After a somewhat slow start to the year, the corporate training market gained momentum in the second quarter of 2025. Activity was strongest in the workforce development and artificial intelligence (AI) sectors, reflecting broader L&D trends: the rising demand for scalable, skills-based solutions and AI-driven tools that support business growth.
Organized by industry sector, let’s consider the deals that took place last quarter.
Workforce Development
The workforce development sector saw three deals last quarter, representing the demand for industry-specific and career readiness solutions:
- 360training.com, Inc., a provider of regulatory-approved training for the food and beverage industry, announced the acquisition of three brands: TABC On The Fly, Certified On The Fly and BASSET On The Fly. “This acquisition represents a bold step forward in our mission to deliver trusted, accessible regulatory training that protects the public and supports industry professionals,” says Tom Anderson, CEO of 360training, in the press release.
- Lumber, a construction workforce management platform, announced its acquisition of BuilderFax, a digital credential management platform for construction craft workers.
- Pearson announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire eDynamic Holdings LP (“eDynamic Learning”), a leading career and technical education (CTE) curriculum solutions provider. “This acquisition is aligned to Pearson’s strategy, enabling Pearson to scale its position in the fast-growing Early Careers space and broaden capabilities in career-readiness solutions,” the press release.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
While not without its challenges, AI adoption continues to bring opportunities to L&D teams. LinkedIn Learning’s 2025 Workplace Learning Report explains, “Organizations no longer need to choose between personalization and scale. And L&D pros are leaning in to use AI for their own routines — 71% are exploring, experimenting, or integrating AI into their work.”
The AI sector saw three deals last quarter, reflecting ongoing interest in AI-powered learning solutions:
- Udemy (UDMY), an AI-powered skills development platform, finalized a $200 million senior secured revolving credit facility. “CEO Hugo Sarrazin stated that the new facility strengthens Udemy’s ability to invest in high-return initiatives and accelerate AI innovation across both enterprise and consumer offerings,” the press release.
- Acorn, an AI-powered performance and learning management platform, announced a $12.3 million Series A funding round led by Level Equity.
- AI-powered training video creation tool Trupeer.ai, the winner of first-ever Salesforce Ventures AI Pitchfield, raised $3 million from world’s biggest VC funds and strategic angels.
Leadership Training
In the leadership training sector:
- Mindtools, a global management and leadership skills development provider owned by Cambridge Information Group (CIG), announced its acquisition of Kineo, a global provider of workplace learning solutions, from City & Guilds. The acquisition will help Mindtools expand its global reach into high-growth regions, including Latin America, Asia Pacific and South Africa.
Learning Tech
In the learning tech sector:
- Attensi, a provider of game-based solutions for skills and people development, has secured over $25 million in non-dilutive growth funding sourced from Ture Invest Partners. In the press release, Trond Aas, co-founder and CEO of Attensi, shares, “This is great news for Attensi as we invest further into our growth plans, particularly in the US market. There are several areas where the expected return-on-investment is very high.”
IT and Technical Training
The IT and technical training sector also saw one deal last quarter:
- Pistachio, an Oslo-based company developing an AI-powered cybersecurity awareness training platform, secured $7 million in Series A funding led by Walter Ventures, with participation from Idékapital, Angel Invest, MP PENSJON PK, and J12 Ventures.
