E-assessment platform Ixly becomes part of training institute Schouten & Nelissen with IT investor Pride Capital Partners as strategic partner in the acquisition. Ixly will retain its name and operations. Hogenhouck m&a assisted the owner of Ixly in this transaction.
Founded in 2005 by CEO Diddo van Zand, Ixly has become a market leader as a provider of tests and software that support HR professionals. With the attraction of investors Schouten & Nelissen and Pride Capital Partners, Ixly is ready for the next step. Ixly has been successfully working with Archipel, a joint venture between Pride Capital Partners and Schouten & Nelissen, for some time. "The strategic partnership between Schouten & Nelissen and Pride Capital Partners will further accelerate our growth and lead to more continuity for clients and employees," said Diddo van Zand.
E-assessment platform for HR policies
Using Ixly's e-assessment platform, companies and organizations can make HR policies based on data. This is done using various tests on ability and personality. The software and assessments are used for selection, development and retention of personnel.
With this partnership, Schouten & Nelissen is responding to employers' demand for further development of employees during their careers. Director Jan Hein Schouten on this addition: "The purchase fits within Schouten & Nelissen's strategy to perfectly align its services with a world that is becoming increasingly complex. This is in line with our philosophy in which we pull out all the stops to take people and organizations further in their professional development and personal growth."
Accelerate international rollout
The partnership provides an opportunity for Ixly to accelerate its international rollout. Germany and Belgium are the first countries in which the HR tech company plans to increase its presence. In Flanders, Ixly recently won a government tender. "Ixly is now an established player in the Dutch market. Together with Schouten & Nelissen, we offer them the opportunity to accelerate their international ambitions," said Lars van 't Hoenderdaal, managing partner of Pride Capital Partners.
Rapidly developing market for HR assessments
Mark van Beusekom, managing partner Hogenhouck m&a, on this transaction: "The Assessment market is developing strongly and growing fast, partly driven by digitalization and the ever-increasing relevance of HR & development. We were immediately impressed by the power of Ixly's assessment platform and solutions.'' Edwin Lips, director of business development at Hogenhouck: "The entrepreneurs, strategists and investors we are in contact with foresee further consolidation. We expect to realize several more 'HR-tech' transactions at Hogenhouck m&a in the coming years."
