Launching and growing a successful startup is no small feat.
And, while I am sure you can go at it alone, why?
From refining your business model to scaling operations, every decision can make or break your company’s future. So even though you can do it, maybe it’s for the best to get a little help.
That’s where startup consultants come in. These firms provide the strategic guidance and hands-on support you need to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship—especially in areas outside your own expertise.
In this article, we explore what startup consulting is, the key services to consider, and highlight some of the top consulting firms that can help turn your vision into reality. Whether you’re a tech startup aiming for rapid growth or a product-driven company looking to innovate, the right consulting partner can be a game-changer.
What is startup consulting?
Startup consulting is a specialized service that helps early-stage companies overcome challenges, refine strategies, and accelerate growth. It involves expert guidance on critical aspects of building a business, such as product development, market positioning, operations, and fundraising. Consultants bring industry knowledge, proven frameworks, and an objective perspective to help founders make informed decisions and avoid common pitfalls.
Unlike general business consulting, startup consulting is tailored to the unique needs of high-growth companies. That includes things like launching an MVP, securing product-market fit, and scaling operations. Consultants provide actionable insights and hands-on support to achieve these milestones efficiently.
Startup consulting is not just about advice—it’s about action. A great consulting partnership pairs strategy with execution. They offer startups the resources and expertise needed to bring their vision to life quickly. That way, as a founder you can focus on your core strengths while knowing that you’re building a solid foundation for long-term success.
What are the types of consulting services to consider?
When it comes to strategy consulting for startups, think of any process, action or system and I am sure there is a consultant out there that specializes in it.
That being said, there are some more common areas that overlap with the majority of startups and are definitely worth considering.
Software development
Software development firms focus on building scalable, high-quality products like web applications, mobile apps, and SaaS platforms. These services are tailored to meet specific business goals and deliver a product that aligns with the startup’s unique vision.
An added plus when choosing the right consultant is that they incorporate agile methodologies and focus on user-centered design practices. This allows you to adapt quickly to user feedback and market changes, and create a sticky product.
Marketing
When it comes to refining your brand, improving customer acquisition, and driving engagement, marketing firms can make all the difference. They provide expertise in content marketing, SEO, social media, and digital advertising to help startups stand out in competitive markets. Their goal is to create data-driven strategies that maximize ROI and build lasting customer relationships.
Sales
Sales consulting firms help startups optimize their sales processes and improve lead conversion rates. They work with your team to develop customized sales strategies, train staff, and implement CRM tools. This creates a streamlined approach to closing deals and achieving revenue goals.
Business strategy and operations
Management consulting firms guide startups in defining long-term objectives and improving day-to-day efficiencies. They align your business goals with actionable strategies to foster sustainable growth. These firms also provide insights on organizational structure and performance optimization.
Physical product development
Bringing tangible products to life requires expert guidance in design, prototyping, and manufacturing. These firms ensure your product is not only functional and cost-effective but also ready to meet market demands. They collaborate closely with startups to refine features based on user feedback and industry standards.
Fulfillment and logistics
Efficient supply chain operations are critical for delivering a seamless customer experience. Consulting firms in this space help startups manage inventory, streamline shipping, and optimize order fulfillment processes. By improving logistics and utilizing their network of resources, these firms reduce costs and enhance delivery speed and reliability.
Human resources and talent management
This type of consulting focuses on optimizing workforce strategies, improving organizational culture, and enhancing talent acquisition and retention. It includes services like leadership development, employee engagement, and HR process transformation. This is especially important when scaling your workforce after a round of successful funding.
Top 11 business consulting firms
Here are some of the top startup consulting firms that cover the variety of service types we discussed.
1. DevSquad
DevSquad is a consulting firm that empowers startups through its two specialized engagement models: the Product Design Squad and the Product Development Squad. The Product Design Squad helps startups validate their ideas through rapid prototyping and user testing, ensuring a clear product roadmap. Meanwhile, the Product Development Squad brings those validated concepts to life with high-quality, scalable software solutions. DevSquad’s agile approach ensures quick iterations, user-centric design, and a faster time to market.
Types of consulting services offered:
Software development
Business strategy and operations
This firm is a good fit for:
Tech startups
SaaS companies
Entrepreneurs looking for MVP development
2. McKinsey & Company
McKinsey & Company is a global consulting powerhouse, known for helping organizations drive innovation and achieve lasting impact. With deep expertise in strategy, operations, and technology, McKinsey partners with startups and established companies alike to tackle their most pressing challenges. Their data-driven approach and industry-leading insights enable clients to unlock growth opportunities and stay ahead in competitive markets.
Types of consulting services offered:
Business strategy and operations
Marketing
Sales
Fulfillment and logistics
This firm is a good fit for:
Tech startups
E-commerce companies
Startups aiming for operational efficiency and market leadership
3. IDEO
With over 40 years of experience, this design and innovation firm specializes in creating breakthrough products, services, and strategies. Their multidisciplinary teams, which include experts ranging from anthropologists to food scientists, tackle complex challenges through discovery, play, and experimentation. IDEO helps organizations drive growth and build transformative capabilities to stay ahead in a competitive landscape.
Types of consulting services offered:
Physical product development
Business strategy and operations
Marketing
This firm is a good fit for:
Product-driven startups
Consumer goods companies
Startups seeking innovative, human-centered design solutions
4. Putnam Associates
Another mature company (over 30 years of experience), Putnam Associates is a trusted consulting partner for the global life sciences community. From top biopharmaceutical companies to emerging biotech firms, Putnam provides strategic and scientific insights that drive innovation and commercial success. Their comprehensive services span commercial strategy, pricing and access, and medical affairs, all tailored to maximize impact across more than 45 therapeutic areas.
Types of consulting services offered:
Business strategy and operations
Marketing
Sales
This firm is a good fit for:
Global biopharmaceutical companies
Emerging biotech firms
Healthcare startups focused on therapeutic innovation
5. Blue Rock Search
Blue Rock Search is a boutique executive search and talent solutions firm specializing in HR, private equity, and franchise executive placements. With a reputation for finding transformative leadership talent, Blue Rock offers a range of services, including Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) and performance-based hiring. Their expertise spans multiple industries, providing clients with tailored solutions to align organizational structure and business goals. Blue Rock is recognized for its deep industry connections and a proactive, partnership-driven approach.
Types of consulting services offered:
Human resources and talent management
Business strategy and operations
This firm is a good fit for:
Organizations seeking HR leadership
Private equity firms needing top-tier executive talent
Franchise businesses looking to scale
6. Bain & Company
With a presence in 65 cities across 40 countries, Bain & Company collaborates with the world’s most ambitious change-makers to redefine industries and achieve extraordinary results. They provide tailored, integrated expertise across business strategy, operations, and digital transformation, complemented by a vibrant ecosystem of digital innovators. Bain’s commitment to social impact includes a $1 billion investment in pro bono services addressing critical global challenges, such as education, racial equity, and environmental sustainability.
Types of consulting services offered:
Business strategy and operations
Sales
Marketing
Change management
This firm is a good fit for:
Technology startups
Consumer product companies
Startups seeking to innovate and redefine their industries
Organizations focused on social impact and sustainability
7. Accenture
Accenture is a global professional services company that partners with businesses to deliver what they call 360° value—a comprehensive approach to creating financial impact while advancing goals like inclusion, sustainability, and workforce development. Accenture’s expertise spans strategy, technology, and operations, enabling clients to digitize processes, improve efficiency, and create meaningful customer and employee experiences. Their strong commitment to ethical leadership and sustainability positions them as a powerful force for positive change.
Types of consulting services offered:
Software development
Business strategy and operations
Fulfillment and logistics
This firm is a good fit for:
Enterprises undergoing digital transformation
Tech-driven startups
Organizations focused on sustainability and workforce development
8. LHH (Lee Hecht Harrison)
LHH specializes in comprehensive talent solutions to help organizations adapt to the evolving world of work. As part of The Adecco Group, LHH provides workforce transformation, career mobility, and leadership development services. Known for their empathetic approach and global reach, LHH supports thousands of companies in building resilient teams and empowering employees to thrive through career transitions and upskilling initiatives.
Types of consulting services offered:
Human resources and talent management
Business strategy and operations
This firm is a good fit for:
Organizations focusing on workforce transformation
Companies seeking leadership development
Businesses supporting employee career transitions and outplacement
9. Insight Sourcing Group
Founded in 2002, Insight Sourcing Group is North America’s leading boutique consulting firm specializing in strategic sourcing and procurement. They partner with senior executives and procurement leaders to deliver cost savings, improve spend visibility, and implement procurement best practices. Known for their innovative approach, Insight Sourcing combines cutting-edge technology with a strong focus on measurable results, consistently delivering exceptional outcomes for clients across industries.
Types of consulting services offered:
Fulfillment and logistics
Business strategy and operations
This firm is a good fit for:
Mid-sized companies optimizing procurement operations
Private equity firms seeking cost efficiencies across portfolios
Organizations aiming to enhance spend visibility and category intelligence
10. PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers)
With a focus on optimizing business operations and delivering sustained outcomes, this global consulting firm offers a wide range of managed services. From finance and HR to procurement and sustainability, PwC helps organizations enhance efficiency and adopt cutting-edge technologies. Their industry expertise, combined with strong technology partnerships, enables businesses to achieve transformative growth and meet complex challenges head-on.
Types of consulting services offered:
Business strategy and operations
Fulfillment and logistics
Sales
Marketing
This firm is a good fit for:
Large-scale enterprises seeking operational efficiency
Organizations focused on sustainability and compliance
Startups aiming to scale operations rapidly
Businesses in highly regulated industries
11. Frog Design (Capgemini Invent)
Frog is the reinvention and experience partner for the eco-digital era. The help organizations navigate the intersection of technology, sustainability, and human-centered design. By combining strategy, creativity, and advanced technologies like AI and data analytics, frog collaborates with clients to create superior experiences and drive growth. With over 50 years of innovation, they continue to challenge the status quo, delivering solutions that advance both people and the planet.
Types of consulting services offered:
Physical product development
Business strategy and operations
Marketing
This firm is a good fit for:
Startups focused on sustainability and innovation
Entrepreneurs seeking bold, design-led transformations
Organizations navigating the eco-digital transition
Align your product with your strategy
Building a successful startup requires more than just a great idea—it demands expert guidance and flawless execution. Aligning your product with your overall business strategy ensures that every development decision supports your long-term goals. This is where DevSquad excels! We offer not just consulting but also hands-on development through our Product Design and Product Development Squads.
Working with us means you get the best of both worlds: strategic advice to validate your ideas and a high-performing development team to bring them to life. While we handle the heavy lifting of building a scalable, user-centric product, you can focus on driving growth, securing funding, and scaling your business.
Building a SaaS company? Learn more about how we can help you create your ideal SaaS product.
