Benchmark International Successfully Facilitated the Transaction Between Speak First Limited and LTD Group B.V.

Benchmark International is delighted to announce the acquisition of Speak First by LTD Group, trading as Lepaya.

Speak First is a global consulting, leadership and communication training specialist, working with large organisations to develop strategies enabling long-term sustainable business growth, while simultaneously enhancing individual staff development.

Founded by René Janssen and Peter Kuperus in 2018, Lepaya is a rapidly growing Amsterdam-based company with a global reach. By combining hard skills with soft skills, offered together as ‘Power Skills’, the company has made itself a strong challenger in the growing European edtech market, in which the demand for reskilling and upskilling continues to increase.

The acquisition of Speak First showcases immense scalability and allows Lepaya to further intensify its investments into both cutting-edge companies and technologies, such as VR and AI-coaching, to further consolidate the learning and development industry.

René Janssen, CEO and co-founder of Lepaya, said: “We are growing fast, and see both organic and inorganic growth as opportunities to transform the way enterprise companies build learning cultures. I am excited to add Speak First to our portfolio, and continue to push the envelope in relevance, quality, context, and technology. With Speak First on board, we not only extend our reach but take the next step in challenging traditional L&D players.”

Amanda Vickers, CEO of Speak First, commented: “We have over 30 years of experience educating and training senior managers. But we also want to continue to develop ourselves as a company. By joining a high-growth, ambitious player like Lepaya, we can become truly transformational and empower our customers with modern learning technology and methodologies.”

On working with Benchmark International, Ms. Vickers added:

“From start to finish the service and support provided by Benchmark was exceptional. With their help I achieved a great deal and was able to make sure my staff and clients are going to be looked after well in the future. The whole team is great…I would highly recommend them.”

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