"Edinburgh saw an influx of intellectuals in the 18th century," says Kenny Kemp from investment service The City Partnership UK. "This helped establish the city's universities, which form the basis for so many of our startups. It means innovation is in everything we do."
The city is also home to several angel investors. The largest, Archangels, has invested more than £100 million in 80 Scottish companies in the past 25 years. More recently, two of the city's early startups, Skyscanner and FanDuel, have gained unicorn status. "Now, when I visit a client, they understand why we're in Edinburgh," says Mike Mason, CCO at ad-tech startup TVSquared. "It's because there's a pool of talent."
TVSquared uses algorithms to track TV ads to help firms target audiences.
Founded 2012 Investment raised £7.4 million Founders Calum Smeaton, Hew Bruce-Gardyne
LiFi, or light fidelity, is an alternative to Wi-Fi, offering wireless connections through visible light.
Founded 2012 Investment raised £20.25 million Founders Mostafa Afgani, Harald Haas
Appointedd is an online booking tool that acts as a digital PA, handling diary management and letting people book meetings via a company's website or social media account.
Founded 2011 Investment raised £820,000 Founder Leah Hutcheon
Where to eat and drink: Contini, 103 George St. Brasserie Les Amis, 83 Morrison St. Le Di-Vin, 9 Randolph Place. Thistle Street Bar, 39 Thistle Street
Where to stay: The Glasshouse. The Bonham Hotel
Topolytics' real-time environmental monitoring and reporting platform tracks waste management and identifies gas leaks and hazardous material.
Founded 2013 Investment raised Undisclosed amount from one funding round Founders Will Egerton-King, Michael Groves, Gordon Cowtan
This shopping app for iOS and Android lets almost one million customers buy from 200 brands.
Founded 2012 Investment raised £4 million Founder Cally Russell
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
