Learning Pool acquires HT2 Labs to create unique Learning Experience and Analytics Solutions
Leading online learning company, Learning Pool, has today announced the acquisition of HT2 Labs, the Oxfordshire-based learning innovation company best known for its market-leading Learning Locker and Curatr products. HT2 Labs, led by Dr Ben Betts, is the third business to join the Learning Pool Group in the last three years following the acquisitions of Mind Click in Nottingham and MediaCorp in Glasgow.
HT2 is a true pioneer in learning technologies, with a well-earned reputation for creating leading edge learning solutions that use modern technology to deliver innovative business outcomes. Globally, HT2 Labs has more than twelve thousand installations of Learning Locker, making it the world's most-installed Learning Record Store (LRS), and its Curatr Learning Experience Platform (LXP) scooped gold for ‘Best advance in Social Learning’ in the Brandon Hall Group Excellence awards last year.
The company recently won The Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Innovation and their incorporation strengthens Learning Pool's own portfolio of innovative technology whilst further enhancing domestic and international operations with offices near Oxford, UK and Boston, Massachusetts.
Learning Pool is already an HT2 Labs partner; reselling Learning Locker to customers and using the technology as a core part of Headstream; the company’s own next-generation LXP. This acquisition will see the rapid deployment of the world’s first technology platform that offers genuine learning in the workflow through social learning and curation, AI-recommendation and natural language processing, advanced analytics and chatbot technology.
Speaking about the acquisition, Learning Pool’s CEO Paul McElvaney said, “We’re delighted to welcome Ben, Alan and the HT2 Labs team to Learning Pool. We’ve been admirers of HT2 Labs’ products for a long time and are excited to be working even more closely with a team who share our passion for innovation; creating positive business impact and driving customer service.
Our ambition remains to be at the forefront of L&D innovation; delivering world-class learning technologies and content for our growing, diverse network of customers. By bringing HT2 Labs into the Learning Pool Group, we’re positioning ourselves to fully deliver on that.”
Ben Betts, CEO at HT2 Labs said, “Joining forces with Learning Pool will enable us to quickly deliver the innovation we’re known for but at a much greater scale. Both businesses have a passion for learning and an incredible focus on delivering exceptional customer service and measurable results for our clients around the world. Our vision is effective, seamless, right-sized e-learning delivered at the moment of need on the most appropriate device, using the most appropriate learning approach. The combined product roadmap we’ve drawn up means that we can make that future available to customers right now.”
Ben is reinvesting in Learning Pool as part of the transaction and will join the executive team at Learning Pool as Chief Product Officer with lead responsibility for the company’s innovation strategy. Central to this will be the creation of Learning Pool Labs, an ambitious initiative that offers Learning Pool staff and customers an opportunity to investigate real-world problems and develop pioneering learning solutions that improve business outcomes.
About HT2 Labs
HT2 Labs are pioneers in workplace digital learning. Our innovations in software are used by global organisations, including BP, GE, HSBC, IHG, and KPMG, to develop exceptional talent with remarkable efficiency. A commitment to innovation coupled with customer success has been showcased by major award wins throughout the world, including the Queen’s Award for Enterprise Innovation, 2019 and ‘Gold’ for ‘Best Social Learning Platform’ at the Brandon Hall awards 2018.
About the transaction
Learning Pool is backed by Carlyle Cardinal Ireland (CCI), an investment fund sponsored by The Carlyle Group and Cardinal Capital Group. CCI invested in Learning Pool in 2016 to support its continued growth and development. Since then the company has enjoyed triple digit growth and completed three acquisitions. The Company has doubled its workforce in the last 3 years.
Advisors to Learning Pool were Millar McCall Wylie LLP led by Corporate Partner Damian McParland assisted by Louise Cavanagh and Scott Kennedy (Corporate), Andrew Kerr (Property) and Jan Cunningham (Employment). Corporate Finance advice was provided by David McCloy (Beltrae Partners).
Advisors to HT2 Labs were White & Black led by Partner Stephen Silvester, assisted by Suzanne Whiteman.