LiberEat exists to make life safer for people with dietary requirements. Their ground-breaking technology detects errors in food data to make sure no allergens accidentally reach consumers with food sensitivities. The Aberdeen-headquartered scale-up first contacted GlobalScot early in their journey looking for introductions to investors and potential customers, as well as advice about international expansion. They also took part in Scottish Enterprise’s development programme, Unlocking Ambition.

After his mother was diagnosed with coeliac disease, Barry Leaper left the financial services industry to set up a company with a friend who struggled with food allergies. They developed an app that gave people personalised menus and grocery lists for the company’s partnering restaurants and supermarkets, but Barry and his team discovered that the best available industry data contained errors and undeclared allergens.

This discovery led them to develop technology to scan the data and identify all errors. A hugely complex task, this software took years to develop and perfect. But once the LiberEat team began to apply the technology to food industry data, they realised they had a breakthrough product that was outperforming existing food industry safety and QA processes.

“We found that we were spending a lot of time telling big brands about undetected allergens on their menus, labels and websites. Then we had our light bulb moment – the best use of this technology isn’t the app; it’s to stop errors getting to the consumer in the first place.”

Unlocking Ambition – in the US and Scotland
LiberEat engaged GlobalScot soon after starting their company and have been making good use of it ever since. After first contacting the network, Barry was set up with a few helpful introductions that boosted business at a critical stage. The GlobalScot network not only put LiberEat in touch with potential investors, but some of the company’s biggest customers – including a major US supermarket chain – have come directly from GlobalScot introductions.

The food safety scale-up has also been involved with another Scottish Enterprise initiative, Unlocking Ambition. They participated in the first year of the programme, when there were two streams – one run by Scottish Enterprise, the other by the Royal Society of Edinburgh. LiberEat opted for support from the RSE, who gave in-depth information on topics such as term sheets and what to watch out for. Barry says it was a real education and definitely helped lay the groundwork for his business.

They were also part of the second year of Unlocking Ambition, where they won some funding from Scottish Enterprise. Moreover, in connection with the programme, Barry spent a week in Boston at the private business school, Babson College, where he met some more instructive GlobalScots.

Additionally, the company first encountered its now-chairperson, Vikki Macleod, at an event co-hosted by GlobalScot and Unlocking Ambition. She was on the panel and ticked all the right boxes for Barry, so he got in touch with her off the back of the event.

“There’s no downside to signing up as a GlobalScot business member. It’s really useful. You can look up people with specific experience and they’re generally very helpful and keen to offer their time and advice.”

Securing investment and introductions from GlobalScots
At two critical stages in their growth, LiberEat has received help and guidance from many individuals in the GlobalScot network, in the form of both advice and introductions.

In the first instance, Daniel Glazer was exceptionally helpful, making introductions to London VCs and other investors. Stuart MacBride made an invaluable introduction to a Managing Director in the hospitality service industry in Scotland – an area LiberEat were specifically targeting. A number of other Global Scots have also made valuable introductions for LiberEat.

Getting ready for the US market
When LiberEat secured a foothold in the States, GlobalScot Robert Dewar was on hand to make sure the company’s contracts were fit for purpose in the US market. He was instrumental in ensuring the legalities were in place for LiberEat to do business in the States.

“It was hugely valuable for us to win our first US contract, and that came about from a GlobalScot introduction. Being part of the network has meant we have been able to expand internationally more quickly than we would have done otherwise."

Expanding the LiberEat network
The GlobalScot network has been able to offer consistent support at two distinct stages of LiberEat’s growth. Equally, the company understands when to use GlobalScot for help, and have had clear asks of the network.

LiberEat has every intention to continue making use of the network. As they expand into other countries, GlobalScot will be a huge support in making that happen smoothly and successfully.

“The GlobalScot network is apoolof resource that we can always turn to for advice if we have a problem that we're trying to solve. I can’t think of anything comparable to the network. It’s a huge bank of expertise and you will almost certainly find someone who’s knowledgeable in the market you’re interested in.”

Has LiberEat’s story inspired you to access GlobalScot support? You’ll meet knowledgeable people in your market who can make introductions for you, and help you fill any gaps you need to grow, develop or strengthen your business. Sign up for GlobalScot advice today.