Virgin StartUp invites Scottish entrepreneurs to the Edinburgh Mentor Match

Scottish entrepreneurs are being invited to an electrifying free networking event on 27th October for National Mentoring Day at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh.

Article Source: Virgin StartUp
Last Updated: 20 October 2025 13:34

Virgin StartUp, is hosting an electrifying free networking event for founders in Edinburgh to connect with leading business minds and find a mentor.

Calling all Edinburgh entrepreneurs! This National Mentoring Day – Monday 27 October – Virgin’s entrepreneurial hub, Virgin StartUp is inviting small business founders and aspiring business owners to a free, one-off networking event - the Edinburgh Mentor Match.

The exclusive event, held at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, is designed for founders to share stories, spark ideas, and build valuable connections. For small business owners and entrepreneurs, a mentor can be a game-changer. With invaluable industry insights, experience, and a kind ear, they can help guide you through the challenges of starting a business.

The evening will kick off with a warm welcome from the Managing Director at Virgin StartUp, Andy Fishburn, and then it’s time to get talking. Founders will be able to take part in ‘speed-dating for entrepreneurs’ – a high-energy networking round to speak to as many founders as possible. Then, entrepreneurs can stay for a drink and dive deeper into conversations with their new connections.

HelpBnk - a vibrant entrepreneurship community dedicated to providing free business support - will also be offering a mentoring station to help offer entrepreneurs business advice, alongside other business founders, including Dr Sally Gouldstone, Founder of the natural skincare brand Seilich, and Jilly Henry, Co-Founder of the sustainable clothing brand Meander Apparel.

Want to network with fellow founders or find your next business mentor?
• When: 27th October 6:00-7:30pm
• Where: Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, Eve Top Bar
• How: Tickets are free of charge and available to purchase here. Tickets are limited, so grab your ticket now to secure a spot!
• Who: The networking event will be open to any founder who has started a business, at any stage of their business journey
• Included: Welcome drinks and nibbles

Andy Fishburn, Managing Director at Virgin StartUp, comments: “Networking with peers and finding a business mentor can make a huge difference to an entrepreneur’s journey. Earlier this year, the Virgin StartUp Founder Barometer survey reported that for 1 in 10 founders, loneliness was the biggest challenge they’re facing, highlighting the importance of community, connection and building a strong support system of fellow founders.”

“Scotland is thriving with entrepreneurial spirit, and over the last few years alone, Virgin StartUp has distributed over £3.8 million in Start-Up Loan (SUL) funding to founders all across the country. That’s why we’re putting on this event for founders in Edinburgh to celebrate National Mentoring Day and to give aspiring founders the chance to pitch their ideas to some of the best minds in the business.”

But the support doesn’t stop there. As well as having the chance to network with fellow founders, entrepreneurs will get the opportunity to pitch their businesses directly to Richard Branson and Simon Squibb via the ‘Doorbell of Dreams’ – with the chance to gain global exposure for their brands.

Run by the pair’s entrepreneurship hubs, Virgin StartUp and HelpBnk, Branson and Squibb’s ‘Doorbell of Dreams’ is in Edinburgh on 27 and 28 October 2025. The doorbell will be at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, The Scarlett Lounge, from 9am for founders to pitch their business ideas in 60 seconds. The best pitches will reach a global audience on social media and receive feedback from some of the UK’s most recognisable entrepreneurs, including Sir Richard Branson and Simon Squibb.

More than 4,000 people have already pitched to the Doorbell of Dreams nationwide.

So, this National Mentoring Day, founders can head to Virgin Hotels, pitch their dream, then head upstairs to the Eve Bar to connect with fellow founders and mentors who can help them take it further.

For more information on the Edinburgh Mentor Match event and to sign up, please visit this link here.

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Virgin StartUp invites Scottish entrepreneurs to the Edinburgh Mentor Match

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