Scotland’s leading company creation competition, Converge Challenge has appointed Sandy Finlayson as its new Chairman. With more than 25 years’ experience advising young high growth companies and their investors he brings a wealth of experience to Converge Challenge which is open to students, graduates and staff from universities and research institutes across Scotland.
He will take over the role from Mervyn Jones, who has been Chair since 2013, following this year’s annual awards ceremony in September. Sandy Finlayson is a co-founder of law firm MBM Commercial, which is dedicated to serving the needs of young technology companies and their investors. He was involved in the formation of Business Forum Scotland and served as its Chairman for two years. He has also been a Director and Company Secretary of several successful companies.
Sandy has been involved in numerous initiatives to support the funding of high growth companies including: introducing the founders of Archangels, which developed into the biggest business angel syndicate in Scotland; the formation of Seraphim Capital, the UK’s first Enterprise Capital Fund; and several other Enterprise Capital Funds as well as a number of other early stage venture capital funds. Sandy has built a strong reputation across the business community for his knowledge of corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, high growth start-ups and spin outs, corporate governance and strategic advice.
Olga Kozlova, Director at Converge Challenge, said:
“We’re looking forward to welcoming Sandy as Chairman. He brings on board a wealth of experience about start-ups and has a real passion for enterprise and entrepreneurship. The team relishes seeing his input into our ambitious plans to continue to grow Converge Challenge.”
Commenting on his appointment, Sandy Finlayson said:
“I am passionate about Scotland and delighted to be joining the Converge Challenge team. This is a unique programme that makes a significant contribution to Scotland, both as a society and as an economy. I can’t wait to get involved in helping Converge Challenge to provide a platform from which our students, graduates and university staff can build a great future, both for themselves and for Scotland.”
