Morgan Stanley, a leading global financial services firm, has announced it’s doubling the size of its Inclusive Ventures Lab (MSIVL or the “Lab”).

The Lab is an accelerator programme launched in 2017 because of research highlighting disadvantages faced by multicultural and female business founders, particularly when trying to access capital. Formally known as the Multicultural Innovation Lab, it seeks to address inequalities faced by all-female and all-multicultural founders, not only through equity investments from the bank, but also by supporting their growth and development through an intensive five month programme.

Morgan Stanley is keen to source applications from across Scotland's base of diverse entrepreneurs running emerging high growth companies.

Vida Rudkin, Head of Morgan Stanley Glasgow, said: “Having been here for over 20 years, Morgan Stanley knows that right across Scotland there are determined and inspirational people with great business ideas. We believe the MSIVL is a proven, unrivalled opportunity to overcome the barriers faced by many of our most promising entrepreneurs, to participate as part of a truly international cohort of like-minded people and ultimately transform the growth prospects for their businesses.”

Sanghamitra Karra, Managing Director and head of MSIVL in EMEA added: “The experience of this programme to date has been inspirational in demonstrating the strong pipeline of women and minority entrepreneurs and the critical importance of dedicated growth capital and access to strategic advice and mentorship. Following the success of the 2022 programme, we are very excited to double our efforts in the region and invest in up to ten high growth companies founded by entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds.”

Further information on the Morgan Stanley Inclusive Ventures Lab is available here.

Applications open from 14th February.