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Case Study

Scoping the Scottish PropTech Landscape

A baseline study mapping Scotland’s PropTech landscape, identifying key companies, stakeholders, and opportunities to support industry growth and international expansion.

PROJECT BACKGROUND

This study was commissioned by Scottish Development International after PropTech (property technology) was identified as a segment of the construction industry that has the most export potential. The purpose of the study was to scope the PropTech landscape in Scotland and provide a baseline position to support the development of this opportunity along-with a database directory of companies, stakeholders and influencers.

AIMS & OBJECTIVES

Produce a list of PropTech companies based in Scotland including key information about them
Produce a list of key stakeholders and influencers within PropTech in Scotland including key areas of focus
Create a short document summarising the PropTech landscape in Scotland
Create a brief engagement plan including next steps

Produce a list of PropTech companies based in Scotland including key information about them
Produce a list of key stakeholders and influencers within PropTech in Scotland including key areas of focus
Create a short document summarising the PropTech landscape in Scotland
Create a brief engagement plan including next steps




OUR APPROACH

This study involved desk research with the following stages:

  1. Define PropTech – adopt a clear definition based on industry studies and credible literature
  2. Taxonomies – develop classification categories (taxonomies) to enable company segmentation
  3. Directory – identify companies using various industry websites and segment by the classifications; identify influencers and stakeholders using similar method
  4. Analysis – conduct analysis on the directory to, e.g., determine market size, etc
  5. Finalisation – complete database directory, create short summary document, create engagement plan

DELIVERY TEAM

Ashley Stewart
Director & Senior Consultant
About>
Jordan Stodart
Senior Consultant
About>
Iain Weir
Senior Consultant
About>

OUTPUTS AND IMPACTS

Some of the key findings from the study are:

PropTech Definition

PropTech is primarily associated with pre-construction activities along-with post construction tasks. A such, companies can be categorised into three main areas:

  • Search
  • Manage
  • Sales

PropTech is used in conjunction with ConTech (construction/technology), which focuses on the Build stage of a property’s lifecycle. In this study we expand the PropTech definition to include a fourth category:

  • Build

Market Size & Breakdown (sample analysis)

PropTech Charts

Trends

  • Digital transformation & data
  • Markets merging
  • International expansion
  • PropTech 3.0 “big world issues”

“Optimat were contracted to deliver ‘Scoping the Scottish PropTech Landscape’ as a result of a competitive tender process. They delivered what was agreed to a high standard. We are using the outcomes of the research to deepen our strategy. The information they generated was really useful for this purpose.”

Jennifer Low
Scottish Development International (SDI)

Dr Ashley Stewart

Director & Senior Consultant

I’m Ashley, a Director and Senior Consultant at Optimat. I specialise in digital and data technologies, from AI and Automation to Space, Immersive and Geospatial, helping to advance Scotland’s wider enabling technologies.  I support the growth of high-innovation sectors where Scotland has the potential to lead globally.

For over 15 years at Optimat, I’ve helped industries, organisations and governments use digital and emerging technologies to unlock growth and sharpen their competitiveness. Recent work has focused on AI, building a clearer picture of Scotland’s capabilities and adoption opportunities, and on Space, where I’ve delivered insights that shape strategies for industry growth, Net Zero pathways and new infrastructure, such as spaceports. Across the full breadth of digital and emerging technologies, my role is about turning evidence into action and ensuring Scotland stays globally competitive as technologies and industries evolve.

Another core area of expertise is cluster development and strategy. I established, and now lead, Location Data Scotland, building it from the ground up into a vibrant geospatial community. Beyond geospatial, I’ve developed roadmaps and action plans across digital technologies, advanced manufacturing and materials, and aerospace. This combines market and technology analysis with stakeholder engagement to map assets, identify opportunities and design interventions that support innovation and competitiveness.

Before joining Optimat, I worked as a Research Technologist in academia, gaining insight into how technologies move from research to real-world application. That experience, combined with two decades in consultancy, enables me to bridge research, policy and industry to help clients make smarter, evidence-based decisions. I hold a BA in Marketing, an MSc in IT & Web Development, and a PhD in Technology Enhanced Learning & Communities of Practice.

Jordan Stodart

Senior Consultant

I’m Jordan, a Senior Consultant at Optimat. I specialise in digital and data technologies, especially novel and emerging fields such as AI, IoT, immersive tech, and quantum computing. I support the development of high-growth, high-innovation sectors by delivering studies that make a meaningful impact and help shape industries now and in the future.

I’m very passionate about helping industries navigate change by identifying challenges, uncovering opportunities and designing strategies that address both. This often involves leveraging cutting-edge technologies to improve efficiency, productivity and competitiveness.

In recent years, I’ve built a strong understanding of the innovation landscape by mapping sector ecosystems, assessing R&D funding bids, contributing to European RD&I consortia, and ultimately delivering a wide range of sector studies in key growth sectors such as digital/data, low carbon and net zero, high value manufacturing, the built environment, and more.

Before joining Optimat, I co-founded a digital tech start-up, an experience that grounded me in the everyday realities of running a business. That perspective has been especially useful in an employee-owned company like Optimat, where everyone helps shape the direction of the business.

I hold an MA (Hons) English Literature and an MLitt (Masters) degree from the University of Glasgow, where I mentor students on the MSc FinTech programme. I also support Scotland’s future entrepreneurs through Young Enterprise’s Company Connect programme where I also provide mentorship.

Iain Weir

Senior Consultant

I’m Iain Weir, formerly Managing Director of Optimat.  I joined Optimat in 1990 and now have over 35 years’ experience of strategy, innovation and economic development consultancy. I am now working part-time as a senior consultant as a stepping stone to retirement in the future.

During my time at Optimat, I’ve worked to support company growth, innovation and economic development across a range of sectors, and I enjoy working with clients to turn data and insight into meaningful action.  I’m proud to have had an integral role over that time in developing Optimat into an internationally recognised strategy consultancy.

One of my key areas of expertise is the development of the low carbon economy, a topic of increasing importance for today’s industries.  I think this is a challenging area for industry and the public sector to address as there can be several solutions offered to reduce carbon impacts, often without a strong evidence base to support their use. I enjoy pursuing an evidence-based analyses of these options to provide valuable insights to stakeholders.

Before joining Optimat, I worked in research and development in the electro-optic materials sector, developing and marketing innovative high-tech materials for a range of applications.  This industrial experience has strongly influenced my approach to assisting companies with their innovation activities.

I hold a BSc (1st class Hons) in Chemistry, a PhD in Chemistry, and an MBA.  I think this strong scientific background has enabled me to pursue an evidence-based and analytical approach to consultancy.