Will Simpson – Head of technology for RSM in Scotland

RSM’s analysis shows there were 1,885 new Scottish tech incorporations in 2025, up 15% from 1,633 the previous year and in line with the UK average.

Head of technology for RSM in Scotland, Will Simpson said: “This continuing growth in new tech incorporations suggests that, despite political uncertainties, Scotland will continue to innovate and invest.

“It was promising to see Shona Robison announce additional support for Scottish colleges and universities in the Scottish Budget, as this is key to feeding the talent which drives the industry forward, but there remain worries over how committed the Scottish government are to supporting the businesses themselves.

“It’s now more important than ever that the Scottish government works to develop a positive and productive ecosystem, where innovative tech companies of all sizes are actively encouraged and supported.

“If this is done right, the tech sector in Scotland has the opportunity to be a huge driver of economic growth and make a real difference in closing the productivity gap.”

Nationally, RSM’s analysis found a total of 56,615 new tech companies were incorporated in 2025, jumping 17% from 48,518 last year.

Despite ongoing economic uncertainty throughout 2025, tech business leaders remain optimistic. RSM’s Technology Industry Outlook found over three-quarters (76%) said they feel confident their technology business will grow under the current government.

Georgie Bole, director at RSM UK, said: “The record number of new tech incorporations in 2025 is a clear sign of the strength and underlying confidence in UK tech.

“Despite consumer and business confidence being hit by constant waves of uncertainty last year, this doesn’t appear to have filtered through to the UK’s technology industry, which continues to make strides as a global leader in tech.

“The tech industry is highly attractive to investors and entrepreneurs given it cuts across and supports many other industries, and plays a key role in helping to fuel UK economic growth. The UK government continues to show its commitment to the tech industry, with targeted funding in areas such as artificial intelligence, support for startups and scale ups, creative tax reliefs to encourage investment, as well as being a key growth-driving sector in the UK’s modern industrial strategy.”

Mr Bole concluded: “However, one area that UK is falling short on is attracting and retaining the right skills and talent in tech. Failure to address this could hinder UK tech advancement.

“This needs to start with removing barriers to overseas recruitment as well as incentivising tech graduates from UK universities to remain in the UK, so our tech businesses benefit from the skills, knowledge and ideas needed to scale up.”

Number of new technology company incorporations – year-on-year comparison