Loading organizations...
Hakkoda operates as a modern data consultancy, specializing in helping enterprises leverage cloud platforms and advanced AI capabilities to achieve tangible business outcomes. The company delivers comprehensive information technology services, including expertise in data architecture, migration strategies, and automation, enabling clients to transform raw data into actionable insights and operational efficiencies. Its approach emphasizes practical application and real-world results for complex data challenges.
Erik Duffield co-founded Hakkoda in 2021, launching the company in September of that year. His decision to establish the firm stemmed from nearly three decades of experience in data, analytics, and professional services. This deep industry background informed the insight that organizations needed a new kind of partner to effectively navigate the complexities of cloud data adoption, particularly for platforms like Snowflake.
Hakkoda serves a diverse clientele of organizations grappling with the transition to a data-first operational paradigm. The company’s overarching vision is to provide a forward-looking solution for businesses seeking to maximize their data assets by offering a collaborative and purposeful environment for data talent. It aims to empower companies to fully harness the potential of cloud and AI, driving sustained innovation and competitive advantage.
Hakkoda has raised $6.0M across 1 funding round.
Hakkoda has raised $6.0M in total across 1 funding round.
Hakkoda has raised $6.0M across 1 funding round. Most recently, it raised $6.0M Series A in July 2021.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 1, 2021 | $6M Series A | — | KB Partners, Sharp Alpha Advisors, Tercera, John Fontein | Announced |
# Hakkoda: High-Level Overview
Hakkoda is a modern data consultancy, not a traditional technology company that builds products. Instead, it helps organizations modernize their data architecture, migrate to cloud platforms, and implement AI-driven solutions[1][7]. The company serves healthcare, financial services, public sector, retail, supply chain, and automotive organizations[1][2], solving the critical challenge of helping enterprises unlock value from their data in an increasingly AI-driven world.
Hakkoda's core offering centers on data platform modernization and AI implementation. Rather than selling software, the firm provides consulting expertise to help clients build scalable, cloud-native data stacks—particularly leveraging Snowflake as a core technology partner[3]. The company addresses a fundamental business problem: organizations are in "an existential race to leverage data both inside and outside their business," yet many lack the talent and expertise to execute modern data strategies[2].
# Origin Story
Hakkoda was founded by Erik Duffield (CEO and Co-founder), Patrick Buell (VP of Consulting, Co-founder), Ryan Tucker (CRO, Co-founder), Kim Heger (Chief Talent, Culture & Wellness Warrior, Co-founder), and Bob Hardin (EVP Industry Solutions & Strategic Accounts, Co-founder)[4]. The founders came from major consulting firms where they "did it the old way," but recognized an opportunity to reimagine how data consulting should work—prioritizing innovation, passion, and a people-first culture[4].
The company's founding philosophy reflects frustration with legacy consulting approaches. The founders created Hakkoda to "do things better and make room for passion and innovation," with an explicit mission to "ignite the power of data and embolden changemakers to create a better world"[4]. This human-centered approach distinguishes Hakkoda from traditional enterprise consulting, emphasizing community, transparency, and meaningful work alongside commercial success.
A significant milestone came when IBM acquired Hakkoda, integrating it as a specialized consultancy within IBM's broader services portfolio[1][3]. This acquisition validated the company's expertise while providing access to IBM's enterprise relationships and resources.
# Core Differentiators
# Role in the Broader Tech Landscape
Hakkoda operates at the intersection of three major technology trends: cloud migration, data democratization, and AI adoption. As enterprises accelerate their shift from on-premises data warehouses to cloud platforms, demand for specialized consulting expertise has surged. The company capitalizes on this transition by helping organizations avoid costly mistakes and accelerate time-to-value.
The firm also benefits from the broader modern data stack movement, where specialized tools (dbt, Sigma, Atlan, Immuta, Data.world) have replaced monolithic legacy systems[6]. Hakkoda's role as an integrator and implementer of these technologies positions it as essential infrastructure for enterprises navigating this fragmented landscape.
Additionally, Hakkoda influences the ecosystem by demonstrating how generative AI can transform data work itself—using AI to automate metadata generation, ETL processes, and master data management, thereby reducing manual effort by orders of magnitude[2]. This positions the firm not just as a service provider but as a thought leader shaping how organizations think about data-driven transformation.
# Quick Take & Future Outlook
Hakkoda represents a new model for enterprise consulting: specialized, modern, and mission-driven. Rather than competing on scale like traditional consulting giants, the firm competes on depth of expertise in a specific domain (modern data platforms) and a distinctive culture that attracts top talent.
Looking forward, Hakkoda's trajectory will likely be shaped by three forces: the continued acceleration of cloud adoption, the integration of AI throughout the data stack, and the growing scarcity of data talent. As IBM's acquisition demonstrates, large enterprises recognize that specialized data consulting is a defensible, high-margin business. The company's emphasis on AI implementation—particularly generative AI for data work—positions it well for the next wave of enterprise transformation.
The key question for Hakkoda's future is whether it can maintain its distinctive culture and innovation focus while operating within IBM's larger organizational structure. If successful, it could become a model for how large technology companies acquire and integrate specialized consulting expertise.
Hakkoda has raised $6.0M in total across 1 funding round.
Hakkoda's investors include KB Partners, Sharp Alpha Advisors, Tercera, John Fontein.
