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Noddlepod set to revolutionise community learning backed by a funding package from Finance Wales and 4 angel investors.

The Welsh ICE-based tech start-up has secured its first round of funding from Finance Wales and 4 angel investors.

Noddlepod will use the funding, which includes £105,000 from the Wales Technology Seed Fund, to develop and commercialise its collaborative learning tool. It will also enable the company to recruit a number of developers and sales staff.

Noddlepod’s innovative learning platform provides leadership networks and expert groups a safe, private environment in which to share knowledge, support and learn from each other.

“Noddlepod has a unique approach to organising and filtering information, which reduces information overload and enables peer-to-peer learning. This funding will enable us to reach new customers and build on this competitive advantage”  explained Chief Executive and co-founder, Ollie Gardener.

Finance Wales’s investment came from the Wales Technology Seed Fund, which aims to provide technology start-ups with the financial backing they need to commercialise innovative new products, services and technologies. This is Finance Wales’ fourth investment from this fund.

Economy Minister Edwina Hart said: “The Wales Technology Seed Fund was set up to  provide technology start-ups with the financial backing they need to commercialise innovative new products, services and technologies. This is Finance Wales’ fourth investment from this fund and I am pleased to see how it is supporting and helping technology companies like Noddlepod take their innovative products to market.”

Finance Wales Investment Executive, Ann Casey, made the investment in Noddlepod.  She said: “Noddlepod is the result of four years research and development. The software solves a real problem in the marketplace and has the potential to dramatically improve knowledge sharing and group learning. Finance Wales’ investment will enable Noddlepod to bring its software to market, initially targeting Business Schools and leadership development providers.”

Corporate Solicitor at Greenaway Scott, Laura Herdman, advised Noddlepod on the seed investment round. Speaking about this investment Laura Herdman said “Noddlepod is an innovative, dynamic product which has the potential to transform the way people share information and learn in parallel. I am delighted to have been involved in this deal and look forward to seeing Noddlepod develop to its full potential as a result of this investment”

Following the investment, Noddlepod’s co-founders Ollie and Stephen Gardener will now be joined in an advisory capacity by 3 of the most inspirational and successful business executives in the world of learning technologies.

Charles Jennings, Mary McKenna and Nigel Paine bring over 100 years combined experience of designing and implementing learning technologies to the Noddlepod’s board of directors.

Charles Jennings is a leading thinker and practitioner in innovative learning and one of the world’s leading experts on building and implementing 70:20:10 learning strategies.

Technology entrepreneur and angel investor, Mary Mckenna co-founded and built a successful online learning company called Learning Pool on the back of a long public sector career, growing an online community of 1 million learners along the way.

Nigel Paine is a change-focused leader with a worldwide reputation and unique grasp of media, learning and development in the public, private and academic sectors. He has extensive experience in leadership and consultancy with public service broadcasters, SMEs, global industry players, government and education institutions.

Welcoming the trio to Noddlepod’s board, Ollie Gardener said: “It’s a great pleasure to welcome such experienced individuals to our board. We truly believe we can revolutionise community learning and cannot think of a team better qualified to help us reach our potential.”