BGF-backed digital product consultancy hedgehog lab has acquired Edinburgh-based global innovation network Label Sessions.
The deal combines hedgehog lab’s AI delivery and product design and development expertise with Label Sessions’ methodology and a network of more than 500 innovation experts, with both firms confirming roles will be retained.
The pair have already worked together for several years and the combined offer is designed to help organisations move from concept and pilot to scalable, AI-enabled products more quickly and cost-effectively, with a focus on creating social value across sectors including finance, travel, retail and technology.
hedgehog lab, headquartered in Newcastle with operations in London, Leeds, Edinburgh and Sofia, has grown significantly over the past two decades and recorded its best-ever quarter earlier this year.
The consultancy counts Deliveroo, Under Armour, Aviva and AJ Bell among its clients, and secured investment from growth capital investor BGF in 2023 as it accelerated expansion.
Under the new structure, clients will be able to tap into Label Sessions’ global network alongside the company’s delivery teams, providing what the businesses described as a “full-stack” innovation consultancy model.
“This acquisition is a gamechanger for our business and clients who will now gain access to a global network of more than 500 innovation experts, changemakers and senior leaders who operate at board and c-suite level,” said Malcolm Seagrave, managing director at hedgehog lab.
“This enables us to offer innovation, global insights and strategic thinking alongside hedgehog lab’s delivery and build capability. This also provides an excellent opportunity for both of our teams’ development as we continue to expand.
“We already know the two businesses have a fantastic cultural fit and we’re excited about achieving our shared ambitions and offer something very unique to the market.”
Label Sessions was founded in 2023 by Nick Sherrard and Maxine Mackie, who previously worked together at Market Gravity and Deloitte, and is chaired by Helen Page, the former CMO of Virgin Money.
The company has grown rapidly, establishing operations across Europe, North America and Africa and working with brands including Google, Mastercard and Lululemon.
Sherrard, who also serves as managing director, added: “We want to be the ultimate sidekicks to leaders who want to make change happen. We’ve already shown that there’s a different way to do strategy in the biggest brands, now we want to bring more big ideas to the market faster.
“By coming together with hedgehog we create something unique. Clients will get access to global expertise on-demand, side-by-side with world-class development teams proven to get products before it’s too late.
“That’s a combination we can disrupt the market and, from our team’s perspective, have fun doing it.”