Hippo Concludes Investment Realization with Exponent

GCP has announced a definitive agreement to realize its investment in Hippo, selling its stake to Exponent Private Equity. Founded in 2016, Hippo is a digital services consultancy focusing on the UK public sector, providing services such as user-centered design, engineering, and data. Headquartered in Leeds, Hippo has grown to around 500 employees and has developed its own talent internally through the Hippo Academy. Since GCP's investment in March 2021, Hippo has reinforced its leadership, developed talent programs, and evolved its market strategy to cater to a broader client base, including both governmental and private sectors. The partnership and investment from GCP were instrumental in Hippo's growth trajectory, highlighted by a strategic acquisition of The Data Shed, another Leeds-based technology firm. GCP's strategy focused on the UK knowledge economy and technology services sectors, emphasizing a partnership approach with ambitious founders. This agreement involves GCP reinvesting a portion of the deal. Adam Lewis, CEO of Hippo, acknowledges the partnership with GCP as valuable and impactful, praising their understanding and support towards Hippo's sector and culture. The transaction awaits standard regulatory approvals.