Scaling Ambition: Shott Scale Up Accelerator alumni share lessons in leadership

To shine a light on the transformative power of this unique programme, we spoke with three alumni who completed the accelerator in September last year. Their insights, experiences, and advice offer a glimpse into how the programme supports leaders navigating the complexities of technical innovation, team growth, and personal development. 

Meet: 

• Mehak Mumtaz, Co-founder and COO of iLoF (Intelligent Lab on Fiber) – Mehak is using photonics and AI to revolutionise healthcare, focusing on early screening for Alzheimer’s and nanoparticle characterisation for life sciences. 

• Ed Nutting, Co-founder and CTO of Vypercore – Ed’s startup is developing a new class of secure, high-performance processors for data centres, born out of his research at the University of Bristol. 

• Steve Wells, CTO of Adaptix – Steve leads innovation in portable 3D X-ray imaging systems, bringing affordable and mobile advanced diagnostics to healthcare settings across Europe. 

The accelerator helped me understand that leadership styles can evolve—and that’s okay

Why they chose the Shott Scale Up Accelerator 

Despite their diverse sectors and stages of growth, all three founders were drawn to the programme for its unique focus on the individual, not just the company. 

Steve Wells was initially sceptical, having completed several management courses. But the Shott Scale Up Accelerator stood out. “It was the first one that really offered a peer group in the same boat as me,” he said. The opportunity to share ideas with others working through deep engineering challenges was a rare and valuable experience. 

Ed Nutting echoed this, saying many programmes focus on pitch decks and startup polish. “This one focused on the leadership journey,” he noted. For Ed, the real value was learning how to navigate the stresses of scaling a business by building personal leadership skills—capabilities he could bring back to his team and culture at Vypercore. 

For Mehak Mumtaz, the technical focus and emphasis on deep science-based businesses made it uniquely relevant. “It was applicable to the challenges we were facing at iLoF—transitioning from research to product delivery,” she said. 

The power of peer networks and coaching 

One of the standout features for all three was the peer community. You’re in a safe space,” said Steve. “You can say what you’re struggling with without worrying that it’ll be held against your company.” He found immense value in discussing concerns candidly and learning from others facing similar challenges. 

I’ve been through a mindset shift, as well as equipped with skills, tools and networks. That shift alone helped reduce stress and improved how I led my team.

Ed found the structured coaching particularly impactful. Initially trying to control outcomes in his startup, he learned to shift toward an influence mindset—focusing on how to shape outcomes rather than micromanage them. “That shift alone helped reduce stress and improved how I led my team,” he shared. 

Mehak also found personal growth through coaching, especially as she navigated new leadership responsibilities while managing a young family. “It helped me understand that leadership styles can evolve—and that’s okay,” she said. 

Real change that drives business impacts 

Each alumni saw tangible changes in their companies thanks to the programme: Mehak applied insights from the People and Culture module to help her team at iLoF shift from research to commercial delivery. “It helped us put the right structures and mindset in place,” she said. 

Ed’s leadership evolution helped Vypercore grow from an early-stage concept into a 14-person engineering team with investor backing and customer engagement through their VyperLab programme. 

Steve shared that the programme gave him and his company renewed confidence during a period of CEO transition and tech evolution. “You feel less like an imposter when you’re surrounded by other impressive people tackling equally hard problems,” he reflected. 

You won’t find this combination of technical focus, peer support, and world-class training anywhere else.

Final thoughts: advice for future applicants 

All three alumni strongly encourage senior leaders to apply—and to apply again if they don’t succeed the first time. 

“It’s a golden opportunity,” said Steve. “You won’t find this combination of technical focus, peer support, and world-class training anywhere else.” 

Ed advises applicants to “be open to learning—and giving.” The more you share and contribute, the more you’ll gain. 

Mehak’s advice? “Be persistent.” She applied three times before being accepted and says it was more than worth the wait. 

Ready to scale?

The Shott Scale Up Accelerator is a rare opportunity for technical leaders to grow alongside their companies—with mentorship, coaching, and a peer group that understands the challenges of high-growth engineering and science startups. 

If you're a senior technical leader ready to lead your business—and yourself—into the next phase of growth, consider applying. As this alumni panel shows, the journey may just change your perspective, your team, and your impact. 

Watch these 3 alumni share their experiences in this online discussion