Optima Partners
AI-led Transformation Consultancy
Contributing Sustainable Development Goals
Background
Optima is a leading technology services business specialising in applied data and machine learning & AI transformation headquartered in Edinburgh, Optima’s differentiated proposition blends PhD level academic leadership in mathematics and research, cutting-edge expertise in data engineering, data science and Machine Learning (ML)/AI, and proven capability in business transformation.
Optima supports complex enterprise organisations to address critical business challenges linked to understanding, organising, and leveraging their data with a particular focus on financial services, energy, insurance and pharma/life sciences. It does this by unlocking greater customer value through operating-model transformation and personalised engagement at scale, delivering operational excellence with safe, governed and scalable AI-enabled decision-making, and building modern, resilient data foundations by combining deep sector expertise with strong engineering rigour.
Our Investment Partnership
Founded in 2013 by Alan Crawley as an associate-led customer experience and data transformation consultancy. The business gained further momentum in 2021 when Alan partnered with data science specialist Dr Chris Foley, a leading academic and expert in the advanced maths that underpins cutting edge ML and AI applications. Together Alan, Chris and their team have built Optima into a market-leading applied data and AI transformation partner trusted by global blue-chip businesses.
GCP’s partnership with Optima will support the business through a range of strategic growth initiatives focused on investment in customer success, enhanced service propositions and innovation, strategic marketing, talent development, and expansion across the UK and Europe to continue its rapid growth trajectory.
Strategic Support through our Growth Toolkit
Strategic Clarity
Business Shape
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Strategy - Refined and prioritised propositions to focus on Optima’s differentiation and right to win
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International Expansion - Strategic support in developing and investing in nearshore capacity and European expansion
Proposition
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Service Line Development - Supporting focused investment in accelerators and IP to underpin Optima’s leading-edge capabilities
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Product Strategy - Further development of BioXcelerate for wider deployment across the Pharma market
Accelerating Growth
Commercial
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Strategic Marketing - Support in developing the strategic marketing roadmap that strengthens brand positioning and drives consistent market visibility
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Sales/GTM - Investment in the go-to-market approach, refining commercial processes and ensuring the sales function can support scalable growth
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Key Account Management - Supporting the development of robust key account management frameworks to deepen customer relationships and unlock long-term value
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M&A - Proactively assessing M&A opportunities for further data engineering/analytics capabilities and international footprint
People & Organisation
Leadership
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Senior Team - Hands-on support for senior hires, including a Non-Executive Chair, senior client and SME experts to support key account management and deepen service line expertise
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Org Structure - Strategic input on organisation shape and team structure to provide the platform required for the next phase of growth
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Recruitment Engine - Working with the team to build a strong talent acquisition strategy that supports efficient recruitment and the expansion of regional offices
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Recruitment Engine
- Development of the Academy model to enable experienced hires to specialise in Optima’s technology and sector areas of expertise as part of wider talent development and recruitment initiatives
Platform for Success
Finance and Operations
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Data/Automation/AI
- Leveraging Optima’s internal data and AI capabilities to improve automation in the business
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Operating Systems - Investing to optimise the investment already made in core systems (finance, HR etc.) to ensure there is clear and efficient information, enabling data-driven decision making