Hippo
Digital transformation consultancy
Contributing Sustainable Development Goals
Background
Hippo is a design led digital transformation consultancy providing services to complex transformation programmes. It provides services across the full digital value chain from defining the business or policy problem, providing an evidence-based solution design, delivering the project, and engineering a digital product or solution.
Headquartered in Leeds, Hippo also has offices in Manchester, Bristol, Birmingham, Edinburgh, and London, and employs c. 500 people. Hippo works with UK Government departments and private sector clients.
We are backing a highly experienced, technical management team which has driven significant and rapid growth.
Our investment partnership
Hippo has a track record of winning new clients, expanding existing client accounts and being valued partners on long-term programmes. They are recognised for their specialist expertise in user-centred design and delivery across key Government departments such as NHS, DWP, MoJ, DfE, the BBC, and private sector organisations including Virgin.
The culture of the business and investment in talent attracts high calibre recruits, enabling headcount growth whilst maintaining quality. Hippo’s work has strong social purpose enabling the UK Government and leading private sector businesses to deliver more effective digital services to improve the lives of UK citizens.
Strategic support through our Growth Toolkit
Since our investment we have closely supported the founders and their team with numerous strategic growth initiatives, leveraging our Growth Toolkit and network:
Strategic Clarity
Business Shape
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Strategy - Prioritisation and enhanced KPI’s for strategic decision making
Accelerating Growth
Commercial
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Sales/GTM - Investment in business development and bid team which supported the increase in the size of contracts won
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M&A - GCP-led acquisition programme to support non-organic growth
- Committed GCP and third-party follow-on funding for acquisitions
- Regional expansion to hire in new key hubs: Manchester, London, Bristol, Birmingham, and Edinburgh
People & Organisation
Leadership
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Senior Team - Recruitment of COO, CCO, and experienced Chair through the GCP network
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Org Structure - Evolution of the organisational structure promoting leaders from within the business
Talent & Culture
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Recruitment Engine - Developed the recruitment function through the hiring of a Head of Recruitment
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Academy - Establishment of the Hippo Academy training programme
Platform for Success
Finance and Operations
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Finance Function - Permanent CFO and Head of Legal appointed and finance function developed
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Operating Systems - Investment into new professional services automation system
Delivering the Best Outcome
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High-Quality Delivery - GCP funding to provide de-risking and liquidity for founders
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Maximising Value Through Process - GCP led refinancing to optimise capital structure