Humly, a Swedish education technology company, has recently received a boost with financial support from Alfvén & Didrikson and Viking Venture. The amount of money is unknown, but it’s expected to help Humly grow quickly in its current markets. The startup is addressing the teacher shortage issue in Sweden and the United Kingdom, with locations including Fareham, Milton Keynes, Bristol, Birmingham, Sheffield, Nottingham, Liverpool, Manchester, and Newcastle.
Humly’s priority with this fundraising will be to expand further in the UK market. This will be achieved through mergers and acquisitions, and by reinforcing the market and providing a better user experience. Humly began in 2015 with the goal of creating a marketplace for substitute teachers that serves both the private and public educational sectors. It’s been successful in helping over 3,000 schools and preschools with their supply staffing needs. Humly Group consists of Humly, Simply Supply, Supply Teaching, and Eyears.
Gustav Bild-Tofftin, Chief Executive Officer of Humly, commented on the company: “Humly is in the business of empowering educators, affording them the liberty to choose their work hours, locations, and load. Our digital platform is making this autonomy a reality. By 2030, the void of a teacher may haunt as many as 69 million classrooms and nurseries. Yet, a single push of a button on our platform can pave the way for educators to find and seize jobs that echo their calling. This investment is the fuel propelling us on this ambitious journey.”
The investment from Alfvén & Didrikson and Viking Venture, both committed to driving innovation and positive transformation within the educational industry, underscores their commitment. Maria Åhr, Partner at Alfvén & Didrikson, said: “We are impressed with Humly’s efficient marketplace and how closely they work with their customers to create a long-lasting and healthy business. It is a dedicated and humble team that we look forward to working with. The opportunities are enormous, and Alfvén & Didrikson’s experience from scaling growth companies internationally with existing investor Viking Ventures’ long software expertise is a good match with the Company’s needs going forward.”
Eivind Bergsmyr, Partner, Viking Venture & Chairman of the board of Humly, also commented: “It’s been a great pleasure to work closely with founders Gustav Bild-Tofftin and Kristoffer Persson and the rest of the great Humly team and follow their growth journey so far. Introducing A&D as a co-investor strengthens the team and proves that Humly is on the right path forward.”
Humly is providing teachers across the UK with a great opportunity to gain flexible employment and increase their autonomy. The recent investment from Alfvén & Didrikson and Viking Venture will ensure Humly can continue to provide quality teachers to schools and nurseries, helping to alleviate the teacher shortage issue.
