hedgehog lab, the BGF-backed digital product consultancy, has acquired Label Sessions, a global innovation network headquartered in Edinburgh.
The acquisition brings together hedgehog lab’s expertise in AI delivery, product design and software development with Label Sessions’ proven innovation methodology and its network of more than 500 global experts. All roles across both organisations will be retained as part of the deal.
The two businesses have worked closely together for several years, building a strong partnership ahead of the acquisition. Together, they now form a full-stack innovation consultancy that helps organisations move big ideas from concept and pilot through to scalable, AI-enabled products more quickly, cost-effectively and with social value. The combined proposition supports clients across sectors including finance, travel, retail and technology.
hedgehog lab operates from its headquarters in Newcastle, with additional offices in London, Leeds, Edinburgh and Sofia. Since launching nearly two decades ago, the consultancy has grown significantly, achieving its strongest quarter earlier this year and working with leading brands such as Deliveroo, Under Armour, Aviva and AJ Bell.
In 2023, hedgehog lab secured investment from BGF, the most active growth capital investor in the UK and has achieved significant growth in the past three years.
Malcolm Seagrave, Managing Director at hedgehog lab, said:
“This acquisition is a game changer for our business and for our clients. They now gain access to a global network of more than 500 innovation experts, changemakers and senior leaders operating at board and c-suite level. This allows us to combine innovation, global insight and strategic thinking with hedgehog lab’s delivery capability. It also creates exciting opportunities for our teams as we continue to grow. We already know there is a strong cultural fit between our businesses and we are excited to deliver something truly 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. The business is chaired by Helen Page, former Chief Marketing Officer of Virgin Money. Since launch, Label Sessions has expanded rapidly across Europe, North America and Africa, supporting global brands including Google, Mastercard and Lululemon.
Nick Sherrard, Managing Director of Label Sessions, said: “We want to be the ultimate partners for leaders who want to make meaningful change happen. We have already proven there is a different way to approach strategy within major global brands, and now we want to bring more big ideas to market faster.
“By joining forces with hedgehog lab, we have created something genuinely distinctive. Clients gain on-demand access to global expertise alongside world-class delivery teams with a proven track record of bringing products to life at pace. It is a powerful combination and one we believe can disrupt the market.”
