LDC Invests in UBDS Group for Digital Growth

UBDS Group, a rapidly expanding consultancy focused on enterprise digital lifecycles and cybersecurity, has secured a significant investment from LDC, the private equity arm of Lloyds Banking Group. This strategic partnership is designed to fuel UBDS Group's ambitious expansion plans, capitalizing on the increasing demand for comprehensive digital transformation services across both public and private sectors.

Founded in 2019, UBDS Group has demonstrated impressive traction, nearly tripling its revenue in the last three years and expanding its workforce fivefold since 2022. The company, which boasts offices in London, Manchester, and Bengaluru, offers a suite of specialized services including cloud adoption, advanced cybersecurity solutions, and data and AI expertise. Its growth trajectory has been further bolstered by two strategic acquisitions in 2024: Rayo, an AWS consultancy, and 3B Data Security, a cybersecurity services firm, enhancing its end-to-end digital capabilities.

The investment from LDC will empower UBDS Group's seasoned management team, led by CEO Alex Gore, to pursue a dual strategy of organic growth and targeted acquisitions. This approach aims to broaden the company's service offerings and extend its geographical footprint. The leadership team, including CFO Kevin Wheeler, Group Chief Client Officer Sam Pillai, Group Chief Solution Architect Paul Collins, Group Chief Technology Officer Matt Johnson, and Group Chief People Officer Emma Durkin, has been instrumental in scaling the business over the past four years.

Diptesh Patel, the founder of UBDS Group, who was recognized by LDC in 2022 and received an Alumni Award in 2024 for the company's achievements, will transition to a Non-Executive Director role. Peter Sweetbaum has been appointed as the new Chair, bringing substantial experience from the professional services and private equity sectors. The LDC investment team involved in the transaction includes Partner and Head of South, Aylesh Patel, Partner Chris Baker, and Investment Manager Ana-Maria Garaba, with Aylesh Patel and Chris Baker joining the board.

This collaboration aligns with a broader market trend where businesses are increasingly prioritizing robust digital infrastructure and cybersecurity to navigate complex operational environments. The global cybersecurity market alone is projected to reach hundreds of billions of dollars in the coming years, highlighting the critical need for specialized consultancies like UBDS Group. Similarly, the cloud adoption market continues its strong upward trajectory, driven by the pursuit of agility and scalability.

LDC's commitment to the technology sector is well-documented, with a history of investing over £717 million in technology businesses. Their portfolio includes firms such as Daintta, Etrading Software, i247, and Aker Systems, demonstrating a keen understanding of the sector's dynamics and growth potential. This investment in UBDS Group underscores LDC's strategy of backing high-growth companies with strong management teams and clear market opportunities.

Alex Gore, CEO of UBDS Group, expressed confidence in the partnership, stating, “With LDC’s support and technology sector experience, we’re confident we can accelerate our organic growth and pursue targeted acquisitions to add real capability. We’re looking forward to working together.” Diptesh Patel added, “In Aylesh and the wider LDC team we have found a partner who shares our long-term outlook and understands the dynamics of the markets we operate in.”