Methodology
Smart Things definition
Smart Things refer to connected devices that collect, transmit, and respond to data using sensors, software, and network connectivity. Often part of the Internet of Things (IoT), they enable real-time monitoring, automation, and decision-making.
Smart Things intersect horizontally across multiple sectors, integrating with a number of technologies. This cross-sector applicability allows Smart Things to address shared challenges like efficiency, safety, and sustainability. When we refer to Smart Things in this report, we mean the ecosystem of devices, technologies, and solutions that enable intelligent, connected systems.
What is a startup?
Companies designed to grow fast. Generally, such companies are VC-investable businesses. Sometimes they can become very big (e.g. $1B+ valuation). When startups are successful, they develop into scaleups (>50 people), grownups (>500 people) and result in big companies. Only companies founded since 1990 are included in this report.
Funding stages
- Startup stage: Companies with under $15M total funding.
- Breakout stage: Companies with $15M-$100M total funding.
- Scaleup stage: Companies with $100M+ total funding.
Scope of the report
While many startups founded in Glasgow relocate beyond its the borders, most maintain business-critical ties to their homeland. In order to take this reality into account, this report includes both Glasgow-based startups, which maintain their main centre of business (HQ) in their country of origin, and Glasgow-founded startups, with their HQ relocated outside of Glasgow.
Underlying Data
Dealroomʼs proprietary database and software aggregate data from multiple sources: harvesting public information, user-submitted data verified by Dealroom, data engineering. All data is verified and curated with an extensive manual process. The data on which this report builds is available via glasgow.dealroom.co. For more info please visit dealroom.co or contact support@dealroom.co. Data for this report was taken in Q2 2025.
Local government authority delivering ambitions outlined in Glasgow Economic Strategy
Glasgow City Councilʼs Digital Economy team ensures the city attracts and grows the required digital foundations including: skills, innovation environment, tech-enabled businesses, connectivity and infrastructure. Aligned to the national Government-commissioned Scottish Technology Ecosystem Review, a key objective is the attraction and funneling of investment to strengthen and grow the 'market-square' for Glasgow's technology ecosystem.
Glasgowʼs dedicated Investment Promotion Agency (IPA)
Glasgow City Councilʼs Digital Economy team ensures the city attracts and grows the required digital foundations including: skills, innovation environment, tech-enabled businesses, connectivity and infrastructure. Aligned to the national Government-commissioned Scottish Technology Ecosystem Review, a key objective is the attraction and funneling of investment to strengthen and grow the 'market-square' for Glasgow's technology ecosystem.
Global startup & venture capital intelligence platform.
Dealroom.co is the foremost data provider on startup, early-stage and growth company ecosystems in Europe and around the globe.
Founded in Amsterdam in 2013, we now work with many of the world's most prominent investors, entrepreneurs and government organizations to provide transparency, analysis and insights on venture capital activity.
Local government authority delivering ambitions outlined in Glasgow Economic Strategy
Glasgow City Councilʼs Digital Economy team ensures the city attracts and grows the required digital foundations including: skills, innovation environment, tech-enabled businesses, connectivity and infrastructure. Aligned to the national Government-commissioned Scottish Technology Ecosystem Review, a key objective is the attraction and funneling of investment to strengthen and grow the 'market-square' for Glasgow's technology ecosystem.
Glasgowʼs dedicated Investment Promotion Agency (IPA)
Glasgow City Councilʼs Digital Economy team ensures the city attracts and grows the required digital foundations including: skills, innovation environment, tech-enabled businesses, connectivity and infrastructure. Aligned to the national Government-commissioned Scottish Technology Ecosystem Review, a key objective is the attraction and funneling of investment to strengthen and grow the 'market-square' for Glasgow's technology ecosystem.
Global startup & venture capital intelligence platform.
Dealroom.co is the foremost data provider on startup, early-stage and growth company ecosystems in Europe and around the globe.
Founded in Amsterdam in 2013, we now work with many of the world's most prominent investors, entrepreneurs and government organizations to provide transparency, analysis and insights on venture capital activity.