SafetyCulture deepens its COVID response with $29M acquisition of ‘micro-learning’ app

September 16, 2020  |  Startland News Staff

Darren Winterford, EdApp CEO, and Luke Anear, SafetyCulture CEO; photo courtesy of Business Wire

An Australian startup with a significant presence in Kansas City has acquired a mobile training app to boost COVID-era education for businesses through free “micro-learning” resources.

“We’re experiencing the biggest workplace shake-up since economies were rebuilt after World War II. This is not survival of the fittest, this is survival of those that can adapt,” said Luke Anear, CEO of SafetyCulture, detailing how folding in EdApp’s technology is the next step for the company. “The pandemic has made it clear there’s a huge appetite for training as companies look to get safely back to business. EdApp will strengthen our ability to support businesses to do their best work.”

EdApp offers micro lessons downloaded straight to users’ smartphones. Learners acquire knowledge in targeted bursts when it suits them best and can learn at their own pace, according to SafetyCulture, which boasts a Crossroads-based second headquarters in Kansas City. Courses that employ micro elearning typically see completion rates rise from as low as 15 percent to about 90 percent and beyond, the company said in a press release. The app currently delivers about 50,000 lessons per day across more than 90 countries.

Click here to learn more about EdApp, which hails from New York City.

SafetyCulture’s $29 million acquisition of EdApp comes as the Sydney, Australia-born workplace safety and quality platform dedicates its 2020 to helping businesses navigate reopening amid new safety restrictions, Anear said.

In response to COVID-19, SafetyCulture digitized workplace guidance from governments and leading industry bodies across the world into free, ready to use and customizable checklists via its iAuditor app — which already has more than 75,000 users at more than 26,000 organizations.

Click here to learn more about iAuditor.

SafetyCulture employs more than 60 workers in Kansas City. Globally, the company has raised $100 million from investors. 

startland-tip-jar

TIP JAR

Did you enjoy this post? Show your support by becoming a member or buying us a coffee.

Tagged , , ,
Featured Business
    Featured Founder

      2020 Startups to Watch

        stats here

        Related Posts on Startland News

        Juaquan Herron

        ‘Scarlet Knight’ cuts through comic book stigma with real-life entrepreneur, brand crossovers

        By Tommy Felts | February 11, 2020

        Continuing his comic book quest to capture the realities of urban life, Juaquan Herron returns to drop the Scarlet Knight’s second volume — this time featuring some recognizable Kansas City faces, he said.  “It’s just one of those things where you definitely have to figure out other avenues to make the brand bigger — bigger…

        Zego Paylease

        Nine months after KC startup’s exit, its new owner adopts ‘Zego’ name, identity

        By Tommy Felts | February 11, 2020

        Acquiring Kansas City-based Zego was a smart move for its new owner, the San Diego company said Tuesday — and a decision so impactful that the evolving tech platform is taking on the name and personality of the exited smart home startup. “We are excited to take the next steps in our company’s evolution,” said Dirk…

        WeWork Lightwell

        First look: WeWork Lightwell illuminates space for growing teams downtown (Photos)

        By Tommy Felts | February 8, 2020

        Despite national headlines that question WeWork’s staying power, a second Kansas City location signals light at the end of the tunnel for the coworking giant.  “The expectation of the workforce is changing,” Erik Wullschleger, WeWork community director, explained during a Startland News tour of the newly opened space, which occupies the third and fourth floors…

        Pro Athlete

        Beyond just bats: Pro Athlete takes a swing at apparel, innovation with its first acquisition

        By Tommy Felts | February 8, 2020

        Whether a company has just left the bench or been in the game for more than 30 years, the key to innovation is simple: maintain a startup mentality and growth is sure to follow, said Andrew Dowis.  “One of our core values is embracing innovation,” explained Dowis, CEO of Pro Athlete — a Kansas City-grown…