15 Best Startups Consulting Firms

Consulting by Medienstürmer on Unsplash

15 Best Startups Consulting Firms

Starting a business can be both exciting and challenging. Any business at any level can face problems, but startups are particularly vulnerable to these issues due to a lack of resources and general know-how by the company’s higher-ups.

This is where startup consulting firms come in. They provide a wide range of services to help businesses overcome their challenges and achieve their goals. These consulting firms offer assistance with everything from strategy and operations to finance and marketing.

Helping startups navigate the often-turbulent waters of the business world. Whether it’s helping startups raise capital, optimize their supply chain, or improve their customer experience, consulting firms play a crucial role in helping startups succeed.

So, without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the best startup consulting firms and the services they offer to help entrepreneurs turn their dreams into reality.

1. L.E.K. Consulting

L.E.K’s logo by L.E.K. Consulting – Wikimedia Commons

L.E.K. Consulting is a multinational consulting firm helping entrepreneurs and their businesses at any level navigate the twists and turns of business strategy. It was founded in 1983 by three former Bain & Company consultants.

The firm’s headquarters are in Boston, Massachusetts, but it has since expanded to over 20 offices worldwide. L.E.K. works with startups in a variety of industries, from healthcare to technology. It provides services such as market research, mergers and acquisitions, new product consulting, pricing, salesforce effectiveness, and growth strategy.

2. McKinsey & Company

McKinsey & Company is a global management consulting firm founded in 1926 by James McKinsey. The firm offers a range of consulting services to businesses and startups across various industries, including technology, healthcare, and finance.

McKinsey’s clients range from startups to Fortune 500 companies, and their services help businesses with everything from strategy development to operational efficiency. Some notable startups that have used McKinsey’s services in the past include Airbnb, Uber, and WeWork.

While some of these companies have achieved incredible success, others have faced significant challenges. An example is Enron Corporation which used McKinsey & Co in the late 1990s. Enron ended up collapsing in 2001 as a result of unethical practices and financial mismanagement. Despite this, McKinsey & Company remains a trusted partner for businesses looking to improve their operations and drive growth.

3. Bain & Company

Bain & Company’s Logo by Bain & Company – Wikimedia Commons

Bain & Company is a consulting firm that’s not afraid to take on the big guns. It was founded in 1973 by Bill Bain and a few other McKinsey ex-pats. You’ll remember from above that some of their consultants would later create L.E.K. Consulting.

With headquarters in Boston and over 60 offices worldwide, Bain specializes in providing strategic advice to businesses across a variety of industries, from tech startups to well-established corporations. The firm’s services range from performance improvement to mergers and acquisitions, all aimed at helping businesses achieve their goals and stay ahead of the curve.

Some notable clients of Bain & Company include National Steel and Chrysler, just to name a few, which have experienced great success after partnering with the firm. However, not all startups that have worked with Bain have hit it big, proving that even the best advice can’t guarantee success. But with a track record like Bain’s, it’s no wonder that startups continue to seek out its services to gain a competitive edge.

4. GrowthRocks

GrowthRocks – the name says it all! It was founded in 2012 by Theodore Moulos and George Psistakis. This Athens-based growth marketing agency has been a game-changer for startups looking to scale quickly.

With a client base spanning various industries, including e-commerce, fintech, and healthcare, GrowthRocks provides a range of services. This includes; growth hacking, conversion rate optimization, and user acquisition.

Some of the successful businesses that have benefited from their expertise include Taxibeat, Workable, and Instashop. Of course, not every startup that has worked with GrowthRocks has been a success story, but hey, you can’t win them all!

5. Ernst & Young (EY) Global Limited

An Ernst & Young sign by CaribDigita – Wikimedia Commons

Ernst & Young, or EY as it is more commonly known, is a global professional services firm that is no stranger to the big leagues. Founded in 1989 by Arthur Young and Alwin Ernst, the firm’s headquarters are located in London, UK.

With headquarters in the UK, here are some startups that are probably consulting with EY!

EY provides a range of services such as audit, tax, consulting, and advisory to startups, enterprises, and governments alike. Their services are used in a variety of industries, including tech, media, telecommunications, finance, and healthcare. Many successful businesses have used EY, such as AT&T, Verizon, HP, General Motors, and Lockheed Martin to name a few.

6. GrowthGirls

Founded by two badass female entrepreneurs, GrowthGirls is the go-to firm for startups looking to scale up and reach new heights. As the firm’s name suggests, it has a strong feminine leniency in its operations. It offers its services mostly to women entrepreneurs and/ or brands with a female audience.

With headquarters in Silicon Valley, GrowthGirls specializes in serving the tech industry, providing a range of services from growth hacking to strategic planning. Some of their successful clients include hotshots like Lana Bank, Sundance Film Festival, Airbnb, and Oh app among others.

7. IBM Garage

IBM’s logo, the company behind IBM Garage by Carson Masterson on Unsplash

Founded in 2014 by IBM, IBM garage is an innovation hub and consultancy operating out of Austin, Texas. It is geared towards startups in various industries. IBM Garage provides a range of services, including design thinking, agile development, and cloud computing, all aimed at helping startups quickly bring their ideas to market.

Some of the successful businesses that have used IBM Garage include BMW and North Face. With IBM’s backing, the Garage continues to be a go-to resource for startups looking to accelerate their growth and disrupt their industries.

8. Delloite Catalyst

Delloite Catalyst was founded in 2015. It is an innovation hub and consulting firm that operates as the ultimate matchmaker between startups and enterprise clients. With headquarters in San Francisco, Deloitte Catalyst specializes in connecting startups in the technology, media, and telecom industries with Fortune 500 companies.

This helps in providing access to resources, expertise, and funding to help them scale their businesses. Its services include market intelligence, mentorship, and access to Deloitte’s vast network of experts.

Some of the successful startups that have used Deloitte Catalyst’s services include Akamai Technologies, DocuSign, and NetApp. With its proven track record of helping startups thrive, Deloitte Catalyst is definitely a go-to destination for the next generation of game-changers.

9. Nielsen Innovate

Founded in 2010 by Robert (Bob) Nielsen, this California-based startup accelerator provides early-stage funding and mentorship to the most promising startups in the tech industry. With its headquarters nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley, Nielsen Innovate has become a hub for disruptive entrepreneurs looking to revolutionize everything from healthcare to transportation.

Some of the most successful businesses to come out of the program include OpenGov, Appcelerator, and Nimble Storage, all of which have gone on to raise hundreds of millions of dollars in funding. With a proven track record and an unwavering commitment to innovation, Nielsen Innovate is poised to continue shaping the future of technology for years to come.

10. ScienceSoft

ScienceSoft’s Logo by Nabd.com – Wikimedia Commons

ScienceSoft is a tech company that’s been creating waves since its inception in 1989. The company has grown to become a leading software development consulting firm with its headquarters in McKinney, Texas.

ScienceSoft provides software development and consulting services to startups and established businesses in a wide range of industries, including healthcare, finance, and e-commerce. The company’s innovative solutions have earned them a reputation as a go-to firm for startups.

Successful businesses such as Kodak, eBay, Walmart, and Nestle have all utilized ScienceSoft’s services to improve their operations and take their companies to the next level.

11. Business Consulting Agency (BCA)

The name really does tell the company’s story in a few words. Based in Portland, Oregon, BCA is a consulting firm that is focused on startups and small businesses mostly. Unlike the other firms on this list, BCA does not take up long-term contracts with companies.

What they do is allow clients to pre-purchase consulting hours where consultants are deployed to the companies as needed to tackle specific tasks. Services include everything from market research and strategy development to financial analysis and fundraising assistance.

12. Accenture Ventures

Accenture offices in Argentina by Roberto Fiadone – Wikimedia Commons

Accenture Ventures is a Silicon Valley-based firm that provides companies with resources, mentorship, and access to Accenture’s global clients. It was founded in 2015 by a global professional services company.

The firm focuses on partnering with startups in industries such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and blockchain. Some of the successful startups that have used Accenture Ventures include Aporeto, a cloud security company, and BrightBytes, an ed-tech company that uses data to improve student learning.

13. Capgemini Invent

Logo Capgemini Invent by Capgemini – Wikimedia Commons

Capgemini is a global leader in consulting, technology services, and digital transformation. It was founded in 1967 by Serge Kampf and has its headquarters in Paris, France. With over 270,000 employees in more than 50 countries, Capgemini provides innovative solutions to clients across various industries, including startups.

The firm offers a range of services to startups, such as digital strategy consulting, technology implementation, and business process outsourcing. Some of the successful businesses that have used Capgemini’s services include McDonald’s, Airbus, and L’Oréal.

14. Booz Allen Hamilton

Booz Allen Hamilton offices by Booz Allen Hamilton – Wikimedia Commons

Booz Allen Hamilton is a leading management and technology consulting firm that was founded in 1914 by Edwin G. Booz. With over 100 years of experience, the company has become synonymous with innovation, strategy, and execution.

Booz Allen Hamilton has worked with some of the biggest companies in the world, including government agencies, Fortune 500 companies, and emerging startups. The company’s expertise spans a variety of industries, including defense, healthcare, energy, finance, and technology.

15. Solutionery

Solutionery is a rapidly-growing startup accelerator that was founded in 2019 by a group of experienced entrepreneurs with a passion for helping new companies succeed. The company provides a range of services, from mentoring and funding to marketing and networking for startups in a variety of industries.

Solutionery has already worked with some of the biggest names in the tech industry. This includes Google, Amazon, and Microsoft, and has helped launch successful startups in fields as diverse as healthcare, e-commerce, and renewable energy. With its innovative approach and impressive track record, Solutionery is quickly becoming a go-to resource for startups looking to take their businesses to the next level.

While this list of the 15 best consulting firms may be impressive, it’s far from exhaustive. Nonetheless, the firms on this list (and those missing) deserve recognition for their role in shaping the business landscape and ensuring that innovative startups don’t die before their time.

With their expert guidance and strategic insights, these consulting firms have helped countless companies navigate the tricky waters of entrepreneurship and emerge stronger and more successful than ever before. So, here’s to the consulting firms – the unsung heroes of the business world!