A digital coaching provider has raised £17 million for European expansion which includes launching in the UK.
Berlin-based Sharpist provides companies with certified personal business coaches from an international pool via its mobile and web app, supplemented with personalised learning content.
Since launching in 2018, Sharpist has grown steadily and serves enterprise clients including STRABAG, Franke, Otto Group, Zalando, Metro and BASF.
The company plans to double the size of its 100-people strong team in 2022, accelerating growth across Europe including the UK and Ireland. It will open a branch in London in the coming months.
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The Series A was co-led by Endeit Capital and Capnamic with participation from selected business angels, including the former VP of Workplace at Meta Julien Codorniou, French venture studio Founders Future, and Porsche Ventures, the venture capital unit of Sharpist’s customer Porsche AG, and existing investors Vorwerk Ventures and btov Partners.
“The fresh capital allows us to further invest in our industry-defining product experience and gradually position Sharpist as the market leader for digital coaching in Europe,” said CEO and co-founder Hendrik Schriefer.
“We plan to bring our leading coaching and people development experience to other promising regions, starting with the UK and Ireland.
“We are excited to partner with our new investors Endeit Capital, Capnamic, and Porsche Ventures on our mission to become the leading platform for career and people development – we will substantially benefit from their vast experience in building strong, multi-national leaders.”
Jörg Binnenbrücker, managing partner at Capnamic, added: “I firmly believe that the edtech sector is one of the most promising areas for growth. Innovative ways of teaching and coaching remotely, like Sharpist is providing through its digital and highly personalised one-on-one approach, are fundamentally changing how we learn and grow.
“Sharpist is clearly leading the space and has become the trusted provider of many of DACH’s largest enterprises. We are excited and look forward to supporting Hendrik and Fabian in building on their existing success.”