Welsh AI Education Technology Firm Academii Secures Major £1 Million Investment
Tech venture Academii, which specialises in artificial intelligence-powered workplace training solutions, has successfully closed a £1 million Series A equity funding round. The Caerphilly-based business saw this significant investment led by the Development Bank of Wales, which contributed £700,000 to the funding package.
Rapid Growth and Platform Development
Founded in 2019 by former ALS People chief executive Steve Lanigan, Academii has experienced remarkable growth, expanding eight-fold over the last two years. This surge reflects increasing demand for AI-enabled tools that help organisations upskill and reskill their workforce effectively.
The company's innovative platform combines human-centred design with data-driven intelligence, allowing employers to personalise learning journeys at scale. Through extended reality and generative AI technologies, the system creates content powered by organisations' own policies, procedures, and work instructions.
Advanced Features and Market Reach
Academii's platform offers several sophisticated features that set it apart in the competitive EdTech market:
- Multilingual content support for diverse workforces
- Dual interaction methods through both speech and text
- Personalised learning pathways using generative AI
- Integration with existing organisational materials
The platform already serves major employers across multiple sectors, including large-scale energy and utilities companies, NHS organisations, health boards, and international clients.
Continued Support from Development Bank of Wales
This represents the second investment the Development Bank of Wales has made in Academii. Previously, the bank supported a syndicate of business angels through its Wales Angel Co-investment Fund, contributing £185,000 in match funding alongside lead investor Andrew Diplock.
The latest £1 million injection will enable Academii to further develop its platform, expand its team, and retain highly skilled jobs within Wales. This investment aligns with the Welsh Government's strategic ambition to develop AI growth zones across the country.
Leadership Perspectives on the Investment
Steve Lanigan, Chief Executive of Academii, commented: "Our previous relationship with the Development Bank means we understand the difference they make to business growth. As a Welsh B-Corporation rooted in Wales, we value their emphasis on supporting broader societal good. Our focus remains on helping everyone participate in the AI journey while supporting job creation and retention."
Andy Morris, Senior Investment Executive at the Development Bank of Wales, added: "Academii represents a standout example of a Welsh technology company using AI for both business and public benefit. Their platform already helps major employers improve skills, strengthen workforce resilience, and unlock new opportunities. We're proud to continue supporting their growth and ensuring Wales remains at the forefront of AI-driven innovation."
Government Support for AI Development
Jack Sargeant, Minister for Skills, emphasised the broader context: "This investment in Academii demonstrates how Welsh businesses lead in AI innovation. We've recently invested £2.1 million to help small businesses across Wales adopt AI ethically and access high-quality training to bridge skills gaps and boost productivity. Companies like Academii will play a vital role in helping people and organisations develop the skills needed to thrive in the future economy."
The funding round positions Academii for continued expansion while supporting Wales's growing reputation as a hub for ethical AI development and implementation in workplace training.
