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UserTesting scales up its European HQ from Scotland

Last updated: May 2024

Californian tech company, UserTesting, is maximising Edinburgh’s connected ecosystem and top-tier talent pool as it scales up its operations. Now, serving the European market, Scottish Development International (SDI) is supporting its expansion. 

UserTesting’s journey to Edinburgh 

San Francisco-based UserTesting specialise in improving the experience of other companies' customers by using user insights. When it was looking to expand internationally, it drafted a list of locations for its European headquarters. Scotland made it into the organisation’s shortlisted countries. 

UserTesting connected with SDI and Scottish Enterprise, and it quickly became clear that Edinburgh offered what the company was seeking, with standout benefits including access to talent and language skills.  

Boosting job creation with a £3.2 million grant 

UserTesting was awarded a £3.2 million grant from Scottish Enterprise, supporting the creation of more than 70 high-value technical roles, so the company could attract talent, develop its product portfolio and scale up quickly.  

Today, Europe is UserTesting’s fastest-growing market, with a majority of its European sales being run out of Edinburgh. What began as an initial base outside the US is now the company’s largest office, with UserTesting even hiring global C-level roles from the Scottish capital. 

Scotland offered the best credentials for the company to scale quickly and seize the market opportunity in Europe without the typical missteps associated with international growth.

Not only that, SDI made it much easier to establish a presence, hire staff and to integrate into the local ecosystem, according to UserTesting. 

The ability to onboard graduates from universities was a key reason for the decision to set up in Edinburgh, and the company has been successful in attracting experienced, senior-level staff. 

Andy added: 

Andy MacMillan, CEO at UserTesting

Edinburgh’s vibrant tech ecosystem 

UserTesting wanted to integrate into Scotland’s thriving tech ecosystem, and the company has worked closely with SDI to engage with local companies through in-office events such as Startup Grind. 

Andy reflects back on the journey with SDI as "being more than a moment in time for us." The company has maintained its partnership with SDI over the years to be fully embedded in the local tech scene, which is critical for building a vibrant and healthy ecosystem. 

Interested in scaling your business from Scotland?

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This is why Scotland offers the right credentials as an attractive location to establish, expand and innovate your business here.

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