In a major push for enterprise-grade generative AI (GenAI) solutions, US-based The Hackett Group, a NASDAQ-listed company specialising in enterprise digital transformation, has announced its strategic acquisition of LeewayHertz, a generative AI development firm based in India. This acquisition marks a significant step forward in both companies’ missions to drive AI-powered transformation for businesses worldwide. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Reflecting on LeewayHertz’s journey since its founding in 2008, Akash Takyar, CEO of LeewayHertz, highlighted the company’s consistent focus on staying at the cutting edge of technology during a press conference in New Delhi. This focus has now culminated in a partnership with The Hackett Group.
Since the release of ChatGPT in 2022, generative AI has rapidly transformed how businesses operate. Takyar noted that AI is no longer confined to niche applications but has permeated nearly every aspect of daily life. From work communications to personal interactions at home, AI is revolutionising industries across the board. As companies look to leverage AI in hiring, marketing, sales, HR, and supply chain management, the demand for comprehensive AI solutions is skyrocketing, he said.
Recognising the immense potential of AI, LeewayHertz positioned itself at the forefront of this revolution. With a rich history of innovation, including a US patent for reverse geocoding, the company said it has developed Zbrain.ai, a platform designed to bring generative AI capabilities to life for enterprises. Through this acquisition, LeewayHertz and The Hackett Group will combine their strengths to offer a robust suite of AI solutions for businesses across industries, said Takyar.
A New Joint Venture: AI at Scale
As part of the acquisition, Takyar will take on the role of CEO of the joint venture and Executive Vice President at The Hackett Group, overseeing AI implementation. This new venture brings together LeewayHertz’s expertise in AI development and The Hackett Group’s consulting prowess, creating an end-to-end solution for companies looking to adopt AI at scale.
“By merging our Zbrain platform with Hackett’s AI Explorer, we can now provide a comprehensive solution to our clients, from ideation to implementation,” Takyar said. “Hackett’s consulting expertise, combined with our development capabilities, enables us to manage the entire lifecycle of AI adoption for organisations.”
The goal of the joint venture is clear: to help businesses harness the power of AI, from initial brainstorming to full-scale deployment. By integrating their platforms, the two companies will empower enterprises to not only imagine how AI can transform their operations but also to implement and scale those solutions effectively.
India’s Role in the AI Revolution
One of the central themes of Takyar’s press interaction was the role India plays in the global AI landscape. As the country rapidly develops its AI talent pool, businesses worldwide are recognising India’s growing influence in the field of generative AI. LeewayHertz, headquartered in New Delhi, is a testament to the high-quality talent emerging from the region.
“We are proud to be an India-based company contributing to the global AI revolution,” Takyar said. “India is developing a wealth of talent in AI, machine learning, and related fields, and the rapid adoption of AI in India itself is helping to bring these technologies to life.”
Through the joint venture, LeewayHertz and The Hackett Group aim to continue nurturing AI talent in India, offering training and development opportunities for AI developers, machine learning engineers, and other key roles needed to build generative AI solutions.
“This acquisition is a milestone in our strategy to become a leader in guiding enterprises through their Gen AI journey,” stated Ted A. Fernandez, Chairman & CEO of The Hackett Group, in a video message. “By combining LeewayHertz’s Gen AI solutions with our enterprise digital transformation expertise, we are positioned to offer a comprehensive, differentiated service to our clients.”
The joint venture will provide enterprises with full-spectrum AI solutions, from ideation and design to implementation and scaling. As Takyar explained, this holistic approach allows businesses to fully unlock the benefits of AI, making them more agile, efficient, and competitive.
A Moment of Pride for India
Reflecting on LeewayHertz’s 16-year journey and the significance of the acquisition not just for the company but for India as a whole, Takyar said: “This isn’t just our success; it’s India’s success.” He added, “We are proud to announce that this is India’s first generative AI company to be acquired by a global public company.”
The acquisition is more than a business deal—it is a testament to the strength and innovation of India’s AI ecosystem. As AI continues to shape the future of industries worldwide, India’s role in driving that change will only grow stronger, with companies like LeewayHertz leading the charge, said the top executive.
