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Russell Dalgleish

Russell Dalgleish is a prominent Scottish entrepreneur and investor with a notable track record in the international technology sector. As the founding Managing Partner of Exolta Capital Partners and the Founding Chair of the Scottish Business Network, he plays a pivotal role in advising and supporting business leaders and entrepreneurs in achieving global success.

With a wealth of experience in leadership roles for international companies across Europe, the USA, and Asian markets, Russell now focuses on assisting companies in developing and implementing international growth strategies. His investment interests lie in early-stage opportunities, particularly in sectors such as Govtech, Smart Cities, Greentech and solutions to help address climate change.

Russell's core areas of expertise encompass Leadership, Innovation, Investment, and Entrepreneurship, primarily within fast-growing companies. He is a sought-after speaker and conference host, having shared his insights at events worldwide. In recognition of his contributions, he was named one of Scotland's "Unsung Heroes.

His roles and accolades include holding multiple non-executive and board advisory positions, including the Board of Trade for Scotland, founding the Scottish GovTech Cluster in and chairing the advisory board for Civtech, a world leading innovation hub. Russell is also a Board member of Prosper a leading policy think tank and represents the UK Government's Department of International Trade Global Entrepreneur Programme, attracting international entrepreneurs to Scotland.

Beyond his professional endeavours, Russell is a Founding Director of the Net Zero Nation, a non-profit organisation addressing carbon footprint reduction in SMEs, and actively works to address gender imbalances in business through support for the Association of Scottish Businesswomen and Changing the Chemistry organisations. As an advisor to disruptive-led companies in the UK and US, and an investor/advisor to Par Equity, Scotland's leading angel investor fund, Russell contributes significantly to the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

In a diverse range of interests, Russell is also an award-winning film producer, with the independent feature Cold Kill set for release in 2024.

Beyond his professional commitments, he enjoys participating in endurance events, showcasing his passion for overcoming obstacles, completing events such as the London Marathon and the day long Coast-to-Coast.

Russell Dalgleish is a multifaceted individual whose contributions span the realms of business, innovation, and societal impact.

Early Life and Education

Born in the market town of Selkirk in the Scottish Borders on March 21st, 1964, the family name “Dalgleish” can be traced back to the 1400s when it was first recorded. The family has been in the town since this date.

Russell Dalgleish was educated at Knowepark Primary School and then Selkirk High School.

Having developed an interest in what technology could offer, he entered Edinburgh Napier University in 1982 to study Computing and Data Processing, graduating in 1986. The course was unique at the time in offering a sandwich course element, providing him with 48 weeks of experience working for the Bank of Scotland Computer Centre in Edinburgh.

Major achievements

Russell Dalgleish has held CEO positions with major companies, steering them through periods of significant growth and challenging times, such as the 2007 Recession. He is notably recognised for the conceptualisation, design, and development of the Scottish Business Network (SBN), which expanded from an initial group of 12 to a global community of thousands.

Under his leadership, SBN has produced two notable spin-outs. Net Zero Nation aims to address climate change by building a community of SMEs focused on improving their bottom lines through the adoption of Net Zero principles, with over 150 companies having participated in the accelerator programme. Additionally, he led the creation of The Scottish Govtech Cluster, which assists Scottish tech companies in accessing global opportunities and building international partnerships.

Furthermore, Russell Dalgleish has contributed to the Scottish Government as a member of the Board of Trade and to the British Government's Department for Business and Trade. In these roles, he has promoted the UK to international founders and assisted the Scottish Government in developing business-positive policies.

Personal Life

Russell Dalgleish has three sons, Scott, Cameron, and Jamie, and has recently welcomed his first grandchild, Alia.

His voluntary roles are primarily business or entrepreneur-related. For example, he recently joined the board of Prosper, Scotland's leading think tank and policy organisation, which represents business, education, state, and trade union members.

There have been two turning points in his life: in 1998, when he gave up alcohol, and in 2014, when he first endeavoured to get fit. In 2022, he completed the London Marathon.

Philosophy and Beliefs

Russell Dalgleish's core professional value is integrity, and his passion is to help others. He believes that the need to "give first" is critical to developing business success and is a fundamental component of developing trust, which is essential in commerce.

Challenges and Overcoming Them

Russell Dalgleish, like everyone, has faced numerous challenges in his life. However, he recognises the immense fortune of being born in the United Kingdom and benefiting from free education and health services. One valuable lesson he has learned from these challenges is to avoid harbouring resentments and to be grateful for the support of others who have been there for him.