Launched earlier this year, Brave Duck + Robots is an independent experience design studio which blends strategy, creativity, production and technology. Based in London, its mission is to reshape the experience economy, focusing on narrative-driven experiences for cultural venues, immersive brand activations and standalone physical/digital engagements. 

And it is in good hands. Two of its founders, Alessandro Pula (CEO) and Stephan Bischof (CCO) previously worked at The Mill, prior to its closure in March, where Pula had been director of experience (Europe) while Bischof was ECD of experience. At the time, The Mill’s owners, parent company Technicolor Creative Studios, cited “severe financial challenges” and a reported 440 people were made redundant.

The team that eventually became BD+R had actually been making plans to do their own thing since late 2023 – and the company has grown fast. In addition to Pula and Bischof, the C-suite includes Manu Madeddu (strategy), Noel Drew (innovation), Lauren Dyer (client), with Pina Petrone as creative producer and Elena Noseda bolstering operations and production. It’s a small outfit and intends to remain so.