Johnston Carmichael Announces Strategic Partnership

Johnston Carmichael has agreed a new partnership with STAC (Smart Things Accelerator Centre), underlining the firm’s commitment to Scotland’s innovation economy and supporting the next generation of tech entrepreneurs.

Based in Glasgow, STAC is Scotland’s industry-led accelerator for product-focused tech startups.

It provides an 18-month programme combining mentorship, investment readiness, and access to world-class facilities to help founders launch, build, and scale globally competitive businesses. It aims to position Glasgow as Europe’s leading hub for transformative technologies such as IoT, robotics, AI, and advanced materials, bridging the gap between academia and industry and driving sustainable growth for Scotland’s tech ecosystem.

As part of the collaboration, Johnston Carmichael will provide extensive support to the 35 businesses enrolled in STAC’s current programme.

This will include finance, tax and fundraising expertise that helps businesses navigate complex financial landscapes and secure the capital they need to scale; one-to-one mentoring, enabling STAC’s founders to address strategic and operational challenges; and specialist workshops, covering critical topics for high-growth businesses, such as investor tax reliefs and Enterprise Management Incentives (EMI).

The group will also get access to the firm’s technology specialists, including partner Neil Wilson, who is an expert in working with high growth businesses, and Stephen Oates, partner and head of entrepreneurial taxes.

Calum Purdie, Head of Technology and Life Sciences, Johnston Carmichael, said:

“Partnering with STAC allows us to build on our growing role in Scotland’s tech ecosystem.  By sharing our expertise in finance, tax, and growth strategies, we aim to empower these businesses to scale successfully and contribute to Scotland’s reputation as a hub for technology and innovation.”

To date, STAC has supported almost 90 early-stage companies, including Nooku, which has created a range of smart indoor air quality monitors designed to deliver healthier, happier homes. Since completing the STAC programme, Nooku has secured commercial collaborations with Dulux to showcase the measurable benefits of low-VOC paint and is joining with social landlord Wheatley Homes to install its indoor air quality technology in tenants’ homes. The Wheatley Homes initiative is part-funded by Innovate UK.

Stefan Raue, COO and co-founder of Nooku, said:

“Having access to Johnston Carmichael’s experts and network will be a huge boost for the founders taking part in STAC’s programme. Connecting with the right partners and receiving practical support is key to building a sustainable business.”

Of the 35 businesses taking part in the current programme, 15 are spinouts from Glasgow University’s Infinity G initiative, several are spinouts from Strathclyde University, while the remainder were founded independently.

Paul Wilson, CEO and co-founder of STAC, added:

“Our mission has always been to create a centre of excellence for smart and connected technologies here in Scotland. Collaborations like this accelerate that ambition by giving founders access to the financial and strategic expertise they need to compete globally. Together, we’re building companies that will define the next era of innovation.”

For more information about STAC and its programmes, visit here.