PebblePad, a Telford, UK-based EdTech software provider, received an investment from NorthEdge, a private equity firm.
However, the amount of the deal was not disclosed.
With this investment, the company intends to continue investing in people and additional resources in the US.
Founded in 2004 by former university lecturer Shane Sutherland, PebblePad offers a learning journey platform with capabilities in student-centred learning, supporting higher education institutions across the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States. It is used by over 130 universities worldwide, including 30 top-ranked global universities. The platform integrates ePortfolios, workbooks, and assessments to unify the learning journey. It gives students a holistic view of their experiences within and beyond the curriculum, from pre-arrival to alumni. This evidence-based approach supports higher education institutions in improving student engagement, development, and retention alongside enhancing student experiences, outcomes, and employability.
Commenting on the investment, Shane Sutherland, Founder and CEO of PebblePad, said:
Partnering with NorthEdge allows us to fast-track our growth plans in the United States, introduce new features, enhance our expertise through access to a broader network, and further our mission to deliver exceptional student experiences and outcomes.
The investment will also support the business’s continued investment in its people. Andrew Galloway joins the business as Chief Financial Officer and brings with him extensive experience working with private equity-backed businesses. The plan will also enable the business to invest in additional resources in the US and ensure it remains a great place to work as it continues to scale.
Dan Matkin, Director at NorthEdge, added:
We are pleased to be backing Shane and the highly ambitious team at PebblePad to continue the platform’s growth. The business has a strong track record of growth and has already established a reputation for delivering learning experiences that help clients and students achieve their desired outcomes. Our investment will support PebblePad in delivering these outcomes on a larger scale internationally. At NorthEdge, we have an incredibly strong track record in the technology sector – backing founders to scale their businesses in the UK and internationally from the UK regions, so we are delighted to continue our momentum in this space through our partnership with PebblePad.
Jon Pickering, NorthEdge’s Chief Investment Officer, led the deal alongside Dan Matkin, Director, and Simone Masterson, Investment Manager.
NorthEdge was advised by PwC (Corporate Finance), Strategy& (Commercial Due Diligence), Cortus Advisory (Financial Due Diligence), Squire Patton Boggs (Legal Due Diligence), Fellwood (Debt Advisory), Deloitte (Tax Due Diligence), Claritas (Tax Structuring), Lockton (Insurance Due Diligence), Outside In (Political Due Diligence), ReThought Solutions (Technology Due Diligence), Swan Partners (Transaction Support), Holtara (ESG Due Diligence), Forvis Mazars (Cyber Due Diligence) and Catalysis Advisory (Human Capital Planning).
PebblePad was advised by Bishopsgate (Corporate Finance), Gateley (Legal), Claritas (Tax) and Crosslake (Technology).
Based in Manchester, Leeds and Birmingham, NorthEdge manages over £900 million of private equity funds aimed at lower-mid market buy-out and development capital transactions in the Technology, Healthcare, Business Services and Specialised Industrial sectors.
