[Innovation Week] Keynote – Welcome to the Rodeo
Monday, September 28, 2026 at 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Europe/London)
The Byre Theatre, St Andrews
What do you get when two founders, a farm in rural Scotland and an unexpected surplus of cucumbers collide?
You get Goat Rodeo Goods.
Join us for the keynote event of Innovation Week 2026 as we welcome Lucy Pattinson and Kat Goldin, the founders of one of Scotland’s most exciting and fastest-growing food and drinks brand, for an honest, entertaining and inspiring conversation about entrepreneurship, resilience and building a business when nothing goes to plan.
Goat Rodeo Goods is known for its bold flavours, award-winning pickles, condiments and seasonings, but the story behind the brand is just as remarkable as the products themselves. After meeting in 2023 and launching a farm-to-table events company together, Lucy and Kat found themselves faced with an unexpected opportunity when a local farmer arrived with more cucumbers than she knew what to do with. What started as a simple idea to create the crunch American-style pickles Kat missed from home quickly became a thriving business.
Just three years later, Goat Rodeo Goods is stocked in more than 500 stores nationwide and has secured support from organisations including Scottish EDGE, Scottish Enterprise and the Investment Fund for Scotland.
But success stories rarely tell the full story.
In this keynote conversation, Lucy and Kat will take attendees behind the scenes of building a modern consumer brand from the ground up. They’ll discuss the realities of launching and scaling a business in the highly competitive food and drink industry, navigating uncertainty, dealing with failures and setbacks, securing funding and managing growth while staying true to their vision.
They will also share candid insights into their experiences as female founders, balancing entrepreneurship with family life, leading a growing business during maternity leave and building confidence in industries where women remain underrepresented.
Expect an open and unfiltered conversation covering:
- Finding opportunity in unexpected places
- Starting and growing a business from scratch
- Building a brand people genuinely connect with
- Funding, investment and the role of Scottish EDGE
- The realities of entrepreneurship beyond the highlight reel
- Leadership, resilience and overcoming setbacks
- Navigating motherhood and business growth simultaneously
- Breaking into and succeeding within the food and drink industry
- Practical advice for aspiring founders and innovators
Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, student, researcher, founder, food enthusiast or simply curious about how successful businesses are really built, this keynote offers a rare opportunity to hear an authentic founder story filled with lessons, challenges, humour and invaluable insight.
The evening will conclude with a live audience Q&A, giving attendees the opportunity to ask questions directly to Kat and Lucy about entrepreneurship, innovation, funding, growth, leadership and the future of Goat Rodeo Goods.
Why Attend?
- Hear the remarkable story behind a Scottish brand now stocked in over 500 stores nationwide
- Learn from two founders who turned an unexpected opportunity into a thriving business
- Gain practical insights into startup growth, funding and scaling
- Discover the realities of entrepreneurship beyond the success stories
- Learn about the support available through Scottish EDGE and Scotland’s innovation ecosystem
- Participate in a live audience Q&A#
- Connect with fellow entrepreneurs, innovators and members of the wider community
Who Should Attend?
- Students from all disciplines
- Aspiring entrepreneurs and startup founders
- Researchers and innovators
- Food and drink enthusiasts
- Professionals interested in innovation and business growth
- Anyone considering starting their own venture
- Anyone curious about what it really takes to build a successful business
In Collaboration With Scottish EDGE
This event is delivered in partnership with Scottish EDGE, Scotland’s largest business funding competition, which supports ambitious entrepreneurial talent through funding, mentoring and development opportunities. Attendees will gain insight into how organisations such as Scottish EDGE can help turn promising ideas into successful businesses.