startups across five leading universities. It is a regional peer to STAC given similar UK focus, deep tech vertical specialisation, and university spin-out sourcing model.
• CodeBase: CodeBase is Scotland's largest technology incubator, headquartered in Edinburgh. It is a regional peer to STAC, serving overlapping Scottish startup communities with co-working, mentorship, and investor connections, though focused on a broader range of tech verticals rather than STAC's deep tech specialisation.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/stac-smart-things-accelerator-centre

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A

Investments6 records

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

Frequently asked questions about STAC