Learning technology tech start-up #noddlepod has secured its first round of funding from Finance Wales and 4 angel investors.
noddlepod will use the funding to further develop its collaborative learning tool and take it to market. It will also enable the company to recruit a number of developers and sales staff.
Noddlepod’s collaborative learning platform provides leadership networks and expert groups a safe, private environment in which to share knowledge, support and learn from each other.
Ollie Gardener, Noddlepod’s chief executive and co-founder, said: “Noddlepod has a unique approach to organising and filtering information, which reduces information overload and enables peer-to-peer learning. This funding will enable us to reach new customers and build on this competitive advantage.”
Finance Wales Investment Executive, Ann Casey, who made the investment in Noddlepod, said: “Noddlepod is the result of four years research and development. The software solves a real problem in the marketplace and has the potential to dramatically improve knowledge sharing and group learning. Finance Wales’ investment will enable Noddlepod to bring its software to market, initially targeting Business Schools and leadership development providers.”
Following the investment, Noddlepod’s co-founders Ollie and Stephen Gardener will now be joined in an advisory capacity by three familiar names in learning development: Charles Jennings, Mary McKenna and Nigel Paine.
Charles Jennings is a leading thinker and practitioner in innovative learning and one of the world’s leading experts on building and implementing 70:20:10 learning strategies.
Technology entrepreneur and angel investor, Mary Mckenna co-founded and built a successful online learning company called Learning Pool on the back of a long public sector career, growing an online community of 1 million learners along the way.
Nigel Paine is a change-focused leader with a worldwide reputation and unique grasp of media, learning and development in the public, private and academic sectors. He has extensive experience in leadership and consultancy with public service broadcasters, SMEs, global industry players, government and education institutions.
Welcoming the trio to Noddlepod’s board, Ollie Gardener said: “It’s a great pleasure to welcome such experienced individuals to our board. We truly believe we can revolutionise community learning and cannot think of a team better qualified to help us reach our potential.”
