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Why Scotland is the perfect home for Californian tech companies

Looking to expand overseas? Our skilled people and competitive costs are just a few reasons why Scotland could be right for your company.

Californian tech giants like Adobe, Intel and HP - plus start-ups in high-tech areas like space, data analytics and optoelectronics - have chosen to come to Scotland. Find out why they're here - and why you should join them.

How Scotland supports Californian companies

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How we can support your business

We can help you set up in Scotland and become part of our business family.

We're Scottish Development International, and we've helped lots of global tech companies establish and grow their businesses in Scotland. 

We can help you:

  • Find the right funding for your project
  • Identify the skills and talent you need
  • Train and develop staff
  • Connect with suppliers and partners
  • Find market opportunities

We also offer long-term support for your company through our dedicated account management service.

About us

Our team in California is here to help

If you want to find out more, you can contact our San Jose office.

Phone: +1 (408) 436 5520

Get in touch

Justine Kelly and Pendy Pendyala standing outside s San Jose office
Justine Kelly and Pendy Pendyala at our San Jose office

Tech cost comparisons: see how Scotland measures up

Combining competitive costs with high quality means that Scotland can be a profitable location for tech companies.

Scotland can be cost-effective because:

  • Tech salaries in Scotland can be up to 62% lower than in San Francisco
  • Labor costs in Glasgow and Edinburgh are significantly lower than in other European cities like London, Dublin and Paris
  • At 19% (moving to 17% by 2020), the UK corporate tax rate is significantly lower than places like the US (40%), France (33.33%), Germany (29.79%) and Spain (25%)

How setting up in Scotland could save you money

Man with a laptop on a mountain

A great place to live and work

Tech companies are attracted to Scotland by our talented workforce, affordable costs and great support networks - but we know there's more to life in Scotland than work.

Scotland also also offers cosmopolitan cities, stunning landscapes, short commutes and some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet.

“It takes me no more than five minutes from my location in the city center to be out in the middle of nowhere, cycle all day and see almost no vehicles. There are very few places on the planet that you can do that and then have access to world-class talent and great urban centers as well.” - Chris van der Kuyl, chairman of 4J Studios

Quality of life in Scotland

Woman on a hill with a tablet

Why Spire chose Scotland

Skilled talent, access to risk capital and the support we offer to innovative companies

These are among the top reasons that Californian satellite-based data specialists Spire chose to set up in Scotland.

“In terms of character, work ethic and passion for what they do, we have found the people that we have been able to attract in Scotland to be absolutely world-class.” - Peter Platzer, CEO of Spire

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