It is tougher today to be a female entrepreneur in Scotland than it was 20 years ago, says Anna White, whose company sells Scottish national dress, including kilts and tartan, to the world. Yet, in what is a typically positive entrepreneurial outlook, she is also confident that there are more opportunities than ever before.
Such is the paradox facing this hardy band of Scottish women who get up every morning, on good days and bad days, to try and make a success of their business ideas and innovation.
The Rose Review from 2018, in which the UK Government asked Alison Rose, chief executive of NatWest Group, to lead an independent review of female entrepreneurship, highlighted the multiple challenges faced by female founders in the UK, especially access to venture funding.
Today The Business pays tribute to all of Scotland’s female entrepreneurs in our annual listing. Of course there are literally thousands in all areas of Scotland.
We have a sample of excellent businesses and organisations, and we asked one simple question to test the temperature: “What is it like to be a Scottish-based female entrepreneur in today’s world?’
Each of the responses are from this group of Scottish entrepreneurs. One thing emerges loud and clear: the determination to build entrepreneurial organisations which couple success with the need to engage and encourage diversity in the workplace, as well as the hiring of minorities and developing the skills of their teams.
1. Sarah Lynagh
CEO
Fios Genomics
Sector: Life Sciences & Drug Discovery
Base: Edinburgh
Growing a company means navigating global competition, evolving regulatory landscapes, and pressure to deliver faster, data-driven results. With a global talent market in our space, staff retention remains a challenge, particularly when anyone can work for anyone, anywhere. No one knows what the next crisis will be. Resilience is key. At Fios, we see increasing demand for customised bioinformatics, but scaling while maintaining quality and agility is a constant balancing act in an increasingly decentralised market.”
2. Vikki Bruce
Managing Director
MacLean & Bruce Ltd
Sector: Food & Drink
Base: Edinburgh
“I am very fortunate to run businesses within two of Scotland’s best recognised industries – tourism and whisky. Scotland has an extraordinary heritage of entrepreneurship, great thinkers, creators and inventors, and now also plays a role in the technology and space sectors. It is deeply fulfilling to contribute, in a small way, to this nation’s continued significant impact on the global business landscape.”
3. Anna White
Director
ScotlandShop
Sector: E-commerce & Retail
Base: Edinburgh and Duns
“After 23 years, it’s tougher than ever before yet there are also more opportunities. I believe these are largely based on building strong partnerships and relationships that have real substance. Sticking to a few key values you truly believe in keeps the passion and authenticity that make a great brand. Most importantly #nevergiveup and be ready to pivot if you need to.”
“Being a Scottish-based entrepreneur means embracing the underdog mindset. Distant from global hubs, we think bigger, act smarter, and move faster. That challenge drives unique competitive differentiation. I value the extra pressure — it builds resilience. As Andrew Carnegie said: ‘Aim for the highest’. With bold thinking and a close-knit network, Scotland is a proving ground for world-class business.”
5. Sarah Haran
Founder
Sarah Haran Accessories
Sector: Retail & Manufacturing
Base: Paisley
“Being a Scottish-based entrepreneur today takes resilience and a vision. My early days in tech in Scotland, gave me the foundation to build something structured and scalable, without actually leaving Scotland. While much of our production happens elsewhere, our roots are firmly here. Tech and community let us reach a global audience — share our creativity and our unique handbag concept, with women everywhere. We really do aim to bring them joy”.
6. Sarah Ronald
Founder
Nile HQ
Sector: Technology & Digital Marketing
Base: Edinburgh
“Running a business in Scotland today is worlds apart from 20 years ago. Hybrid work and digital tools now enable global reach. The close-knit ecosystem fosters support and vibrant entrepreneurial communities. Yet its scale can push founders to look for markets and capital elsewhere. Still, Scotland’s entrepreneurial spirit is thriving – ambitious, collaborative, and increasingly global.”
7. Jacine Rutasikwa
Co-founder
Matugga Distillers
Sector: Food & Drink
Base: Livingston
“Scotland has been home for eight years now and it’s been a wonderful place to raise both our young family and our business. The entrepreneurial community is genuinely collegiate and welcoming. And we’ve been able to champion a bold new category – Scottish rum, by blending Scotland’s world-class distilling heritage with our proud African and Caribbean roots. Cheers to innovation, collaboration … and cultural fusion!”
8. Simone Hart Sibbald
Managing Director
Perfect Service Solutions
Sector: Service
Base: Stirling
“Being a Scottish-based entrepreneur today means navigating global challenges and political divergence between Scotland and the UK. Accessing markets can be tough, so building strong partnerships across the UK — with clients, competitors, and industry peers — is essential. I’ve always found real strength in Scotland’s collaborative business community and the support of fellow leaders through active networking.”
9. Gillian Crawford
Founder
Lily Blanche
Sector: Online Retail & Digital
Base: Stirling
“Being a female entrepreneur in Scotland is an adventure rooted in heritage and hope. At Lily Blanche, we craft personalised heirlooms with meaning. Surrounded by a powerful sisterhood of trail-blazing women, my brilliant team and I navigate the challenges with courage and optimism. Fuelled by innovation and AI, my business blends tradition with technology, forging a future as enduring as our past.”
“It is challenging right now, the UK tax hikes have hit my industry hard. We are fighting for a VAT cut to align the UK with the rest of the world and help retain a vital female-led industry in the UK. I am looking to expand my business globally and the amazing Global Scot community, which I have connected with, gives us an edge, being a smaller country, the support and network is fantastic.”
11. Serena Leyni
Founder
Soothe Your Soul Haven
Sector: Health & Wellbeing
Base: Aberdeen
“I know first-hand how intimidating traditional gyms can feel, especially for those who have experienced trauma. My goal with Soothe Your Soul Haven [which has received £19,000 funding from the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme] is to create a sanctuary where women feel safe to focus on their wellbeing, free from judgment or fear. I’m excited to grow the community and offer even more support for women who need it.”
12. Caitlin Barrett
Managing Director
Marco Paul & Garden Mile
Sector: Online Retail
Base: Broxburn
“As a female leader in Scotland, I’m inspired by our rich history of innovation and creativity. This drives me to push past barriers to make an impact in the industry. I am inspired daily by the entrepreneurial female powerhouses we have in Scotland and how we continue to build a network to celebrate each other and support a new generation of talent.”
13. Leigh Fell
Founder & CEO
Caritas Bioscience
Sector: Life Sciences
Base: Edinburgh
“Being a female entrepreneur in Scotland today means showing up with strength, perseverance, and bold optimism. The landscape is shifting fast – challenging, yes, but full of possibility. I lead with authenticity and kindness, not just chasing success but creating impact. I’m here to make a difference, break new ground, and leave a legacy that matters.”
14. Michelle Phillips
Founder
Mimi’s Bakehouse
Sector: Food & Drink
Base: Edinburgh
“Being a Scottish entrepreneur today is exciting and challenging. At Mimi’s, we’ve built a brand that’s proud of its roots but always ready to try something new. It’s about staying true to who we are, moving fast when things change, and treating our customers well and having fun along the way while doing what we love.”
15. Sunita Poddar
Founder & Chief Executive
Oakminster Healthcare
Sector: Health & Social Care
Base: Glasgow
“Being a Scottish-based entrepreneur today involves navigating complex challenges while leading with purpose, resilience, and authenticity. From arriving in the UK without English to building a care group employing over 300 staff, my journey reflects perseverance and vision. As a woman of colour, I remain driven by a commitment to dignity, equity, and inspiring others to lead with empathy and integrity.”
16. Chen Li
Director
Magna World
Sector: Tourism & Hospitality
Base: Tillicoutry
“Being a Scottish-based entrepreneur today means standing on historic ground while building global dreams. It’s a land of deep heritage and open skies — perfect for visionaries with international hearts. Scotland gives me the peace to think and the fire to act. From whisky to travel to AI, I grow businesses here that reach the world.”
“Running a business in Scotland right now is both exciting and challenging. We strive to push our technology to gain an edge for ourselves, and our clients and Scotland offers the perfect environment to find and nurture the required talent and expertise. However, the current challenge in working internationally requires us to be equally smart and agile in our routes to market.”
18. Bayile Adeoti
Founder
Dechomai & BobbAI
Sector: Networking & Innovation
Base: Glasgow
“Being a Scottish-based entrepreneur today means navigating opportunities and challenges. Through platforms such as Dechomai and BobbAI, I’ve worked to empower under-represented voices and highlight entrepreneurship as a powerful tool for equity and impact. Everyone has the opportunity to create change and help build a more inclusive Scotland. While systemic barriers remain, I’m committed to creating space, driving change, and helping others see what’s possible.”
“Being an entrepreneur anywhere can be heaven, or it can be hell, and if we opened a café in New York it wouldn’t be any easier, just different. Our business is about excellent food and ice cream, and regulations are stringent. But if they weren’t, we would make them so ourselves because quality demands it; food safety is essential, no less than enjoyment.”
20. Jo Chidley
Founder
Beauty Kitchen and Reposit
Sector: Beauty & Personal Care Packaging
Base: Wishaw
“Being a Scottish-based entrepreneur today means holding grit in one hand and imagination in the other. You’re often building the plane while flying it, especially when you’re working on systemic change. It’s not about leadership — it’s about participation which feels more human. Profit has its place, but I’m here for progress, for people, and for the planet.”
21. Katie Forbes
Founder
Autistic Flair
Sector: Social Community
Base: Aberdeen
“It is terrifying and exciting, but mostly, it feels meaningful. As a neurodivergent person, it feels like I’ve finally found a way of working that actually suits me. I get to follow my passion, be my authentic self, and connect with other brilliant entrepreneurs who share my values and goals. It’s hard sometimes, but it’s the best career move I’ve made.”
“I’ve learned to thrive in uncertainty, navigating challenges with resilience. The strong business community support has been invaluable. SMEs drive our economy, and global connections fuel growth — especially in private jet and helicopter charter. With adaptability and peer support, I see opportunity everywhere, evidence of Scotland’s strength in the international market.”
23. Laura Maginess
Founder
Glasgow Girls Club & Glow Club
Sector: Membership & Marketing
Base: Glasgow
“Being a Scottish-based entrepreneur today means creating your own path in a landscape that’s still evolving. While support for women in business is growing, communities like The Glow Club prove that when female founders unite, we build not only businesses but ecosystems of strength, opportunity and resilience. There’s power in doing it together.”
24. Marie Owen
Founder & CEO
LS Productions
Sector: Media, TV & Film Production
Base: Edinburgh
“Back yourself — confidence is contagious. Build a team that shares your values, surround yourself with amazing people and deal with what needs to be dealt with. Don’t wait for perfect conditions; start, then adapt. Network with purpose and support other women in business. Stay curious, keep learning, and protect your energy – choose carefully where to spend your time. Success isn’t just scale – it’s building something meaningful, on your terms, in a place you love.”
25. Rabinder Buttar
Founder & Former CEO
Clintec
Sector: Life Sciences
Base: Glasgow & Edinburgh
“Entrepreneurs never stop and make possible what seems impossible. Building a global business requires drive, passion, and courage. Many entrepreneurs face challenges such as a lack of funding. However, if you create opportunity, you can enjoy success. I’m now
sharing my experience with companies such as Oils in Bloom, a skin care and luxury aromatherapy specialists. Believe in your dream. Stay grounded.”
Thank you to Belinda Roberts, Founder of WeDo Scotland, Sarah Heaney, of Scottish Women in Business, and Gillian Bowditch, of The Sunday Times, for their help in compiling this list.
Read more from Women in Scotland’s Legal World: 25 Names to Watch in 2025 published in our Winter 2024 Issue.
