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Questions about the Investment Fund for Scotland
How do I apply for IFS funding?
Enquiries and applications are made direct to IFS’s selected fund managers, full details of which can be viewed here . IFS cannot provide financial or business advice to businesses seeking funding and businesses may wish to engage their own accountant or business adviser if application assistance is required.
How does IFS invest?
IFS does not invest directly in businesses. It invests through product funds which are managed by IFS’s appointed fund managers. The Fund will offer three commercial finance options with Smaller Loans from £25k to £100k, Debt Finance from £100k to £2m and Equity Finance up to £5 million.
My bank can’t fund the total amount that I need, how can IFS help?
IFS’s product funds can invest alone or alongside other sources of debt or equity capital where appropriate.
What funding is not eligible for IFS support?
IFS will have an inclusive approach, but some eligibility criteria do apply to IFS funding and fund managers will be able to advise on suitability.
What is the Investment Fund for Scotland?
The Investment Fund for Scotland (IFS) will deliver a £150m commitment of new funding through investment strategies that best meet the needs of the businesses in Scotland. IFS is designed to drive sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation and creating local opportunity for new and growing businesses across Scotland. IFS will increase the supply and diversity of early-stage finance for smaller businesses in Scotland, providing funds to firms that might otherwise not receive investment and help to break down barriers in access to finance.
What type of funding does IFS offer?
IFS will offer three commercial finance options with Smaller Loans from £25k to £100k, Debt Finance from £100k to £2m and Equity Finance up to £5 million.
What's the difference between IFS and high street finance providers?
IFS has been designed to help address market gaps by increasing the supply and diversity of early-stage finance for UK smaller businesses, providing funds to firms that might otherwise not receive investment. The product funds that IFS supports provide commercially focussed funding to businesses across Scotland. IFS’s product funds can invest alone or alongside other funders, and indeed IFS fund managers are encouraged to leverage-in additional private capital.
Where do I need to be based to apply for a IFS investment?
IFS covers the whole of Scotland, including rural, coastal and urban areas. Investments can be made in businesses that are headquartered in Scotland or have a significant operating presence there.
Latest news from the Investment Fund for Scotland

Press release

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Press release
Investment Fund for Scotland in the news
Edinburgh-based User Vision secures six-figure investment
08 September 2025
User Vision, a Scottish consumer behaviour consultancy, has secured a six-figure equity investment from the Investment Fund for Scotland through fund manager Maven Capital Partners. The funding will be used to support new leadership and growth plans.
Learn more About Edinburgh-based User Vision secures six-figure investmentAilsa Reliability Solutions Ltd secures £500k loan
19 May 2025
Kilwinning-based tech business Ailsa Reliability Solutions is expanding its workforce, improving software and meeting increasing demand for its asset and plant monitoring service, thanks to a £500k loan from Investment Fund for Scotland partner the FSE Group.
Learn more About Ailsa Reliability Solutions Ltd secures £500k loanIFS Maven Equity Finance invests in microbiology services provider
29 April 2025
Dyce-based biotech company NCIMB is scaling its operations and tackling some of today’s most urgent scientific challenges thanks to £1.7m of equity funding from IFS delivery partner Maven Capital Partners and the Scottish National Investment Bank.
Learn more about IFS Maven Equity Finance invests in microbiology services providerInvestment Fund for Scotland Case Studies

Podfather
Cloud-based logistics software business Podfather received a £3.4 million investment to support their ambitious growth strategy.

Sky-Pin Drones
Melrose-based entrepreneur offers advanced crop spraying services using state-of the-art supersized drone following funding from the Investment Fund for Scotland.

Scotmas
B-Corp accredited specialist water treatment technologies business, Scotmas secured £2.2 million in equity funding to support its international expansion plans.
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