The leadership development training industry in the US focuses on enhancing skills and capabilities that facilitate effective management and influence within organizations. Companies in this field range from startups using innovative approaches, like virtual reality training, to established entities offering comprehensive coaching programs and workshops. Increasingly, there’s a shift toward integrating technology into training modules, making learning more interactive and accessible. Recent trends show that organizations are prioritizing leadership training as a strategic investment to retain top talent and foster a culture of continuous improvement. Given these shifts, this industry is poised for robust growth in the coming years.


The investors in this list represent a varied mix of venture capital firms and corporate entities, with headquarters spanning across the US from California to Vermont. Figures for 2024 show significant activity, with some companies making over 800 deals, while others focus on niche investments in educational technologies. Founded between 1998 and 2023, these organizations generally employ 11 to over 10,000 people, reflecting their different scales and capacities to influence the leadership development space. Together, they are shaping how training is delivered and integrated into the workforce.


Top 18 Leadership Development Training Investors in the US


1. Government of Canada

  • Website: canada.ca
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Canada, Kentucky, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 137
  • LinkedIn: government-of-canada

The Government of Canada is a public entity that provides a wide range of services and information to Canadian citizens and residents, addressing needs such as employment, immigration, health care, and taxation. Founded in 1999, it operates through multiple departments and agencies to ensure access to essential services and support for individuals and businesses across the country. In 2024, the Government of Canada has been involved in 137 investments, primarily through grants. Notably, it has supported organizations like Jack.org, which raised $2,700,000 to promote youth mental health and leadership, and Headversity, which received $6,000,000 to enhance resilience and leadership skills. Other grants include funding for Vantage Point and Prairie College, both of which contribute to leadership development in their respective communities. These transactions highlight the Government's commitment to fostering leadership skills and supporting initiatives that empower individuals and communities.


2. Y Combinator

  • Website: ycombinator.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 802
  • LinkedIn: y-combinator

Y Combinator is a prominent startup accelerator and venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2005. It provides funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies through a structured program that includes resources like the Startup School and co-founder matching services. Y Combinator has successfully launched over 4,000 startups, making it a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Notably, Y Combinator has invested in companies such as Torch, which specializes in executive coaching through comprehensive feedback and personalized sessions, and BetterUp, which focuses on professional coaching and personal development. These investments highlight Y Combinator's involvement in the leadership development training sector, showcasing its commitment to fostering growth in this area.


3. 500 Global

  • Website: 500.co
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 98
  • LinkedIn: 500-startups

500 Global is a venture capital firm and startup accelerator based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies, providing not only funding but also mentorship and resources to help founders scale their businesses. Among their notable transactions, 500 Global has invested in several companies that focus on leadership development and training, such as NewCampus, which raised $500,000 in a Pre-Seed round in 2018, and Bonum Coaching, which secured funding in a Seed round in 2021. Additionally, their investment in Rising Team, which raised $3,000,000 in a Seed round in 2021, further emphasizes their commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the leadership development sector. Overall, 500 Global's portfolio reflects a strategic interest in nurturing companies that enhance leadership capabilities and professional growth.


4. U.S. Department of Labor

  • Website: dol.gov
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1913
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 43
  • LinkedIn: u-s--department-of-labor

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) is a public entity based in Washington, D.C., that has been operational since 1913. It provides a wide range of services related to labor rights, workplace safety, and employment support. The DOL serves workers, employers, and veterans by offering resources such as unemployment insurance, job training programs, and whistleblower protections, ensuring compliance with labor laws and promoting fair employment practices. In 2024, the DOL has been actively involved in funding various organizations through grants aimed at enhancing workforce development and training. Notable transactions include a $1.5 million grant to the SHRM Foundation, which focuses on human resource management and leadership training, and a $4 million grant to OIC of America, which provides job training and educational services. These investments reflect the DOL's commitment to improving workforce skills, including leadership capabilities, which are essential for career advancement and organizational success.


5. Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)

  • Website: av.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2023
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 258
  • LinkedIn: deep-tech-fund-av-focused-fund

The Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund) is a venture capital firm based in Manchester, New Hampshire, founded in 2023. It provides accredited investors and institutions with access to professionally-managed, diversified venture portfolios. With a network of over 10,000 investors, the firm focuses on connecting them with high-quality investment opportunities in the startup ecosystem. Notable transactions include investments in Praxis Labs, a SaaS-based VR learning platform that enhances learning experiences, and Limitless Minds, which is likely focused on personal and professional development. These investments highlight the fund's commitment to supporting innovative solutions in leadership development and training.


6. Learn

  • Website: learn.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Austin, Texas, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2009
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: learn-capital

Learn is a venture capital firm based in Austin, Texas, founded in 2009. They specialize in providing capital and capabilities to entrepreneurs focused on human-centric companies, particularly in technology and education. Learn has made significant investments in various startups that promote innovative learning solutions. Notable transactions include their early investment in NovoEd, which focuses on collaborative learning experiences, and their substantial funding of Learner-Centered Collaborative, which raised $100 million in Series B and $33 million in Series A, both aimed at enhancing educational methodologies. Additionally, Learn participated in a $30 million Series A funding round for Section4, a startup dedicated to business education, further emphasizing their commitment to leadership development and training.


7. Gaingels

  • Website: gaingels.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Burlington, Vermont, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 60
  • LinkedIn: gaingels

Gaingels is a venture capital firm founded in 2015, based in Burlington, Vermont, dedicated to investing in companies with diverse leadership. The firm aims to foster diversity and inclusion in the innovation economy by providing capital and support to startups, particularly those led by underrepresented groups. Gaingels also offers scholarship programs and advisory services to enhance board diversity. Notably, they have invested in Hone, a human-powered platform for leadership training that raised $16 million in a Series A funding round. Additionally, they participated in funding rounds for Sounding Board, Inc., which focuses on leadership development, and AceUp, Inc., which also contributes to leadership training. These transactions highlight Gaingels' active role in the leadership development training industry.


8. GSV Ventures

  • Website: gsv.ventures
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 9
  • LinkedIn: gsvventures

GSV Ventures is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2016. The firm specializes in investing in education technology companies, providing insights and analysis on the digital learning landscape. They are known for hosting the ASU+GSV Summit, which connects leaders in education technology. GSV Ventures has made significant investments in various edtech startups, including Simplilearn, a platform focused on professional skills development, and AntWalk, which enhances learning experiences through gamification and content pedagogy. Their portfolio also includes BookClub, which fosters reading and discussion, and Eruditus Executive Education, which offers professional education programs. These investments highlight GSV Ventures' commitment to supporting innovative solutions in leadership development and training.


9. Salesforce Ventures


Salesforce Ventures is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2009. The firm invests in innovative enterprise software companies, providing funding, strategic guidance, and access to a network of industry leaders to help startups grow from seed to IPO. Salesforce Ventures focuses on various sectors, including AI, digital health, and climate technology. Notably, they have made significant investments in companies like BetterUp, which raised substantial funding rounds in 2021 and 2024, focusing on coaching and personal development, essential components of leadership training. Additionally, their investment in Guild Education, which raised $150 million in Series E funding, highlights their commitment to workforce development and education, further supporting leadership development initiatives. These transactions demonstrate Salesforce Ventures' active role in fostering leadership development through their investment strategy.


10. Rethink Capital Partners

  • Website: rethink.vc
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: White Plains, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: rethink-capital-partners

Rethink Capital Partners is an investment firm based in White Plains, New York, specializing in impact investing within the real estate and venture capital sectors. Founded in 2012, the firm focuses on developing and managing properties while also supporting early-stage investments in education, food, and healthcare. Notably, Rethink Capital Partners has invested in several companies relevant to leadership development training, including Education Elements, which raised $6 million to enhance its educational consulting and technology partnerships, and Pathstream, which aims to build accessible pathways to high-quality digital skill careers. Their investment in Hone, which raised $3.6 million, further emphasizes their interest in platforms that support professional development and training. Rethink Capital Partners seeks to align financial returns with positive societal impact, making them a potential ally in the leadership development training space.


11. Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC)

  • Website: arc.gov
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1965
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 81
  • LinkedIn: appalachian-regional-commission

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is a public entity established in 1965, dedicated to economic development and community capacity building in the Appalachian region. Based in Washington, D.C., ARC provides grants, research, and training programs aimed at supporting local governments, nonprofits, and educational institutions in overcoming economic challenges and enhancing community development. In recent years, ARC has been involved in several significant transactions that reflect its commitment to leadership development. For instance, it provided a grant of $500,000 to Leadership Kentucky in March 2022, which focuses on developing leadership skills among individuals in the state. Additionally, ARC has funded organizations like the Tri-County Workforce Investment Board and Catalyst Connection, which received grants of $1,120,000 and $2,000,000 respectively, both aimed at improving workforce development and leadership training in their communities. These transactions highlight ARC's role in promoting leadership development as part of its broader mission to strengthen the Appalachian region.


12. NewSchools Venture Fund


NewSchools Venture Fund is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1998, based in Oakland, California, that focuses on improving education through funding and support for innovative educational ventures. They collaborate with educators, school districts, and technology developers to enhance learning outcomes and address challenges in the education sector. Notably, NewSchools has participated in several significant transactions relevant to leadership development training, including Mursion, a VR training provider that raised $8M in Series A funding, and BetterLesson, which focuses on teacher development. Their investments in companies like EdCast and Education Elements further demonstrate their commitment to enhancing educational practices and leadership training within the educational landscape.


13. Imaginable Futures


Imaginable Futures is a not-for-profit organization based in Redwood City, California, dedicated to investing in people and ideas that enhance human potential through holistic learning. Founded in 2020, they focus on social change in education and partner with local organizations to create equitable opportunities for learners. Their initiatives include funding educational programs, supporting research, and advocating for systemic change in various regions, including Sub-Saharan Africa, Brazil, and the United States. Notably, they have made significant contributions through grants to organizations such as the Latin American Leadership Academy, which focuses on developing future leaders in Latin America, and the Emerging Leaders Foundation, which aims to empower young leaders. These transactions highlight their commitment to fostering leadership development and creating pathways for individuals to grow as leaders in their communities.


14. Plug and Play Tech Center


Plug and Play Tech Center is an innovation hub and venture capital firm based in Sunnyvale, California, founded in 2006. They specialize in connecting startups with corporations to foster growth and innovation through various programs, including accelerator initiatives and investment opportunities. In 2021, they invested in Bessern, a company focused on leadership development, and in 2020, they invested $5 million in Workera, which is dedicated to skills development and workforce training. These transactions highlight their involvement in the leadership development training sector, showcasing their commitment to enhancing business development and leadership capabilities through strategic investments.


15. Goodwater Capital

  • Website: goodwatercap.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Burlingame, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2014
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 41
  • LinkedIn: goodwater-capital

Goodwater Capital is a venture capital firm based in Burlingame, California, founded in 2014. The firm specializes in consumer technology and supports seed-stage entrepreneurs by providing investment, resources, and a community to help them grow. Goodwater Capital focuses on various sectors, including healthcare and financial services, with a mission to improve access to technology solutions for underserved communities. Notably, Goodwater has participated in funding rounds for companies like Ceresa and Pragmatic Leaders, which are involved in leadership development training. Ceresa, for instance, raised funds in both pre-seed and seed rounds, indicating a commitment to enhancing leadership skills and training methodologies. This involvement highlights Goodwater's interest in fostering innovation in leadership development.


16. Reach Capital

  • Website: reachcapital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 17
  • LinkedIn: reach-capital

Reach Capital is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage startups across the learning, health, and work sectors. They are dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs with innovative solutions to significant challenges. Notably, Reach Capital has invested in Hone, which raised $2.75 million in a seed round in April 2020 and $3.6 million in January 2019, both focused on leadership training. Additionally, they participated in funding rounds for BetterLesson, a provider of professional development products for the education industry, which raised $10 million in Series B funding in November 2017 and $6 million in Series A funding in February 2016. These transactions highlight Reach Capital's commitment to supporting leadership development initiatives within the broader learning sector.


17. SouRC Group

  • Website: google.org
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Beverly Hills, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2002
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 26
  • LinkedIn: sourc-group-llc

SouRC Group, also known as Google.org, is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2002, based in Beverly Hills, California. It focuses on philanthropy and social impact, providing funding, resources, and support to nonprofits, civic entities, and academic institutions. Google.org aims to promote education, community resilience, and scientific advancement through various initiatives, including the Google.org Accelerator and Impact Challenge. In recent years, it has made significant contributions to leadership development training, such as a $2 million grant to InnovateUS to train 50,000 U.S. public sector employees in digital technologies. This initiative highlights its commitment to enhancing the skills and capabilities of government workers. Additionally, a $5 million grant to Apolitical for its Government AI Campus program aims to expand training for government decision-makers, further emphasizing its role in leadership development. Other transactions include grants to organizations like 4-H and LearnFactory, which, while not directly focused on leadership training, contribute to educational and developmental goals.


18. Citi

  • Website: citigroup.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1812
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 107
  • LinkedIn: citi

Citigroup Inc. is a financial services company based in New York, providing a range of banking and investment services to individuals and businesses. Founded in 1812, Citi has a significant presence in commercial banking, investment banking, and wealth management. In recent years, Citi has actively invested in companies that focus on education and skill development, such as Pathstream, which aims to create accessible pathways to high-quality digital skill careers, and Guild, which has raised substantial funding to support workforce development and education. These investments highlight Citi's engagement in sectors that contribute to leadership development and professional training.



Leadership Development Training Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Government of CanadaCanada, Kentucky, United States (USA)10001+1999137
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
500 GlobalSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)201-500201098
U.S. Department of LaborWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)10001+191343
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)51-2002023258
LearnAustin, Texas, United States (USA)11-5020094
GaingelsBurlington, Vermont, United States (USA)11-50201560
GSV VenturesSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)11-5020169
Salesforce VenturesSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)11-50200958
Rethink Capital PartnersWhite Plains, New York, United States (USA)11-5020123
Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC)Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)51-200196581
NewSchools Venture FundOakland, California, United States (USA)11-5019980
Imaginable FuturesRedwood City, California, United States (USA)1-1020200
Plug and Play Tech CenterSunnyvale, California, United States (USA)501-10002006253
Goodwater CapitalBurlingame, California, United States (USA)51-200201441
Reach CapitalSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)11-50201517
SouRC GroupBeverly Hills, California, United States (USA)11-50200226
CitiNew York, New York, United States (USA)10001+1812107


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