The Scottish National Investment Bank has officially opened for business with the completion of its first major investment – £12.5 million in Glasgow-based laser and quantum technology company M Squared Lasers.
It is the UK’s first mission-led development bank and it is being capitalised by the Scottish Government with £2 billion over ten years.
The Bank’s primary mission will be to support Scotland’s transition to net zero carbon emissions through a range of debt and equity products, helping to support innovative, high growth firms that have a positive impact in Scotland.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon (pictured alongside Bank Chair Willie Watt and CEO Eilidh Mactaggart) said:
“The Scottish National Investment Bank will help to tackle some of the biggest challenges we face now and in the years to come, delivering economic, social and environmental returns.
It is hitting the ground running with its first major investment in M Squared Lasers – a great example of the ambitious and innovative companies we have here in Scotland that will be key to our economic recovery and future prosperity.
The launch of the bank is one of the most significant developments in the lifetime of this parliament, with the potential for it to transform, grow and decarbonise Scotland’s economy.”
Scottish National Investment Bank Chair Willie Watt said:
“Today is a key milestone for the Scottish National Investment Bank. Our launch enables us to make mission-led, strategic, patient investments in businesses and projects that can deliver benefits for the people of Scotland. I am excited about the role the Bank will play in supporting and enabling growth in the Scottish economy.
We are particularly pleased that our first investment is in M Squared which is at the cutting edge of innovation and is a recognised world-leader in its field. It is our firm belief that the bank will make many more investments that deliver positive mission impacts in the years and decades to come.”
Dr Graeme Malcolm, CEO and founder of M Squared, said:
“Science and advanced technologies have a major role to play in Scotland’s future economic prosperity. By increasing investment in research and development with a mission-based approach, Scotland has a real opportunity to actively tackle climate change and benefit from the coming quantum revolution.
We are delighted that the Scottish National Investment Bank has invested in M Squared as its very first business – our shared commitments to society and the environment makes this an ideal partnership that will enable accelerated growth and progress in frontier technologies.”
If you have a company or project that is seeking investment to drive low carbon activity then please email snib@gov.scot or visit the Scottish Government’s website for further information.
