US-Based The Hackett Group Acquires India’s GenAI company LeewayHertz

LeewayHertz is the first Indian generative AI company to be acquired by a global public firm, reflecting India’s growing significance in the future of AI.

The Hackett Group, a NASDAQ– listed digital transformation company based in the US, has announced the acquisition of Indian generative AI firm LeewayHertz. This strategic move aims to enhance The Hackett Group’s offerings by integrating advanced AI capabilities, enabling businesses to streamline operations through cutting-edge technology. While the terms of the deal were not disclosed, the acquisition underscores India's growing prominence in the global AI landscape.

As part of the acquisition, all LeewayHertz employees will join The Hackett Group, marking a seamless integration of both companies' expertise. LeewayHertz, founded in 2008 and headquartered in New Delhi, has consistently been at the forefront of AI innovation. CEO Akash Takyar, who will take on a leadership role within The Hackett Group as the CEO of a new joint venture, highlighted the company’s focus on AI advancements and its role in reshaping enterprise operations. LeewayHertz’s AI platform, Zbrain.ai, is designed to support businesses in adopting AI at scale, making this acquisition a key step forward for both firms.

Generative AI has moved from niche use cases to becoming an essential tool for businesses, transforming sectors like HR, supply chain, and marketing. Takyar noted that the demand for AI solutions is rising as companies look to improve efficiency and competitiveness. With the integration of LeewayHertz’s AI expertise, The Hackett Group aims to offer end-to-end solutions for companies embarking on their AI journeys.

The new joint venture will combine LeewayHertz’s Zbrain platform with The Hackett Group’s AI Explorer, creating a comprehensive suite of AI services. Takyar emphasised that this collaboration will enable businesses to manage the full lifecycle of AI adoption, from ideation to implementation and scaling. “By merging our strengths, we can provide clients with a seamless AI solution, helping them unlock the full potential of AI for their operations,” Takyar said.

India’s role in the global AI space was a central focus of the acquisition announcement. LeewayHertz, with its deep roots in India’s AI talent pool, exemplifies the country’s growing influence in the field. Takyar acknowledged that India’s rapid development of AI expertise is helping drive global innovation. “We are proud to be an India-based company contributing to the global AI revolution,” he said, noting that the acquisition highlights India’s capabilities in cutting-edge technology.

The Hackett Group also aims to foster AI talent development in India through this partnership, providing opportunities for developers and engineers to enhance their skills in generative AI. This commitment aligns with both companies’ goals of pushing the boundaries of AI innovation while positioning India as a key player in the global AI ecosystem.

“This acquisition is a major step in our strategy to lead enterprises through their AI transformation journey,” Ted A. Fernandez, Chairman and CEO of The Hackett Group said, adding that the combination of LeewayHertz’s solutions with The Hackett Group’s consulting expertise will create a differentiated service offering for clients worldwide.

This acquisition also marks a moment of pride for India. As Takyar noted, LeewayHertz is the first Indian generative AI company to be acquired by a global public firm, reflecting India’s growing significance in the future of AI.