Career development platform for under-represented groups raises £413k with crowdfund

A digital career development platform has secured key hires and is planning a brand penetration and marketing step-up following a crowdfunding success.

London-based Career Masterclass provides career development for ethnically-diverse professionals and under-represented groups.

Lead investors Claire Lincoln-White and David Newland of New Link Consulting joined 230 backers from across the globe who raised £413k.

The crowdfunding campaign, launched to expand its reach, raised 186 per cent of its target and the funds will now be invested into the development of the underlying technology platform, to hire key staff and on marketing and broader brand penetration.

Career Masterclass CEO, Bukola Adisa says: “The support we have had from all our investors is so gratifying and shows how committed people are to helping us fill this gap.

“A recent study showed that for the first time in six years there are no black chairs, chief executive office or chief financial officers in the UK’s 100 largest companies.”

“As a result of this new funding we look forward to taking even greater strides forward, to promote our ethos and to reach and inspire even more under-represented and unsupported professionals to achieve a more fulfilling career.”

Claire Lincoln-White says: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to collaborate with Bukola and her talented team at Career Masterclass and contribute to the next stage of the company’s growth.

“Whilst many people are empathetic to help underrepresented groups, we felt it necessary to take action and align our efforts to an organisation that not only shares our passion for change, but delivers an innovative and authentic solution.”