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HIE case study
Hear from Aleksandra about creating her business and the support she received.
Inspirational entrepreneur Aleksandra Czech-Seklecka attributes a move to the Highlands as a key component of her new role as a tech founder.
Aleksandra built a career in advertising, marketing, and project management in her native Poland before moving to Scotland over eight years ago. Facing health challenges, career barriers, and a desire to make a difference, she embarked on an entrepreneurial journey that has led to the creation of VanFill.
The idea for VanFill, a logistics platform revolutionising the way goods are transported. was born in early 2022 when Aleksandra organised a humanitarian aid effort for Ukraine. She identified a major gap in transport logistics: the lack of an efficient system to match available transport space with those in need. This realisation sparked the concept for a platform which aims to optimise unused vehicle space, making logistics more sustainable, accessible, and cost-effective.
If I hadn’t moved here, I probably wouldn’t have come up with the idea for VanFill - but Inverness and the Highlands gave me the space, inspiration, and support to make it happen.Aleksandra Czech-Seklecka
VanFill is not just another logistics platform; it is a smart, efficient, and community-driven solution that rethinks traditional transport models. The key benefits of VanFill include:
Maximising vehicle space: reducing unnecessary trips, lowering emissions, and cutting transport costs.
Sustainability-focused: decreasing fuel consumption, carbon emissions, and road congestion by optimising available transport resources.
Supporting local businesses: enabling small businesses and independent transport providers to earn extra income by using spare vehicle space.
Enhancing accessibility: improving delivery options, particularly in rural and underserved areas where logistics can be costly and inefficient.
AI and geolocation integration: using technology to match transport providers with users efficiently, reducing wasted journeys and improving service quality.
Aleksandra envisions VanFill as a game-changer in the logistics sector, ensuring better delivery access while promoting economic and environmental benefits.
Aleksandra’s journey started with support from her tutor at UHI, who encouraged her to enter a UHI business competition - where she won one of the awards. She says this was the first step that gave her the confidence to move forward with her idea.
To turn this into a viable business Aleksandra has pulled on support, mentorship, and continuous learning available in our region. She has embraced numerous entrepreneurial support programmes to develop her business acumen, refine her business model, and connect with the right networks. These include:
Our Pathfinder Accelerator & Impact30 programmes – developing a foundation in business-building basics.
Codebase/Techscaler Startup First Steps – providing essential tech startup knowledge and guidance.
AccelerateHER Coaching and Female Founders Accelerator – offering mentorship, investment preparation, and confidence-building for women entrepreneurs.
Converge Challenge and Geovation Scotland – supporting business model refinement and strategic scaling.
Aleksandra credits her most recent programme Techscaler and the financial boost through our Kickstart Grant as critical to VanFill’s development. It has enabled her to hire a UX/UI designer and a software developer to accelerate a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). She describes Techscaler as her ‘second family’, highlighting the unwavering support of her mentors.
Building a startup is a constant learning experience. I want to continue upskilling, strengthening my leadership, and supporting others who face additional challenges in their entrepreneurial paths.Aleksandra Czech-Seklecka
Techscaler and the Kickstart grant have significantly accelerated progress, making it possible to move from concept to MVP much faster than the business could have otherwise. It has also given the momentum needed to engage with potential partners, refine the business model, and prepare for future growth - all while being surrounded by an incredible community that has supported her progress.
Aleksandra is now focused on the next phase:
Testing the MVP: engaging early users to refine the platform and enhance functionality.
Expanding market reach: exploring potential partnerships and commercial discussions in the UK and beyond.
Building a strong team: growing the VanFill team with experts in logistics, technology, and business development.
Scaling for impact: Exploring AI-driven solutions and innovative strategies to position VanFill for international expansion.
Securing investment: preparing for funding rounds to support growth and technological advancements.
Aleksandra is also passionate about giving back, mentoring other entrepreneurs - especially women and those from underserved groups - to help them navigate their own business journeys.
Aleksandra’s entrepreneurial journey has been one of resilience, adaptability, and purpose. Her advice to aspiring founders?
“Be yourself and trust your journey. Success isn’t linear - embrace challenges, surround yourself with the right people, and always keep learning. Most importantly, take care of yourself. Entrepreneurship is a marathon, not a sprint.”
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