Version 1 acquires 500-person digital consultancy CreateFuture
As Version 1 continues to expand through acquisition activity, the firm has announced the purchase of CreateFuture. The digital and AI consultancy brings the firm’s combined headcount to more than 4,000 staff.
"This acquisition is a strong strategic fit for Version 1, strengthening our capabilities and expanding the markets we serve,” said Roop Singh, chief executive officer at Version 1. “CreateFuture is an exceptional business, with high-calibre talent, deep client relationships and sector expertise that directly complements our own.”
With over 3,700 people across four continents, Version 1 is a large digital and IT consultancy, working with clients including SpiderRock, the National Museum of Computing, and a number of major banks. The Ireland-headquartered company has grown strongly in recent years in the UK market, with deals for Farsight Consulting, and Automation Logic, alongside strategic partnerships with CredoAI and Digital Transformations Solutions enhancing capacity and revenues.
Now, the firm sees its headcount his 4,250 employees, with annual revenues rise past €500 million, with the move for CreateFuture.
“They have built something genuinely impressive for clients, leveraging AI-driven capabilities with a flexible and agile approach, and have delivered sustained growth ahead of the market,” Singh added. “This is a growth acquisition and reflects exactly where we are as a business, confident in our people, clear on our strategy and ready for what comes next.”
Founded in 2010 by CEO Euan Andrews, CreateFuture – formerly known as xDesign – is a digital transformation consultancy with offices in Edinburgh and Leeds. The firm’s 550 professionals work closely with clients in highly regulated industries including MoneySavingExpert, Yorkshire Building Society and Flutter Entertainment Group. It formerly boosted this growth with a minority investment from investment from private equity firm Soho Square, which backed its continued expansion plans.
Combined, Version 1 and CreateFuture will aim to supply deeper expertise and greater delivery capacity to support clients across a broader range of industries. The CreateFuture leadership team will remain in place, continuing to lead its existing teams and client engagement.
Andrews said, “We started CreateFuture 16 years ago with a simple belief that the best work happens when great people are trusted to do great work for clients who care about the outcome. That belief has not changed, and this partnership accelerates our ambition for CreateFuture with a highly culturally aligned partner in Version 1. It enables us to better serve our clients with enhanced capability and scale whilst unlocking significant opportunities for our team members. I am genuinely excited about what this means for our people, for our clients, and for the next chapter of the business we have built together.”
