Sydney private equity firm Liverpool Partners’ impact investment arm Inspire Impact has taken a 50% stake in New Zealand edutech business The Mind Lab and its sister brand Tech Futures Lab.
The Mind Lab was founded in 2013 by chief executive Frances Valintine, who holds a Masters’ degree in education management.
Valintine retains the other 50% of the business.
The Mind Lab claims to be New Zealand’s leading education organisation focused on upskilling postgraduate students for the demands of the future economy. Focus areas include technology, education, digital skills and sustainability.
The company says its courses are designed by industry experts using real life practical experiences and contemporary knowledge and are fully accredited by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority. Content is available online or delivered live at The Mind Lab’s Auckland campus.
Valintine said Inspire Impact’s investment will enable growth into markets beyond New Zealand. Australia is expected to be the first new market.
She said Mind Lab’s courses address business executives’ knowledge gaps in areas beginning to dominate business process such as artificial intelligence, data capture and predictive analysis.
Liverpool Partners and Inspire Impact managing partner Jonathan Lim said: “This partnership signals the significance we believe education has in preparing professionals for changing market expectations and a changing world. We are particularly interested in the rapid global rise of micro-credentials as a highly responsive and accessible alternative to traditional degrees.”
Image: Mind Lab chief executive Frances Valintine.