Leeds-based digital education specialist AXOL plans to grow its client portfolio following a £65k investment from Finance Yorkshire.
Entrepreneur Sam Jordan launched the business three years ago in response to the increasing demand for elearning post the Covid pandemic.
Independent education providers are using [elearning platform] Merve, developed by AXOL, to launch their own online learning platforms to deliver courses. Businesses are also looking to Merve for their internal training needs.
The new investment from Finance Yorkshire’s loan fund is supporting AXOL’S marketing strategy to attract new clients. The investment has also enabled the business to recruit another web developer.
Jordan started his career as a web developer when he was 16. He went on to provide consultancy and IT support to businesses in Australia before returning to the UK, working in software development and digital translation services for the NHS and MoD.
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He said: “Throughout my years of experience consulting with EdTech start-ups and scale-ups, we’ve undertaken third party research to validate the efficacy of our education technology and seen a substantial benefit for students.
“Digital learning enables students to learn at their own pace, providing educators with valuable insights and time to mentor those who need it. We work with clients to build or enhance their online courses and the overall e-learning experience of their students.
“The Merve platform takes all our learnings and experience, offering the ability for anyone to host their own online learning platform for a small monthly fee.”
AXOL’S e-learning platform brings several education technology tools under one umbrella – course content management, user management and compliance with regulations such as GDPR.
Sam added: “Finance Yorkshire saw the potential in what we are trying to achieve. With it’s backing, I’m confident we will succeed.”
Alex McWhirter, Finance Yorkshire’s CEO, added: “Sam has considerable experience in the digital sector which has led him to develop an innovative e-learning platform for students.
“The digital sector is thriving at both regional and national level and will contribute to the increase in growth and wealth in the Yorkshire region.
“Finance Yorkshire is supporting AXOL’S ambitions to attract more clients and grow the business from its Yorkshire base.”
Finance Yorkshire is preparing to make further investments in 2025 after a positive review of its investment performance over the last three years during which 70 SMEs were supported, creating and safeguarding over 780 jobs and attracting £30m of private sector investment.
Investments from Finance Yorkshire’s growth, seedcorn and loan funds are expected to total £50m by 2027, enabling more SMEs across Yorkshire and the Humber to grow and prosper.
