How iLivestock’s KPMG experience helped turn recognition into real growth

Scottish agritech company iLivestock has shared how taking part in KPMG’s Tech Innovator competition delivered far more than industry recognition. The business was recently featured in The Scotsman in an article examining the role that business networks, accelerator programmes and innovation awards play in helping Scottish companies scale.

Rather than focusing solely on the visibility generated by such programmes, the article explored the practical value they can create through mentoring, investor preparation and access to specialist expertise.

A change of perspective

iLivestock CEO and Co-founder Ewen Wardman told The Scotsman that he had initially questioned whether accelerator programmes would be worth the time involved.

That view changed after iLivestock took part in KPMG’s Tech Innovator competition and was named the KPMG's Tech Innovator's Scotland regional winner in 2025.

Throughout the process, the business received feedback from mentors, advisers and judges, helping the team strengthen how it communicates its proposition to potential investors and strategic partners.

The support was particularly useful for a growing company navigating the demands of fundraising and international expansion.

Ewen described the experience as valuable because it provided access to experienced people who were genuinely interested in helping the business improve.

Connections beyond the competition

The benefits did not end when the competition concluded.

Through KPMG’s wider network, iLivestock was introduced to relevant specialists who could support the company as it entered new markets.

Following its expansion into Argentina, the business has worked with KPMG tax experts in the country, demonstrating how relationships formed through a UK innovation programme can lead to practical support overseas.

For iLivestock, this was an important example of how strong professional networks can reduce some of the friction involved in international growth.

Why networks matter for scaleups

Early-stage awards and accelerator schemes are often associated with publicity, pitch events and corporate branding.

However, their long-term value can lie in the introductions they create and the experience they make available to founders.

For scaleups such as iLivestock, access to advisers, investors and international contacts can be just as important as the award itself.

The company’s experience reflects the broader point made in The Scotsman: Scotland’s interconnected business, investment and technology community plays an important role in helping ambitious companies develop.

Growing from Scotland into international markets

Founded in Scotland, iLivestock develops connected livestock-management technology for sheep and cattle farmers.

Its software and hardware are designed to simplify livestock recording, improve access to animal-performance data and help farmers make better-informed management decisions.

As the company continues to expand internationally, the relationships developed through programmes such as KPMG’s Tech Innovator competition are helping support the next stage of its growth.

The original feature, written by Jeremy Grant, was published by The Scotsman on 10 July 2026 under the headline “Networks are the glue that holds Scotland’s businesses together.”

The full article is available to subscribers through The Scotsman.