Apollo Informal Investments joins Scottish EDGE Pledge to support Scotland’s next generation of entrepreneurs
Apollo Informal Investments has become the latest angel syndicate to sign the Scottish EDGE Pledge, strengthening the initiative’s mission to create a long-term cycle of support for Scotland’s early-stage, high-growth businesses.
Through the Angel Syndicate EDGE Supporter Pledge, Apollo Informal Investments will invite participating members to consider making a voluntary donation from future gains achieved through exits in Scottish EDGE-supported businesses. The pledge suggests a donation of 1% of gains, with the option for members to pledge a higher amount as a goodwill gesture.
This version of the pledge, which represents one route through which supporters can participate in the wider EDGE Pledge framework, has been designed to give angel syndicates and investor networks a simple, flexible way to give back to the entrepreneurial ecosystem when their investments in EDGE-supported companies succeed.
Founded in 2013 and based in Edinburgh, Apollo Informal Investments provides seed investment to start-up and early-stage companies in Scotland. Its members bring experience across business building, investment, leadership and exit, supporting young companies not only with finance, but also with practical advice and guidance.
Since its inception in 2014, Apollo members have invested over £2.5m in ten Scottish EDGE-winning businesses. These include product discovery platform Triyit, biotech automation specialist ogibiotech, and online booking platform Appointedd, whose founders, Alex Barron, Alex McVey and Leah Hutcheon, are all fellow EDGE Pledge signatories.
The signing reflects a shared commitment between Scottish EDGE and Apollo Informal Investments to support ambitious Scottish founders, while helping to build a more connected funding environment around early-stage businesses.
Since launching in 2017, the Scottish EDGE Pledge has provided a platform for successful entrepreneurs, investors and supporters to contribute back into the competition from financial success. On average, a significant proportion of eligible Scottish EDGE winners sign the pledge each round, creating a growing network of entrepreneurs and supporters who are committed to backing the next generation of Scottish business talent. To date, Scottish EDGE has received £160k of donations through the EDGE Pledge.
Jessica Mullen, Apollo Board Member and Director, said:
“We’re proud to join the Scottish EDGE Pledge and to continue supporting the important work EDGE does to champion diversity across Scotland’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Apollo has long believed that the strongest businesses are built when founders can access not only capital, but also experience, networks and practical support.
This pledge gives our members a meaningful way to reinvest in the next generation of ambitious Scottish entrepreneurs and help create a more inclusive, connected and sustainable funding environment.”
Evelyn McDonald, CEO of Scottish EDGE, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Apollo Informal Investment to the EDGE Pledge network. Angel investors play a vital role in helping early-stage businesses access not only capital, but also the insight, confidence and connections needed to scale.
“The Angel Syndicate EDGE Supporter Pledge recognises the important part that investor networks can play in sustaining Scotland’s entrepreneurial community. By creating a simple route for investors to give back following successful exits, Apollo’s commitment will help ensure that future founders continue to benefit from the support, funding and opportunity that Scottish EDGE provides.”
Scottish EDGE has thus far supported 781 businesses, awarded £32.7 million in funding, generated 4,868 full-time equivalent jobs, helped alumni deliver £860 million in additional turnover, and supported £541 million in additional investment.