LDC Top 50 2026
Dave Kelly
CEO
2i
Dave Kelly was about to start his own software testing business when he was asked to take the helm of 2i in 2015. There had been 10 months of negotiations that led to a management buyout before he took over the business. Dave has since taken the business from revenues of sub-£4 million to £45 million this year, with £80 million forecast by 2030.
Clients include the UK and Scottish governments. “We helped shape part of the Scottish government’s social security system,” reveals Dave. His next goal? To expand internationally. “2i is already the biggest in the UK, and now we’re targeting the US.”
2i is already the biggest quality assurance company in the UK, and now we’re targeting other markets, including the US.”
Q&A
How did you turn this business around?
In January 2016, when I took over, there were six employees. This year, we’ll turn over £45 million with 600 employees split between the UK and India. I initially moved the business away from financial services and now public sector work makes up 80 per cent of revenue, which is very rewarding. We’re now focused on bringing this back to a more even 50/50 split through growth in the private sector. It’s been an aggressive growth story, powered by private equity investment in 2024. There are lots of small players in quality assurance and we are consolidating the market through acquisition.
What’s your ambition for 2i?
My ambition is for us to grow significantly, reaching £80 million in revenue within three years. We’ll grow by innovating with AI, which means we won’t need the equivalent increase in staff. I believe there is value in us moving into ancillary services and data given the likely impact of AI.
Where does your entrepreneurial drive come from?
I grew up in Glasgow and left school at 16. My dad died when I was 11 so I needed to earn money for me and my mum. That’s why I’m so passionate about giving people an opportunity, even if they don’t have a degree. We have partnered with Edinburgh College to help it refine its technology courses so they teach real-life skills for modern organisations. We’ve recruited 40 people from that college over four years.
