Thrive acquires Huler to integrate learning, mentoring and workplace tools

Thrive, an online learning technology company based in Nottinghamshire, has acquired Huler, a smart intranet provider headquartered in Stoke-on-Trent, in a pre-pack deal through administrators. The acquisition follows Thrive’s recent purchase of Guider, an AI-based mentoring and coaching platform, and supports its strategy to build an integrated employee platform combining learning, mentoring and communication tools.

Seventeen employees have transferred from Huler to Thrive as part of the agreement. Huler will continue to operate under its existing brand, with plans for additional investment in system integration, analytics and AI personalisation.

Huler’s platform provides a digital workspace that brings together multiple workplace tools such as Slack, Trello and Jira, allowing employees to view updates, calendars and communications in one interface. Its clients have included Travelodge, Centrica, EE, Qinetiq, St James’s Place Wealth Management, and Dairy Queen.

The company was launched in 2022 and previously raised £3.5 million to support its development, including investment from Mercia’s EIS funds and the Midlands Engine Investment Fund. It had operated from locations in Stoke-on-Trent, New York, San Francisco, London and Manchester.

Huler had undergone several leadership changes in the past year. Co-founder Nicky Hoyland left in January, following the earlier departure of fellow co-founder Gareth Mobley, who moved into an investor-director role. Richard Urwin, who joined Huler in a creative role, became chief executive in January.

Urwin said:

“We set out to change the world of work and make workplace tools feel as intuitive and accessible as the apps people love outside of work.

“We’ve always had bold ambitions and a different way of doing things, so teaming up with Thrive made perfect sense.

“With their momentum, vision and standout tech stack, we’re not just building tools for the AI era – we’re delivering them to customers who are ready to lead now.”

Thrive’s CEO and founder, Sean Reddington, commented:

“We’re in the AI era now, and it’s time workplace tools caught up.

“With Thrive, Guider and Huler, we’re building tools that are actually fit for how people think, learn and work today.

“They’re fast, intuitive, and built to bring together human connection and AI – the way work should be.”

Thrive has also recently signed for a new global headquarters in London’s King’s Cross.

Cassie Gasson, co-CEO at Thrive, added:

“We’re not just buying another product, we’re building a movement and investing in a future where every employee’s learning, comms and growth are connected by design.

“Together, Thrive and Huler are creating a workplace experience that’s as engaging and intuitive as the apps we use in our daily lives. This is what a real connected employee experience looks like and we’re excited to lead it.”