VP High Growth Startups & Scaleups in Edinburgh

CodeBase is a tech ecosystem support organisation and startup incubator that helps people build better tech startups. We help people build and grow better tech startups through community, education, and workspace. CodeBase has created and delivered startup programmes for a number of organisations including the Scottish Government, the UK Government, Local Authorities and large corporations. We promote and facilitate collaboration in tech innovation by working with startups, scaleups, corporates, governments, academia, investors and the third sector. CodeBase also delivers scaleup and corporate programmes across industry verticals such as law, health and energy, which connect and educate corporates, startups and scaleups. CodeBase has offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling, Aberdeen, Dundee, Inverness, and Dumfries.

We’re seeking a visionary leader who delivers innovative propositions for high‑growth startups and scaleup companies, helping them accelerate their growth. You’ll bring experience in working with scaleups and you have a solid network in the Scottish/UK startup ecosystems and investor networks. You’ll bring insight and enthusiasm for the scaleup world – you not only have hands‑on knowledge of the Scottish and UK startup ecosystems, but are also connected to the global investment ecosystems. You’ll understand what it takes to deliver value in high‑growth environments, and you’ll be motivated by the opportunity to shape a critical part of our organisation’s future. This role will suit someone who enjoys steering strategy, and working together with peers, Entrepreneurs in Residence, and team members to deliver on that strategy. You’ll be comfortable representing the organisation at high‑level stakeholder meetings and public events, and you’ll be an advocate for cross‑functional collaboration, inclusive leadership, and continual improvement. This is a leadership role at the heart of our mission to support ambitious growth across Scotland’s tech ecosystem.

What will you be doing?

• Design and manage a compelling service offering for scaleups.
• Lead the Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) Strategy.
• Lead the Investor Relations Strategy and build out a network of investors (angels, VC, institutional).
• Position CodeBase as a partner to investors to gain access to startups and scaleups.
• Work closely together with the VP for Business Acceleration to ensure a smooth founder journey from startup to scaleup.
• Build strong relationships with key external stakeholders and funders, and represent CodeBase at public events, industry gatherings, and in high‑level conversations.
• Track performance data and strategic outcomes, using insight and feedback to inform decisions and improve delivery.
• Work closely with the Partnerships teams to nurture external relationships and ensure alignment with stakeholder expectations.
• Champion a culture of collaboration, adaptability, and impact across the broader team.
• Work closely with the Leadership Team to shape and deliver the scaleup strategy as part of the wider organisational vision.

What do we need from you?

• Proven ability to build and execute strategy.
• Experience in designing and delivering propositions for scaleups.
• Deep understanding of what scaleups need to scale globally and how CodeBase can fulfil that need.
• Familiarity with the startup and scaleup ecosystem, particularly within Scotland or the wider UK.
• Network of investors in the UK and internationally.
• Demonstrated experience in managing contracts, budgets, and performance frameworks.

Please also tell us if you have:

• Experience representing an organisation at public or industry events.
• Familiarity with revenue generation or business model innovation in service‑based environments.
• Experience overseeing service delivery with internal teams and external partners to drive impactful outcomes.
• Proven experience in leading teams, with a supportive and strategic leadership style.
• A passion for creating inclusive, empowering environments where people can do their best work.

What will you get?

• 4 day working week (please note that this role will require out‑of‑hours working from time to time for which you will receive time off in lieu).
• 23 days holiday + 2 weeks off over Christmas and New Year.
• 10% employer pension contribution on Qualifying Earnings.
• 12 weeks maternity or paternity leave at full pay.
• Bupa private medical and dental insurance.
• Income protection insurance, death in service insurance, and critical illness insurance.

About the job

• Work Days: This role is 28 hours a week over 4 days (day off to be decided with line manager), 9am – 5pm.
• Location: Any CodeBase hub (depending on space availability) or remote, with regular travel to Edinburgh (37a Castle Terrace) to be expected.
• Start Date: Preferably w/c 5th January.
• Contract: Permanent.

We strongly believe that diversity is a tremendous asset in every part of life, including business, and that no one should be held back by their background or culture. It is our responsibility to ensure that our team and our community reflects this by being diverse, inclusive, equal and fair. If this resonates with you, then we want to hear from you.

The closing date for this role is Monday 24th November at 9am with first interviews scheduled for Wednesday 3rd December. Second round interviews are likely to take place w/c 8th December.