Building a successful business in today’s fast-paced world requires vision, strategy, and the right support at every stage of growth. At Talking Medicines, we are embracing opportunities to scale internationally, leveraging Scotland’s thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem while expanding into new markets like the U.S. Our journey is driven by a strong team, a shared commitment to commercial growth, innovation, and collaboration with industry leaders. Recently, Dr. Elizabeth Fairley had the opportunity to connect in a working session with the Scottish Minister, Kirsty McNeill, Barclays High Growth Entrepreneurs Business Manager Nathalie Cutting as well as a fantastic group of female entrepreneurs (including Yola Jones, Eva Prikler, Shona Cowan, Elizabeth Pirrie and Helen Kempton). The focus of this session was on the importance of working across borders, exploring new markets, and ensuring gender balance in leadership and investment. Since then, we have taken time to reflect on the session, and here are some of our key takeaways:
Scotland: A Launchpad for Success
Scotland has become a thriving hub for entrepreneurs, providing access to funding, mentorship, and industry expertise. The entrepreneurial ecosystem is growing stronger, allowing businesses like ours to connect with a wider network of resources and opportunities. At Talking Medicines, securing the right investment is so important for supporting and driving scalability. Research shows that women-founded startups are 63% more likely to attract investors when they have a clear vision and strong partnerships. That is why we are focused on aligning with investors who share our mission of driving better health outcomes through Advanced Data Science and AI. Collaboration—both locally and internationally—has been key to our success. By working with partners in Scotland, the UK, and beyond, we can scale faster and drive economic impact. This aligns with the “Ask” from our recent Barclays session: supporting companies to collaborate across borders, explore new markets, and ensure diverse leadership for long-term success.
Left to Right: Tyler Wright, Yola Jones, Eva Prikler, Helen Kempton, Elizabeth Pirrie, Dr. Elizabeth Fairley, Natalie Cutting, Shona Cowan and Kirsty McNeill
Expanding to the U.S.
Expanding into the U.S. was a natural step for Talking Medicines. With operations in NYC, New Jersey and participation in Scottish Enterprise’s Market Booster program in Silicon Valley, we are building the connections and insights needed to scale effectively. Breaking into a new market is not just about opportunity—it is about understanding local business culture, industry sector needs and regulations. By immersing ourselves in the U.S. healthcare and data technology landscape, we are positioning Talking Medicines as a global leader in data-driven health solutions.
Building Relationships and Learning from Others
Strong relationships are the foundation of success. At Talking Medicines, we believe in working closely with government bodies, social enterprises, and commercial organizations to create a stronger ecosystem for entrepreneurs. Gender diversity is another critical factor. Research shows that gender-diverse teams are their less diverse counterparts. That is why we are committed to fostering balance across all levels—from teams to board positions to investor partnerships. A great example of this strength is our Ops Leadership Team, which includes Jo Halliday, Dr. Elizabeth Fairley, Scott Crae, Roma English Owen, and Ellie Halliday. Their collective expertise and dedication drive our mission forward every day.
A Look Ahead
As International Women’s Day passes, we are reflecting on the power of resilience, strategic thinking, and collaboration. Female entrepreneurs are reshaping industries and driving economic growth, with women-led businesses delivering, on average, 35% higher returns on investment. At Talking Medicines, we are not just focused on growth—we are focused on building a sustainable, inclusive, and innovative future. By continuing to scale internationally, collaborating across industries, and championing diversity, we are proving that success is about working together to create lasting impact.
