Ignite Group Acquires HGM Consultants to Expand Grant Advisory

Ignite Group, backed by SilverTree Equity, has acquired HGM Consultants, a well-established advisory firm specializing in grants and fiscal schemes since 1989. The acquisition, announced on April 7, 2026, extends Ignite Group’s national footprint in the Netherlands and enhances its expertise in complex grant consultancy, including key schemes such as WBSO, Innovation Box, MIT, VEKI, and DEI+.

HGM Consultants operates from four offices located in Breda, Amsterdam, Nijmegen, and Eelde. The firm has built a substantial customer base across diverse sectors including mechanical engineering, high-tech, ICT, agrifood, energy, and life sciences. This acquisition allows Ignite Group to leverage HGM’s cross-sector experience and deepen its advisory capabilities in sustainability and circularity, areas increasingly prioritized in the grant landscape.

While the financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, Ignite Group has acquired 100% of HGM’s operations. The integration plan emphasizes continuity for existing HGM clients, with trusted contacts remaining in place. At the same time, customers will gain access to Ignite Group’s broader service portfolio, digital tools, and international network, enabling better navigation of both national and European funding opportunities.

Ignite Group is an international consultancy supporting companies, governments, and knowledge institutions in securing innovation and R&D funding. With over 25 years of experience and a team of more than 190 specialized consultants, Ignite Group secured over €500 million in funding for clients in 2025, achieving a 95% success rate. The company combines domain expertise with AI-supported digital solutions to optimize funding strategies and reduce administrative burdens.

Manuel Ebner, Group CEO of Ignite Group, stated, “HGM is a grant consultancy that strengthens our group: deep fiscal and grant knowledge, an impressive portfolio of leading corporate customers, and a team that has known for years what innovative companies need support with. With their expertise in the Innovation Box and other advanced grants, we are elevating our service offering to a higher level.”

Henk Heerink, Chief Business Officer at Ignite Group, added, “What draws us to HGM is the quality and scale of their customer base, a solid mix of enterprises across diverse sectors, with multiple offices in the Netherlands. That is the strategic addition that further strengthens our nationwide position.” Marc Jacobs, founder and director of HGM Consultants, commented, “Since founding HGM in 1989, we have been committed to helping innovative companies structurally get more from grants and fiscal schemes. Joining Ignite Group enables us to increase our scale and better serve our customers, with access to European opportunities that were previously out of reach.”

The acquisition aligns with Ignite Group’s growth strategy focused on combining expertise, scale, and digital innovation. By integrating HGM’s grant expertise with Ignite’s digital capabilities, the group aims to enhance customer service and expand cross-sector knowledge sharing. Operational synergies include consolidating administrative functions and streamlining office operations across the Netherlands.

Market analysts note that this deal strengthens Ignite Group’s position as a leading grant consultancy in the Dutch market, raising competitive pressure on peers. Competitors may respond with similar acquisitions or increased investment in digital tools and sustainability expertise to maintain market share.

Looking ahead, Ignite Group plans a smooth integration process to maintain client trust and operational efficiency. The combined entity will focus on expanding service offerings, cross-selling digital and international solutions, and capturing new clients in emerging sectors such as sustainability and circular economy.

Overall, the acquisition of HGM Consultants represents a strategic step for Ignite Group to consolidate its leadership in grant consultancy, enhance its national presence, and provide clients with comprehensive, innovative funding support.