Birmingham-based Assemble You raises £1 Million
Podcast-style workplace training model aims to reach disengaged audiences such as deskless and neurodiverse workers.
Assemble You, a next-generation learning content democratising workplace training through its innovative podcast-style audio model, has secured a £1,000,000 funding round. The investment is led by £499,983 from the West Midlands Co-Investment Fund (WMCO), managed by Midven, part of Future Planet Capital, alongside investment from specialist EdTech VC investor Ufi Ventures.
Assemble You addresses the pervasive challenge of low engagement in traditional workplace training. Conventional e-learning methods, like lengthy videos and click-through modules, often fail to resonate with learners or adapt to the time constraints and diverse needs of modern workers. This is particularly true for remote and neurodiverse workers, leading to underskilled employees and high turnover. This challenge is further amplified by the need for continuous reskilling in response to rapid technological and industry changes. Assemble You’s short-form, high-impact audio content provides a flexible and accessible alternative, focusing on soft skills, leadership development, and inclusion.
Gallup’s 2024 report found that employees who have access to continuous learning are 47% more likely to be engaged at work. By addressing critical gaps in conventional training, Assemble You delivers significant value to businesses. Engaged and well-trained employees are more productive, adaptable, and loyal, directly contributing to organisational growth and resilience.
The funding will fuel Assemble You’s expansion in several key areas: content creation, significantly expanding their library and featuring subject matter experts; sales and marketing, driving growth through partner and direct revenue channels; and translation and localisation, enabling them to offer their entire audio library in German, French, and Spanish, opening up significant overseas opportunities.
Midven’s investment in Assemble You goes beyond capital. The firm will provide strategic advice, introductions to key networks, support with future fundraises, and assistance with recruitment. Midven recognised the significant value proposition of how Assemble You addresses a critical gap in the market for engaging and accessible workplace training.
The WMCO, a £25 million fund launched by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) in partnership with the West Midlands Pension Fund and managed by Midven, provides equity of up to £1 million to high-growth SMEs in the WMCA area, matched on a 1:1 basis by private co-investment.
Adam Lacey, Co-Founder of Assemble You said “This investment will have a huge impact on Assemble You and our mission, allowing us to tackle the widespread problem of disengaged employees head-on. Traditional digital training methods simply aren't working, and we're providing a solution that's not only more engaging but also truly accessible to everyone, including deskless and neurodiverse workers. This funding will enable us to expand our content library, reach more learners, and ultimately create a more skilled and future-ready workforce.”
Richard Parker, the Mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA chair, said: “Assemble You is full of the energy and creativity that is going to drive our economy into a new era of prosperity. They’re using innovative new technology to help businesses keep their employees happy and productive, in particular the most vulnerable, in a rapidly changing workplace.
“The success of small businesses will be at the core of my growth plan. And that’s why I’m backing them with the investment and support they need to develop new products, services and ways of working, take on new staff and reignite our economy.”
Huw Sparkes, Investment Manager at Midven said “We are delighted to invest in Assemble You, a company that has demonstrated innovation and forward-thinking in the digital learning and development space. Their mission to democratise workplace learning through high-quality educational content positions them well for significant growth.”
Helen Gironi, Director of Ufi Ventures, said: “Assemble You’s podcast-style audio approach tackles some of the biggest challenges in workplace learningengagement, accessibility, and inclusion. As the demand for continuous reskilling grows, they are delivering a format that truly meets learners where they are. We’re pleased to be backing them again and excited to support their next phase of growth and impact.”