norwegian corporate training startup attensi raises $26m from nyc’s lugard road, dx ventures
Attensi Secures $26 Million in Funding
Attensi, a corporate training startup initially founded in Oslo, Norway, has successfully raised $26 million in a new funding round.
The investment was led by Lugard Road Capital, based in New York, alongside DX Ventures – a venture capital fund supported by Delivery Hero – and existing investor Viking Venture.
Expansion Plans and Use of Funds
The newly acquired capital will be strategically allocated to facilitate expansion efforts across both North America and Europe.
Attensi’s Innovative Training Approach
Attensi distinguishes itself through a gamified approach to corporate training.
Employees are immersed in realistic 3D simulations replicating their work environments and associated processes.
Key competitors in the market include established players such as GoSkills, Mindflash, SAP Litmos, and Skilljar.
The Rise of Digital Training
The widespread shift to remote work, accelerated by the pandemic, has significantly benefited digital training platforms like Attensi.
Increased US Venture Capital Investment in European Startups
This funding round exemplifies a growing trend of U.S. venture capital firms actively seeking investment opportunities in European startups.
This increased activity is placing additional pressure on local venture capital investors.
Statements from Attensi Leadership
According to Trond Aas, co-founder and co-CEO of Attensi, “With gamified simulation training, we have combined the best of workplace psychology with our expertise in simulations and gamification to create a new category of training solutions.”
Impressive Growth and Client Base
The company reports a substantial 63% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) in annual recurring revenue.
Attensi’s client portfolio includes prominent organizations such as Daimler Mercedes Benz, Circle K, Equinor, BCG, and ASDA.
Investor Confidence
Doug Friedman, a partner at Lugard Road Capital, expressed strong enthusiasm, stating: “We could not be more excited to be investing in the Attensi team as they work to forever change and improve corporate learning and development through their Attensi solutions.”
Mike Butcher
Mike Butcher: A Profile of a Leading Tech Voice
Mike Butcher, M.B.E., is a highly respected figure in the technology landscape. Previously serving as Editor-at-large for TechCrunch, his journalistic background includes contributions to prominent UK newspapers and magazines.
Recognition and Influence
Wired UK has recognized Butcher as one of the most influential individuals shaping European technology. This acknowledgement underscores his significant impact on the sector.
Speaking Engagements and Interviews
Butcher is a sought-after speaker, having presented at prestigious events such as the World Economic Forum, Web Summit, and DLD. He has conducted interviews with a diverse range of prominent figures.
Among those he has interviewed are former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, Russia’s Dmitry Medvedev, actor Kevin Spacey, model Lily Cole, Telegram founder Pavel Durov, and Wikipedia’s Jimmy Wales, alongside numerous other technology executives and celebrities.
Broadcasting and Advisory Roles
As a frequent broadcaster, Mike Butcher regularly appears on major news networks. These include BBC News, Sky News, CNBC, Channel 4, Al Jazeera, and Bloomberg.
His expertise extends to policy advising, having consulted with UK Prime Ministers and the Mayor of London regarding technology startup initiatives. He also served as a judge on the UK edition of The Apprentice.
Awards and Founding Ventures
GQ magazine once listed him among the 100 Most Connected Men in the UK, highlighting his extensive network within the industry.
Butcher is the co-founder of several notable organizations:
- TheEuropas.com: A platform showcasing the Top 100 European startups.
- Techfugees.com: A non-profit organization.
- TechVets.co: Another non-profit initiative.
- Startup Coalition: Focused on supporting startups.
In 2016, he was awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (M.B.E.) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours. This honor recognized his contributions to both the UK technology industry and the field of journalism.