Acorn, an Australian-founded company specializing in AI-driven performance and learning management, has secured $16.8 million in Series A funding. The investment, led by Level Equity, is set to fuel Acorn’s global growth, accelerate product innovation, and strengthen strategic partnerships as the company expands its reach in the learning technology sector.
Coinciding with the funding announcement, Acorn introduced Capabilities AI—a new tool designed to automate the creation of tailored development plans. Capabilities AI rapidly maps internal capability frameworks to specific job roles, a process that traditionally took months but can now be completed in minutes. This innovation enables organizations to efficiently align employee development with business goals, moving beyond generic skills to focus on the capabilities that drive real impact.
Acorn’s Performance Learning Management System (PLMS) features a proprietary library containing over 1,600 capabilities and more than 4,800 proficiency levels. This robust resource empowers HR and L&D leaders to design clear career pathways, facilitate more effective performance discussions, and directly link learning initiatives to organizational strategy.
Blake Proberts, Acorn’s CEO, emphasized the need for a new approach to corporate learning, noting that traditional systems often fail to show employees what’s required for success in their roles. By leveraging AI to build capability frameworks and map relevant content, Acorn aims to transform passive training into strategic, performance-driven development.
Leading Acorn’s North American expansion is Vancouver-based President Keith Metcalfe, who joined the company in 2023. With this fresh capital and innovative technology, Acorn is positioned to redefine how organizations approach workforce development and performance management.
