Newcastle-based hedgehog lab has opened an office in Denmark as it looks to grow in Europe following Britain’s vote to leave the EU.
The app developer, which also has offices in Austin, Boston, London and India, has launched the Copenhagen site as a sales and customer centre, but ultimately hopes to develop it into its European headquarters.
The move follows extensive research into the Nordic market, which showed that, while the region is home to large consultancies and many micro-businesses, there was a clear demand for mid-sized firms specialising in mobile.
Lead strategist Paul Morris will launch the company’s new Denmark office
Denmark, which has been repeatedly voted the best place in the world to do business, also offers a gateway into mainland Europe and Germany.
hedgehog lab CEO Sarat Pediredla said: “We’d been interested in the Nordics for quite some time and, although we explored alternative options, Denmark – which is an hour and a half from Newcastle on a plane – emerged as the best location.
“We are committed to keeping our global headquarters here in the North East, but post-Brexit felt it essential we had access to the Single Market.
“We expect Copenhagen to be as a big as our US business in five years’ time and are tremendously excited about this new opportunity.”
Established in 2010 as ‘post-PC’ digital consultancy, hedgehog lab builds apps for mobile, tablets, wearables and similar devices.
Due to this tight focus, the business – which last year boosted revenues 160% – has long pursued international growth, setting up an office in Boston while still a micro-business.
In 2016, it expanded once again with a new site in Austin, Texas.
The Denmark launch is being overseen by lead strategist, Paul Morris, who has relocated to help engage customers until a managing director is appointed.
Morris said: “I see this as a chance to take my skills and experience overseas to promote the hedgehog lab brand in a highly promising market.
“The role will see me networking, forging new relationships and making connections on the ground to form a strong foundation from which the European office can thrive.”
hedgehog lab will also be looking to grow in the virtual, augmented and mixed reality sector, having recently hired expert Shaun Allan as Director of Immersive Technologies.
And co-founder, Mark Forster, has been appointed chief product officer as the company looks to develop its own products on top of its work as a consultancy.
The agency has seen major growth over recent months, with headcount rising from 30 to 83, and works with clients including Central Wealth Financial Group.
Pictured (top): hedgehog lab founders, CEO Sarat Pediredla (left) and chief product officer Mark Forster
