Leeds based Hippo Digital, the design and delivery consultancy, has secured an investment from Growth Capital Partners (GCP) a private equity firm that specialises in partnering

with fast growing owner-managed businesses.

A spokesman said: “Since its inception in April 2016, Hippo Digital has quickly established itself as a leading supplier of digital leaders, service design teams and delivery expertise in support of large scale digital transformation programmes to public and private sector organisations.”

In the current 20/21 financial year Hippo Digital has a workforce that has grown from two to almost 200 and it is targeting a turnover of £19 million with a client base that includes health and care providers, financial services and government departments.

A spokesman said: “The successful acquisition and integration of Converging Data has helped to fuel growth.”

“Demand for Hippo Digital’s services has increased throughout the pandemic. The company has provided key services to combat the impact of the virus, and supported digital transformation in the public sector.”

Co-founder Robert Coop said, “The work Hippo Digital has done with the Health Sector during the coronavirus pandemic, has demonstrated the resilience of the business. It has been able to contribute to the public sector and its increasing use of digital technology.”

GCP’s investment will help it create hi-tech jobs in Leeds and Coventry and expand into areas including Manchester, Bristol, Birmingham, Newcastle and London.

This investment is expected to see Hippo Digital’s workforce grow from 200 to 400 people over the next three years.

Liz Whitefield, the company’s director, said: “GCP specialises in supporting high-growth UK businesses and we are really excited to be working with a team of experts who not only have proven expertise in our sector but absolutely get our culture.”

Co-founder Adam Lewis added: “We’re delighted to have GCP on board, they have a great track record in the digital transformation space and the investment will support the next phase of our growth plan, including implementing the new Hippo Academy.

“We were focused on finding a partner that can support us and in GCP we have found like-minded people and we’re excited to work with them going forward.”

Alex Thomson, Partner, GCP, commented, “We are thrilled to have completed an investment to support the exciting growth plans of Hippo Digital.

“Hippo is a specialist digital transformation consultancy with an exceptional track record in designing and delivering digital services that are of critical importance to their clients. The business has grown impressively over the past few years and Hippo has a differentiated culture that reflects technical excellence and client centred delivery.

“We look forward to an exciting journey of supporting Adam, Rob, Liz and the rest of the Hippo team as the business continues to innovate, deliver for its clients and grow.”