The leadership development training industry in Europe plays a vital role in enhancing managerial skills and cultivating effective leaders. Various companies, including consultancies, Edtech platforms, and corporate training organizations, offer tailored programs, coaching, and digital learning solutions. The industry continues to innovate, integrating technology like artificial intelligence and virtual reality to create immersive learning experiences. As organizations increasingly recognize the importance of strong leadership for growth and culture, investment in this sector is on the rise. Moreover, the shift towards remote work has fueled demand for flexible and accessible training options, driving growth in the industry.


This list features prominent investors in Europe's leadership development training sector. Corporate giants, venture capital firms, and private equity funds all make their mark. Based in cities like London, Dublin, and Paris, these investors range in size from small teams to large corporations. Founded between 1969 and 2017, they participated in significant deal counts in 2024, with some firms, like Accenture and Almi, leading with many investments. These players not only provide capital but also strategic support to companies focused on cultivating leadership skills.


Top 13 Leadership Development Training Investors in Europe


1. Accenture

  • Website: accenture.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
  • Founded year: 2001
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 51
  • LinkedIn: accenture

Accenture is a global consulting firm based in Dublin, Ireland, specializing in information technology and management consulting services. Founded in 2001, the firm has grown to employ over 10,000 professionals and operates worldwide, providing solutions across various industries. Accenture's expertise includes cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data analytics. In recent years, Accenture has made significant investments in the leadership development training space, including the acquisition of YSC Consulting, a firm dedicated to leadership strategy, and Praxis Labs, a VR learning platform aimed at enhancing training experiences. These strategic moves reflect Accenture's commitment to fostering leadership development and transformational change within organizations, further solidifying its role as a key player in this sector.


2. Enterprise Ireland


Enterprise Ireland is a public entity that serves as the Irish government's enterprise development agency, founded in 1998. It supports Irish businesses at all stages of their growth journey by providing funding, advisory services, and market access assistance. The agency focuses on helping companies scale and compete internationally across various industries, including technology and manufacturing. In recent years, Enterprise Ireland has been involved in several transactions that highlight its commitment to leadership development and training. For instance, their investment in the Digital Learning Institute, which raised €1.8M in funding, aims to expand operations and business reach with a focus on digital learning and upskilling programs. This investment reflects their support for initiatives that enhance professional development and leadership skills. Additionally, their involvement with other companies like Change by Degrees and Code Institute further emphasizes their engagement in sectors that contribute to leadership training and development.


3. Kima Ventures

  • Website: kimaventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 50
  • LinkedIn: kima-ventures

Kima Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage startups across various sectors, backing two startups per week with financial support and mentorship. Among their notable transactions, Kima Ventures has invested in Simundia, which raised $2,259,338 in a Seed Round in April 2019, focusing on training and development solutions. They also invested in Kokoroe, a company that raised $280,000 in seed funding in September 2015, which is involved in educational technology. Additionally, Kima Ventures participated in the pre-seed round for LabLabee, which is focused on advanced technologies in education. These investments highlight Kima Ventures' engagement in the education and training sector, making them a relevant player in the leadership development training space.


4. Crowdcube

  • Website: crowdcube.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: crowdcube-limited

Crowdcube is a London-based crowdfunding platform founded in 2010 that enables businesses to raise capital through equity investments. It connects startups and SMEs with potential investors, facilitating the funding process. Crowdcube has been involved in several transactions relevant to leadership development training, including AQai, which raised $393,387 for adaptability assessments and coaching, and Cognomie, which raised $489,353 for its services. These investments highlight Crowdcube's commitment to supporting businesses that contribute to leadership and personal development, while also promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce.


5. Ldc

  • Website: ldc.co.uk
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1981
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 15
  • LinkedIn: ldc

Lloyds Development Capital (Holdings) Limited, commonly known as LDC, is a private equity firm based in London, England, founded in 1981. As part of Lloyds Banking Group, LDC specializes in providing growth capital and strategic support to mid-market businesses across various sectors. The firm focuses on helping management teams achieve their growth ambitions through investment and advisory services, fostering long-term partnerships to drive business success. Notably, LDC has made significant investments in companies relevant to leadership development, such as scarlettabbott, an employee engagement consultancy that aims to enhance organizational performance and leadership capabilities. Additionally, LDC's investment in Omniplex, an eLearning solutions provider, highlights its commitment to supporting businesses that contribute to employee and leadership development through innovative learning solutions. These transactions reflect LDC's strategic focus on sectors that align with leadership development training.


6. Almi

  • Website: almi.se
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: almi-ab

Almi AB is a financial services company based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. It specializes in providing loans, risk capital, and business development support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sweden. Almi aims to enhance the growth and competitiveness of these businesses by offering tailored financial solutions and guidance. Among its notable transactions, Almi has invested in Learnster, which raised funds in 2018 and 2019. Learnster is an educational technology platform that focuses on personalized learning experiences, making it relevant to leadership development training. This investment highlights Almi's interest in companies that contribute to the development of skills and competencies essential for effective leadership.


7. Brighteye Ventures


Brighteye Ventures is a venture capital fund based in Luxembourg, founded in 2017, that specializes in early-stage Edtech investments. The firm provides funding, strategic guidance, and access to a network of industry experts to help startups refine their products and scale effectively in the educational technology sector. Notable transactions include their investment in Skiller Whale, which raised $2.9M to develop an online live training platform for developers, focusing on hands-on micro-coaching and addressing individual skill gaps. This investment highlights Brighteye's commitment to enhancing professional development and leadership training. Other investments include IconoClass, Lynx Educate, and Simbel, all of which contribute to the broader Edtech landscape, further supporting the development of educational tools and platforms that can facilitate leadership training.


8. Bgf

  • Website: bgf.co.uk
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 53
  • LinkedIn: bgfinvestments

BGF Investment Management Limited is a venture capital firm founded in 2011, based in London, England. The firm specializes in providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses across the UK and Ireland. BGF addresses the funding gap in the market through minority investments and extensive support services. Notably, BGF has invested in companies relevant to leadership development training, such as Apprentify, which focuses on apprenticeships and training, and Operam Education Group, which has a commitment to educational services. Their investment in these sectors highlights their involvement in the leadership development training industry, making them a significant player in this space.


9. Index Ventures

  • Website: indexventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 67
  • LinkedIn: index-ventures

Index Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 1996, based in London, England. The firm invests in innovative startups across various sectors, including technology and healthcare, providing capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs. Notably, Index Ventures has been actively involved in funding Multiverse, which raised a total of $220 million in Series D and earlier rounds, focusing on developing future leaders through diverse training programs. Additionally, they participated in Humu's Series C funding round, a company dedicated to improving workplace culture and employee development. These transactions highlight Index Ventures' commitment to supporting leadership development initiatives, aligning with their mission to build long-term partnerships with founders to drive success.


10. SoftBank Investment Advisers


SoftBank Investment Advisers, founded in 2017 and based in London, is a venture capital firm that primarily invests in technology-focused companies. The SoftBank Vision Fund is known for its substantial capital and support for growth-stage technology firms, particularly those innovating in artificial intelligence. Among its diverse portfolio, SoftBank has made notable investments in the leadership development training sector. For instance, they led a $200 million Series C funding round for CoachHub, a digital coaching platform that aims to enhance professional development through personalized coaching. Additionally, they have invested in Eruditus Executive Education, which raised $150 million in Series F funding in 2024, and previously participated in a $650 million Series E round for the same company. Furthermore, their investment in Emeritus, which also raised $650 million in Series E funding, underscores their focus on education and upskilling. These transactions reflect SoftBank's commitment to fostering growth in the leadership development training industry.


11. Ardian

  • Website: ardian.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 21
  • LinkedIn: ardian

Ardian is a prominent investment management firm based in Paris, specializing in private equity, real assets, and credit solutions. Founded in 1996, Ardian has established a global presence and focuses on sustainable finance, aiming to create lasting value for its clients. Notably, Ardian has made significant investments in the education sector, including the acquisition of a majority stake in AD Education, a leading platform for education in creative fields, and Study Group, an education provider serving around 30,000 students globally. These transactions highlight Ardian's commitment to supporting growth and innovation in educational services, which often encompass leadership development training.


12. Eurazeo

  • Website: eurazeo.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1969
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 40
  • LinkedIn: eurazeo

Eurazeo is a prominent investment management firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, specializing in private equity, private debt, and real assets. Founded in 1969, the firm has established a significant presence in the investment management landscape, focusing on tailored investment strategies that promote growth and expansion across various sectors. Notably, Eurazeo has made strategic acquisitions in the education sector, including Les Roches International School of Hotel Management and Glion Institute of Higher Education in June 2016. These institutions are known for their leadership training programs in hospitality management, indicating Eurazeo's interest in fostering leadership development. Additionally, their acquisition of Scaled Agile, Inc. in November 2021 highlights their engagement with companies that provide training and certification in agile methodologies, further emphasizing their commitment to leadership development training. With a diverse portfolio and a focus on growth, Eurazeo is well-positioned to influence the leadership development training industry.


13. Mercia Asset Management PLC

  • Website: mercia.co.uk
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Henley-In-Arden, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1982
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 41
  • LinkedIn: mercia-asset-management

Mercia Asset Management PLC is a venture capital investment management firm based in Henley-In-Arden, England, founded in 1982. The firm specializes in providing venture capital, private equity, and debt financing to support the growth of UK businesses, particularly in technology and innovation sectors. Mercia operates through various funds and investment vehicles, focusing on ambitious businesses across the UK. Notably, they have invested in HowNow, a learning experience platform that raised £4 million in Series A funding, aimed at international expansion and team growth. Additionally, they have supported Administrate, a company that enhances training and development through its software platform, indicating their commitment to the leadership development training sector. These transactions highlight Mercia's active role in funding companies that contribute to leadership and professional development.



Leadership Development Training Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
AccentureDublin, Dublin, Ireland10001+200151
Enterprise IrelandDublin, Dublin, Ireland501-1000199848
Kima VenturesParis, Île-De-France, France1-10201050
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
LdcLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200198115
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
Brighteye VenturesLuxembourg1-1020177
BgfLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200201153
Index VenturesLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200199667
SoftBank Investment AdvisersLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-500201714
ArdianParis, Île-De-France, France1001-5000199621
EurazeoParis, Île-De-France, France201-500196940
Mercia Asset Management PLCHenley-In-Arden, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200198241


Want to find more investors focusing on the leadership development training industry?

If you want to find more investors that are active in the leadership development trainingindustry, you can do that with Inven. We built this list and analysis throughInven's Investor Search, and there are a lot more private equity, venturecapital, and corporate investors like these globally.

With Inven, you'll also get to know:

  • Deal History: Number of deals and their sizes.
  • Portfolio: Companies they've invested in.
  • Contact data: Key dealmakers, including their emails and phonenumbers.
  • ...and much more!