Label Sessions, the Edinburgh-based global innovation network, has been acquired by digital product consultancy hedgehog lab for an undisclosed sum.

Those behind the deal said that the agreement creates a full-stack innovation consultancy, combining the strength of Label Sessions’ network of more than 500 experts with Newcastle-based hedgehog lab’s skill in AI delivery, product design and development. 

The tie-up will aim to help organisations across sectors such as finance, travel, retail, and tech fast‑track the journey from concept to pilot to scalable AI products, cutting both time and the cost of realising real-world impact. 

“We want to be the ultimate sidekicks to leaders looking to make change happen,” said Nick Sherrard, managing director of Label Sessions.

“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 lab, 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 launched before it’s too late. As a combination, we can disrupt the market and, from our team’s perspective, have fun doing it.”

The deal with hedgehog lab builds on Label Session’s mission since the company’s launch back in 2023, to connect business leaders to ‘the best advice from the most interesting people’ in live 1:1 sessions.

Founded by Sherrard alongside Maxine Mackie, Label Sessions has grown its footprint across three continents so far and counts big brand names, including Google, Mastercard, and Lululemon, among its clients.

Meanwhile, hedgehog lab, which has operations across London, Leeds, Edinburgh, and Bulgaria, has grown substantially in the two decades since its launch, and has expanded significantly since securing a £6.3 million investment from BGF in 2023.

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That has led the consultancy to claim its best-ever quarter earlier this year, working with brands from Deliveroo and Under Armour to Aviva and AJ Bell.

“The acquisition of Label Sessions is a game-changer for our business and clients, who will now gain access to a global network of more than 500 innovation experts, changemakers, and senior leaders operating 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. It 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, offering something very unique to the market.”