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Jim Rowan, former CEO of Volvo Cars and Dyson, has been appointed chair of Scotland's Smart Things Accelerator Centre (Stac) as it launches its first £15 million investment fund focused on scaling Scottish technology companies in robotics, AI, quantum computing, photonics, and advanced manufacturing. Stac, founded in 2021, has supported 120 startups, facilitated £50 million in investment, and created 400 jobs.

The organization aims to bridge connections between academia, industry, government, and finance to enhance Scotland's technology ecosystem. The fund's launch is part of Stac's effort to empower local startups, countering the trend of companies relocating to access capital and markets. Additionally, Johnston Carmichael has formed a strategic partnership with Stac to provide extensive support to its current 35 enrolled businesses.