HowNow Raises $9.5M to accelerate AI-powered upskilling and transform workplace learning globally.

HowNow, a UK-based AI-powered learning and skills platform, has secured $9.5 million in Series A funding to expand its mission of workplace upskilling. The "hownow funding" round was led by Mercia Ventures, Pearson, and Fuel Ventures, with continued support from earlier backers.

The funding will be used to enhance HowNow's AI capabilities, grow its team, and support its global expansion. CEO and co-founder Nelson Sivalingam shared, “With this funding, we’re not doubling down on our commitment to upskill 10 million people by 2030 – we’re making it happen.”

HowNow was founded in 2015 by brothers Nelson and Kuvera Sivalingam, along with Ashish Kumar. Headquartered in London with a growing team in Mumbai, the company serves customers in over 30 countries. Its platform helps organizations support learning in real-time, tailored to employee needs rather than standard course lists.

Unlike traditional learning systems focused on tracking hours or completion rates, HowNow’s AI tools assess skill needs based on roles and performance. These agents create personalized pathways and deliver content within the workflow, helping teams build skills faster and more efficiently.

HowNow’s AI doesn’t stop at personalization. It also automates complex reporting, tracks skill proficiency using actual performance data, and even provides an AI assistant to support L&D teams. These innovations are designed to help companies transform learning from a checkbox activity to a strategic advantage.

The company’s vision is rooted in the belief that when learning is timely and relevant, it can drive meaningful growth for both people and businesses. "Learning isn’t about endless courses and hours logged; it is about the progress you can see, the skills you can use, and the growth you can measure," said Sivalingam.

HowNow’s approach has made it one of the fastest-growing platforms in the learning and development space. It has already earned trust from notable mid-market and enterprise brands and is quickly becoming a go-to for upskilling solutions.

The company’s leadership team has also grown, with key hires including Chris Chesterman as Head of Sales and Sam Lawton as Head of Customer Experience. They bring a wealth of experience to help scale HowNow’s operations and support customers at every stage.

With its latest funding, HowNow plans to reach 10 million people with its upskilling platform by 2030. This aligns with the broader global goal set by the World Economic Forum to upskill one billion individuals within the same timeframe.

The journey is fueled by a mission to bring relevance back to workplace learning. In an era where the pace of work continues to accelerate, upskilling is no longer a luxury—it’s essential. HowNow aims to meet this need with smart, scalable tools built for today’s challenges.

As HowNow continues to grow, it remains committed to the people behind the platform. Sivalingam thanked his team and customers: “What makes HowNow special isn’t just our products or our approach, it’s our team. They’re the reason our customers don’t just love our product, they love working with us.”

With fresh funding and a bold roadmap, HowNow is redefining how learning drives business success. By using AI to close skill gaps and empower people in real time, it’s helping companies stay ready for what’s next—one skill at a time.

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