From Glasgow’s Grit to Global Impact: The Inspiring Rise of Gigged.AI
Their mission was simple yet profound: to give every skill a purpose, harnessing the power of humans and technology to change the way the world works.
In the heart of Glasgow, where the River Clyde whispers tales of industrial innovation and resilient spirit, a new chapter in Scotland’s tech story began to unfold.
It was 2021, amid the lingering uncertainties of a global pandemic that had reshaped work forever. Rich Wilson, a seasoned recruiter turned sales leader with a passion for mental health advocacy, saw an opportunity in the chaos.
Partnering with tech visionary Craig Short as CTO, they founded Gigged.AI—a bold venture aimed at revolutionizing how businesses access digital talent.
Drawing from Wilson’s experience in staffing and his role on the board of The Data Lab, Scotland’s premier innovation center for data and AI, the duo set out to bridge the gap between untapped skills and urgent business needs.
Their mission was simple yet profound: to give every skill a purpose, harnessing the power of humans and technology to change the way the world works.
Seeing the Opportunity
The backstory of Gigged.AI is one of determination and timely insight. Wilson, having climbed the ranks in recruitment, recognized the inefficiencies plaguing traditional hiring—endless interviews, mismatched skills, and the slow pace that left companies lagging in a fast-evolving digital landscape.
Short brought the technical prowess to build an AI-driven platform that could automate what recruiters do best: matching the right talent to the right jobs with speed and precision. Starting with just two founders, the company quickly grew its core team to 11 permanent employees, augmented by a network of freelancers who embodied the very gig economy they sought to empower.
Backing the Vision
Early backing came from Innovate UK’s Sustainable Innovation Fund in 2021, followed by a £100,000 SMART: SCOTLAND grant from Scottish Enterprise in 2022 to refine their digital talent platform.
By 2025, marking their fourth anniversary, Gigged.AI secured £1 million in fresh investment from Par Equity and Scottish Enterprise, fueling expansion into the UK and US markets. Today, their freelancer base exceeds 25,000, and their Internal Talent Marketplace is available on Microsoft AppSource, serving global enterprises like The Access Group and Scottish Sea Farms.
Implementing Scotland’s AI Roadmap
At its core, Gigged.AI is more than a hiring tool—it’s a catalyst for transformation.
The platform uses cutting-edge AI to map an organization’s internal skills inventory, blending employee capabilities with AI agents for real-time project deployment. When gaps arise, it seamlessly connects businesses to vetted external talent, from data scientists to AI specialists, through outcome-based contracts that ensure quick, compliant hires without bloating payrolls.
Freelancers, in turn, create free profiles and get automatically matched to remote gigs with top companies, receiving secure payments and opportunities to build their careers. This isn’t just efficient; it’s empowering.
For instance, Allied Vehicles Group used Gigged.AI to swiftly onboard data experts, turning raw data into actionable business insights. Scottish Sea Farms streamlined their IT hires, filling roles after just one interview round. In a world where remote work has blurred borders, Gigged.AI has made Scotland a hub for flexible, skill-focused employment, proving that innovation can thrive even in challenging times.
Supercharging Scotland’s Digital Future
But the true inspiration lies in Gigged.AI’s potential to supercharge Scotland’s digital future, particularly in critical areas like AI.
As Scotland launches its national AI Scotland program in 2026—a collaborative effort between government, academia, and industry to drive economic growth through artificial intelligence—Gigged.AI stands at the forefront. By automating skill matching and providing a marketplace for AI talents, the platform addresses the nation’s talent shortages head-on. It enables companies to upskill their workforce through targeted projects, while freelancers gain hands-on experience in emerging fields like machine learning and data analytics.
Tied to The Data Lab, Gigged.AI has even piloted programs matching Master’s and PhD students to placements, nurturing the next generation of innovators. Imagine a Scotland where every aspiring AI expert finds purpose, where businesses in Edinburgh or Aberdeen can instantly tap into global expertise, and where digital skills become the engine of prosperity.
This isn’t just about jobs; it’s about building a resilient, inclusive economy that positions Scotland as a global leader in AI, rivaling Silicon Valley with its unique blend of heritage and forward-thinking grit.
Conclusion
Gigged.AI’s journey reminds us that great change starts with seeing potential where others see problems. From humble beginnings in Glasgow to empowering thousands worldwide, it’s a testament to Scottish ingenuity. As the world races toward an AI-driven era, Gigged.AI isn’t just keeping pace—it’s lighting the path, proving that with the right skills in the right hands, anything is possible.
