11:00–11:30
Startup Day: Arrival & Registration
Downstairs - The Biscuit FactoryRegistration opens for Startup Day at The Biscuit Factory, grab your lanyard and a coffee as we get underway.
The Agenda
Download the agenda (PDF)A day dedicated to founders and operators where high signal keynotes meet deep dive roundtables, founder firesides and hours of networking with peers and industry experts.
11:00
11:30
11:30–11:40
Startup Day: Official Welcome & MC Remarks
Downstairs - The Biscuit FactoryA warm welcome from Turing Fest's CEO, Brian Corcoran and your emcee.
11:40
11:40–12:00
GTM Has Changed. Can Your Startup Keep Up?
Downstairs - The Biscuit FactoryAI has changed how startups go to market. The old playbook doesn’t work anymore. With more noise, more competition, more tools, and buyers harder to reach, what should founders and operators actually be doing now? April and Hana unpack what’s working, where teams are going wrong, and how to adapt your GTM to keep moving forward.
12:05
12:05–12:35
Startup Roundtables: Session 1
Upstairs - The Biscuit FactoryJoin one of our Startup Roundtables to discuss and unpack the latest challenges and opportunities facing today's founders and operators.
10 roundtables to choose from
- 1 Building in Moments: Where Product, Brand & Marketing Meet
- 2 Should You Raise Now, Later, or Never?
- 3 How to Get Customers Without Asking What They Want
- 4 AI, Agents & Sales: What's Actually Working (and What's Just GTM Hype?)
- 5 Are You a Wrapper? The Honest Defensibility Test
- 6 How to Evolve a Team and Culture as a Business Grows?
- 7 When Everyone Has the Same AI, What's Your Moat?
- 8 How Important Are Product Features in the Age of AI?
- 9 How to Avoid Burning Out When Everything is Changing
- 10 How to Stand Out When Everything Could Compete With You?
12:05–12:35
The Truth Behind Building a $1B Business That No One Puts in a Deck
Downstairs - The Biscuit FactoryWhat does it really take to build a nine-figure company? Darina Garland, founder of Ooni, pulls back the curtain on the moments, mistakes, setbacks and hard decisions that never make it into the pitch deck. An honest look at what it takes to keep going, keep learning and build success that lasts - plus live audience Q&A. Hosted by Matt Lerner, Founder of SYSTM.
12:40
13:45
13:45–14:15
From Zero to Product-Market Fit: What Matters Most in the First 24 Months
Downstairs - The Biscuit FactoryFounder advice is everywhere - but progress comes from focusing on the right things. Ross co-founded Wordsmith AI in 2023, three years later and it's become one of Europe's standout AI companies. Drawing on real experience of scaling at speed, Ross breaks down a handful of founder-led decisions that matter most in the early stages. He shares what founders should obsess over, what they should ignore, and the signals that actually matter on the road to PMF. Ross unpacks the biggest insights from his founder journey and wraps things up with some live audience Q&A.
13:45–14:15
Startup Roundtables: Session 2
Upstairs - The Biscuit FactoryJoin one of our Startup Roundtables to discuss and unpack the latest challenges and opportunities facing today's founders and operators.
9 roundtables to choose from
- 1 Building in Moments: Where Product, Brand & Marketing Meet
- 2 Should You Raise Now, Later, or Never?
- 3 How to Get Customers Without Asking What They Want
- 4 AI, Agents & Sales: What's Actually Working (and What's Just GTM Hype?)
- 5 Are You a Wrapper? The Honest Defensibility Test
- 6 How to Evolve a Team and Culture as a Business Grows?
- 7 When Everyone Has the Same AI, What's Your Moat?
- 8 How Important Are Product Features in the Age of AI?
- 9 How to Avoid Burning Out When Everything is Changing
14:25
14:25–15:00
AI Experimentation
Upstairs - The Biscuit FactoryAI Experimentation is a practical look at how we are using AI inside Skyscanner to learn fast, ship faster, and make better decisions about where it genuinely adds value. Rather than treating AI as a single big transformation programme, we are testing it in the real world: in day-to-day engineering work, in team workflows, in frameworks, in forward-deployed engineers, and in how we think about productivity, quality, and cost.
14:25–15:00
What Founders Need to Know: Venture Trends, M&A & Dealmaking
Downstairs - The Biscuit FactoryThe startup market is changing. Capital is moving differently, AI is reshaping dealmaking, and acquisitions are back - but with new rules.It's no secret: founders build great companies through great strategy and decision-making. Since 2015, Orrick has overseen hundreds of deals and quickly become Europe's leading venture legal adviser. The playbook has changed and it's time to find out how.Market expert, Raphael Crouan joins us to unpack what's really changing for today's founders. A session packed with experience and insights on market trends, and how to stay fundable and strategically valuable in a rapidly changing ecosystem.
15:05
15:40
15:40–16:10
Extracting Value for Your Board
Upstairs - The Biscuit FactoryYour board should be one of your startup’s most valuable resources, it's crucial you know how to use it effectively. We explore how today's founders and operators can get beyond reporting and updates to extract practical value from their board, from strategic advice and introductions to challenging decisions and accountability.
15:40–16:00
The New GTM Playbook: Aligning and Accelerating Your Revenue
Downstairs - The Biscuit FactoryThe rules of go-to-market have changed. Learn how early-stage B2B founders can build a winning GTM strategy from day one, from positioning and customer acquisition to AI-powered sales, distribution, and repeatable growth.
16:05
16:05–16:25
Building an Agent-Powered Startup: A Practical Toolkit for Ambitious Founders
Downstairs - The Biscuit FactoryWhat does it take to build an agent-first startup? Explore how AI agents will reshape products, teams, and operations and what ambitious founders need to build now to stay competitive and scale smarter.
16:25
16:25–16:30
Startup Day: MC Closing Remarks
The Biscuit FactoryA brief summary and wrap-up from your emcee.
16:30
16:30–17:30
Happy Hour
The Biscuit FactoryHappy hour gets underway - grab a drink on us and mix with your peers after the content has finished.
18:00
18:00–20:00
Founder Dinners
Intimate dinners with a small number of founders and operators, hosted at restaurants across Edinburgh. An evening spent with peers in an informal setting because sometimes the best networking happens outside of office hours.
21:00
21:00–23:00
Opening Party
EveThe Opening Party takes place at Eve, music venue at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, bringing founders, investors, and operators together in a relaxed setting after the day’s sessions.
In partnership with Skyscanner.
An investor-only day where market intel, deal flow and new opportunities are uncovered. Expect tactical keynotes, peer-to-peer roundtables and some serious networking.
12:00
12:00–13:30
VC Deal Exchange
Edinburgh Futures Institute*Required - Investor Ticket and Confirmed Participation via Turing Fest.
New for 2026, the VC Deal Exchange is a private, VC-only deal flow session taking place before Investor Day. Limited to 20 investors, each participant gets three minutes to pitch one company to the room.
The deal criteria: companies raising £2M–£10M rounds, with a bias towards enterprise software.
To gain entry, each investor must bring one high-quality company that fits criteria. In return, you’ll access 19 other investment opportunities, brought by fellow investors and backed by their initial interest and diligence. Held under the Chatham House Rule, this is a focused opportunity where investors discover new companies, real pipeline opportunities and exchange with peers from across the UK and Europe.
Application required.
Bring one deal. Get access to nineteen.
13:30
13:30–14:00
Investor Day: Arrival & Registration
Edinburgh Futures InstituteRegistration opens for Investor Day, join us at the Edinburgh Futures Institute to grab your lanyard and a coffee as we get underway.
14:00
14:00–14:10
Investor Day: Official Welcome & MC Remarks
Edinburgh Futures InstituteA warm welcome to Investor Day from Turing Fest's CEO, Brian Corcoran and your emcee.
14:10
14:10–14:30
VC is Dead - Now What?
Edinburgh Futures InstituteThe old VC playbook no longer guarantees returns. As AI, market shifts, and founder expectations reshape venture, how should B2B investors adapt? Explore the new strategies for sourcing, diligence, portfolio support, and winning in a changing market.
14:35
14:35–15:05
Investor Roundtables: Session 1
Edinburgh Futures InstituteJoin one of our Investor Roundtables as we dive into the most pressing topics in today's market.
6 roundtables to choose from
- 1 The Exit Gap - What Happens in the Midst of a Quiet M&A Market
- 2 How to Find Deals in a World of AI Outbound
- 3 Which Categories Are Still Wide Open for VC - And Which Are Too Crowded?
- 4 The New Founder Profile: What Earns a Term Sheet in 2026?
- 5 How Investors are Selecting Startups in an AI World
- 6 Price vs Conviction: How to Win Deals Without Overpaying
15:10
15:10–15:45
The AI-Native GTM Team: What the Hiring Data Tells Us
Edinburgh Futures InstituteAI is rapidly reshaping go-to-market teams, so who should startups actually be hiring? Drawing on real data and market trends, Chris shares how the best AI-native companies are building modern GTM functions, unpacking what's actually needed to make smarter hiring decisions that yield real results.
15:10–15:45
Where Should You Be Investing Your Money?
Edinburgh Futures InstituteWhere are the best investment opportunities right now? From emerging sectors and technologies to areas that may be getting overlooked, this session is a chance for investors to compare notes, challenge their assumptions and share where they’re seeing real potential in the market.
15:50
16:25
16:25–16:55
Investor Roundtables: Session 2
Edinburgh Futures InstituteJoin a new Investor Roundtable and discuss a second hot topic from today's investment market.
6 roundtables to choose from
- 1 The Exit Gap - What Happens in the Midst of a Quiet M&A Market
- 2 How to Find Deals in a World of AI Outbound
- 3 Which Categories Are Still Wide Open for VC - And Which Are Too Crowded?
- 4 The New Founder Profile: What Earns a Term Sheet in 2026?
- 5 How Investors are Selecting Startups in an AI World
- 6 Price vs Conviction: How to Win Deals Without Overpaying
16:55
16:55–17:00
Investor Day: MC Closing Remarks
Edinburgh Futures InstituteA brief summary and wrap-up from your emcee.
17:00
17:00–18:00
Happy Hour
Edinburgh Futures InstituteHappy hour gets underway - grab a drink on us and mix with your peers after the content has finished.
18:30
18:30–21:30
VIP Dinner
Edinburgh CastleThe VIP Dinner takes place at the historic Edinburgh Castle. This is where Europe’s leading investors and VIPs will gather for an evening of great food, great company and great conversation, all taking place right before the Summit Day.
Brought to you by: Orrick & Barclays.
Invitation only.
21:00
21:00–23:00
Opening Party
EveThe Opening Party takes place at Eve, music venue at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, bringing founders, investors, and operators together in a relaxed setting after the day’s sessions.
In partnership with Skyscanner.
Where founders, operators and investors come together. The ultimate mix of high level keynotes, in-depth roundtable conversations and 1:1 meetings with key decision makers.
07:00
07:00–07:45
5k Run
Water of Leith path on the Sandport Place BridgeMeeting Point: Start of the Water of Leith path on the Sandport Place Bridge.
Google: https://maps.app.goo.gl/emKeLhEjekG1gT6r7
what3words: ///hoping.bonus.swaps
Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3530202288038306606
Start your day right. We're hosting a 5k run be fore Summit Day kicks off, so whether you're an avid runner or just want to see Edinburgh at pace, we'll be gathering a group of founders, operators, and investors to join you. Get the miles in before the meetings.
*Weather conditions can change rapidly this time of year. Runners are advised to check the weather forecast the evening before, dress appropriately and wear running shoes. Liability is with all participants.
08:00
08:00–09:00
VC Fundamentals
Upstairs - The Biscuit FactoryFundamentals comes to Turing Fest. An educational session for junior VCs hosted by Ana Fernandez of Nauta Capital and Freya Wordsworth of Ascension. A genuine safe space for those early in their VC careers to network, learn from experienced investors, and dig deep into the topics where there isn't formal training. Taking place over breakfast before Summit Day, this is the chance for all junior VCs to level up in a mentorship driven environment.
08:30
08:30–09:30
Summit Day: Arrival & Registration
The Biscuit FactoryRegistration opens for Summit Day at The Biscuit Factory.
09:30
09:30–09:40
Summit Day: Official Welcome & MC Remarks
Downstairs - The Biscuit FactoryA warm welcome from Turing Fest's CEO, Brian Corcoran and your emcee.
09:42
09:42–10:05
Positioning in the Age of AI
Downstairs - The Biscuit FactoryWorld-class positioning expert, April Dunford, takes the main stage to unpack how AI is reshaping B2B positioning. Grab a seat to learn how to sharpen your messaging, stand out in crowded markets, and position your product around customer value, not features, in an era where every company claims to be “AI-powered.”
10:07
10:07–10:30
Why GitHub Won
Downstairs - The Biscuit FactoryAn exclusive interview with Scott Chacon, Co-founder of GitHub and GitButler. Scott helped grow GitHub from four co-founders to 450 employees over eight years, eventually being acquired by Microsoft for $7.5 billion.
10:35
11:00
11:00–11:40
Summit Roundtables
Upstairs - The Biscuit FactoryJoin one of the Summit Roundtables as we unpack the most pressing topics in today's market.
7 roundtables to choose from
- 1 Building AI-Native GTM: How to Get it Right
- 2 How to Build Your First B2B Marketing Engine (Before Increasing Headcount)
- 3 AI Agent Architectures: What Will Matter in 2027?
- 4 What Enterprise Buyers Actually Want Right Now
- 5 How to Make Your GTM Hires a Success
- 6 From Small Deals to Big Logos: Moving Upmarket to Land Bigger Customers
- 7 How to Build Traction Without Burning Cash
11:45
11:45–12:25
Summit Roundtables
Upstairs - The Biscuit FactoryJoin a new Summit Roundtable as we unpack the most pressing topics in today's market.
7 roundtables to choose from
- 1 Build or Buy - How to Make the Right Decision
- 2 The First Cheque: What De-Risks Your Fundraise in a Changing Market
- 3 Vertical AI vs. Horizontal Platforms: Where's the Real Opportunity Left?
- 4 What Earns a Term Sheet Today?
- 5 AI, Agents and Sales: What's Working, What's Not?
- 6 Why Isn’t Your GTM Working? Diagnose the Problem, Find the Fix
- 7 The Hardest AI Decision You’ve Made This Year
12:30
12:45
12:45–13:30
Female Leaders Exchange
Upstairs - The Biscuit FactoryFemale leaders consistently navigate rooms where the stakes are high and the margin for perceived doubt is razor thin. Investor meetings, board sessions, co-founder disagreements, and team dynamics all carry an invisible pressure to appear certain, even when certainty hasn't arrived yet.
This meetup session is not about masking doubt, it's about anchoring yourself in evidence, holding your ground, and carrying your authority into every room regardless of who else is in it. We open with a frank look at why self doubt hits harder in professional settings for female leaders, then offer a practical reframe: conviction is not a feeling you wait for. It's a practice you build.
13:30
13:30–14:10
Summit Roundtables
Upstairs - The Biscuit FactoryJoin a new Summit Roundtable as we unpack the most pressing topics in today's market.
7 roundtables to choose from
- 1 Building AI-Native GTM: How to Get it Right
- 2 How to Build Your First B2B Marketing Engine (Before Increasing Headcount)
- 3 AI Agent Architectures: What Will Matter in 2027?
- 4 What Enterprise Buyers Actually Want Right Now
- 5 How to Make Your GTM Hires a Success
- 6 From Small Deals to Big Logos: Moving Upmarket to Land Bigger Customers
- 7 How to Build Traction Without Burning Cash
14:15
14:15–14:55
Summit Roundtables
Upstairs - The Biscuit FactoryJoin a new Summit Roundtable as we unpack the most pressing topics in today's market.
7 roundtables to choose from
- 1 Build or Buy - How to Make the Right Decision
- 2 The First Cheque: What De-Risks Your Fundraise in a Changing Market
- 3 Vertical AI vs. Horizontal Platforms: Where's the Real Opportunity Left?
- 4 What Earns a Term Sheet Today?
- 5 AI, Agents and Sales: What's Working, What's Not?
- 6 Why Isn’t Your GTM Working? Diagnose the Problem, Find the Fix
- 7 The Hardest AI Decision You’ve Made This Year
15:00
15:30
15:30–16:00
What's Making AI Deployment Work vs Not
Downstairs - The Biscuit FactoryEveryone is building with AI, but few are deploying it successfully. Join Husayn Kassai, Founder & CEO of Ollo, for an inside look at what separates AI products that deliver real business impact from those that never make it past the hype.
16:05
16:05–16:10
Summit Day: MC Closing Remarks
Downstairs - The Biscuit FactoryA brief summary and wrap-up from your emcee of Summit Day.