The “anti-consultancy” model

How we work differently and why it works

At The49, we don’t follow the traditional consultancy playbook. We don’t arrive with a deck of generic solutions, and we’re not interested in delivering strategy with no skin in the game. We’re builders first, hands-on, high-context, and deeply embedded in the work from day one.

We call it the anti-consultancy model. Not to be contrarian, but because the way we work is fundamentally different. Our teams blend strategy, technology, design, and execution in whatever combination the challenge calls for. We don’t optimise for slide decks, we optimise for progress.

No advice without action

The traditional consulting model rewards complexity and distance. Ours rewards clarity and outcomes. We don’t believe in over-intellectualising. If something can be said simply, we say it simply. And if something needs doing, we don’t just recommend it, we roll up our sleeves and help make it happen.

Small teams, big impact

We move fast, with lean teams who bring the full weight of experience and perspective. You won’t find 10 people where two will do. We build modular, cross-functional teams around each problem—designers, strategists, engineers, product thinkers—all focused on progress, not padding.

We work smarter

It’s not just about working differently, it’s about working better. Because we move fast, stay close to the problem, and iterate in real-time, we help our partners make smarter bets, faster. And because we’re not here to clock hours, we’re free to focus on what really matters: building things that last.

This model allows us to flex across both sides of the business, from helping large companies innovate more effectively to launching new ventures from scratch. In both cases, we’re not just advisors, we’re co-pilots. And our goal is always the same: create meaningful, sustainable impact with the people bold enough to try.