Londonderry-based e-learning firm Learning Pool has received investment from Carlyle Cardinal Ireland (CCI), a €292m private equity fund focused on growth capital and buyout investment opportunities
Although the financial terms of the investment remain undisclosed, the private equity fund typically invests between £5m and £40m. This particular investment is thought to be in the middle range.
Founded in 2006 by CEO Paul McElvaney, Learning Pool employs 80 people and seeks to deliver change programmes and improve the capacity of staff using e-learning modules, a managed learning platform and community-led social learning services.
“We have always believed in Learning Pool’s potential to take on the world and have doubled our business over the last three years. In CCI we believe we have exactly the right partners to help us develop our business and help us realise that potential.
“This investment will fast track our growth and allows us to build out our technology and content at a quicker pace for our customers benefit. I’m excited about the next phase of Learning Pool’s growth that will see us deliver more product innovation and significant expansion of our customer base and our team,” said McElvaney.
Learning Pool boasts the NHS, the UK Houses of Parliament, Jury’s Inn, Capita and British Sugar among its customers.
Jonathan Cosgrave, managing director, The Carlyle Group said: “Learning Pool is well positioned to continue growing its share of the estimated £675 million UK e-learning market. We’ve been impressed with Learning Pool’s innovative technologies, quality of service and the entrepreneurial leadership team, and we look forward to supporting further growth of the business.
“We’re also delighted to complete our first investment in Northern Ireland and we continue to look at other potential investments in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland,”he concluded.