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IDEO
Ideo specializes in SAP domain service and asset management. The company offers services such as process optimization, SAP support, and license consulting.
IDEO
Ideo specializes in SAP domain service and asset management. The company offers services such as process optimization, SAP support, and license consulting. Ideo serves industries including utilities, manufacturing, and construction & infrastructure, with its headquarters in 's-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands since 1998.
General information
Firm type
other
Year founded
1991
Location
Region
North America
Country
United States
City
Palo Alto
Corporate office
Palo Alto, CA, United States
Additional offices
San Francisco · Chicago · Boston · New York · London · Munich · Shanghai · Tokyo
Principals
David Kelley
Founder
Tim Brown
Former CEO
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
Who founded IDEO and when?
IDEO was founded in 1991 by David Kelley, merging his design firm David Kelley Design with the studios of Bill Moggridge and Mike Nuttall. David Kelley remains a key figure, though day-to-day leadership has transitioned to a CEO, currently Sandy Speicher (per the firm's communications).
Does IDEO operate as a venture capital firm or a consultancy?
IDEO operates primarily as a design consultancy, but maintains IDEO CoLab — a venture studio and early-stage investment arm. IDEO CoLab invests in startups where design thinking is central to the product or business model, typically alongside syndicate partners. The firm does not disclose AUM for its venture activities.
What is IDEO's investment focus through IDEO CoLab?
IDEO CoLab focuses on early-stage companies in healthcare, artificial intelligence, digital health, and consumer technology. Notable portfolio companies include Butterfly Network (digital health) and Mindstrong Health (mental health), both publicly documented. The venture arm seeks to bridge design methodology with scalable business models.
How does IDEO generate proprietary deal flow?
IDEO's consulting engagements provide direct exposure to emerging technologies, market gaps, and entrepreneurial founders. This allows the firm to seed investments in companies where it has already applied design thinking to product strategy. CoLab investments often follow a year or more of collaboration during the consulting phase.
Is IDEO organized as a family office?
No. IDEO is structured as a private partnership, not a family office. The firm's ownership is distributed among partners and senior employees. It does not manage a single concentrated family fortune but generates revenue through client fees and investment returns.
What institutional structures does IDEO have for philanthropy?
IDEO operates IDEO.org, a separate 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2011. IDEO.org applies design thinking to global challenges in health, economic opportunity, and social justice, funded by foundations and government grants. The firm maintains a clear separation between its commercial consulting and philanthropic work.
Where is IDEO headquartered and what are its main offices?
IDEO's headquarters is in Palo Alto, California. Additional studios are located in San Francisco, Chicago, Boston, New York, London, Munich, Shanghai, and Tokyo, giving the firm a presence in North America, Europe, and Asia.
Profile maintained by Altss using OSINT (open-source intelligence), regulatory filings, licensed data partners, and verified direct submissions. Read the methodology. Last updated: . Continuous refresh with full update cycles at least every 30 days.
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