US Firm, Noodle, Acquires South African Edtech, Hubble Studios
There have been opinions that South Africa does mergers and acquisitions better than any other African country. Disrupt Africa’s 2022 South Africa Startup Ecosystem Report noted that South Africa’s startup ecosystem leads the way in exit mergers and acquisitions (M&As). 2022 began with Volaris Group’s $88 million acquisition of software and IT firm Adapt IT in January. Principa was acquired by Hyperclear; inq.’ acquired Syrex, and Gumtree acquired Impresa Capital. Several other acquisitions followed in 2022.
2023 has now started in a similar fashion as Noodle, a US-based e-learning content provider, has completed the acquisition of Hubble Studios, a global e-learning design firm headquartered in Cape Town. The companies claim that the acquisition will lead to the creation of several new jobs in SA as Noodle keeps up its rapid rate of expansion.
Hannes Geldenhuys and Robert Paddock, co-founders of GetSmarter, established Hubble Studios in 2012 in South Africa with the goal of creating specialized online educational technology and content that will maximize learning impact and support the goals of its partner organizations, foundations, and clients.
Its main goal is to direct, co-design, and produce client-driven customized e-learning solutions by developing formal evaluations, notes, graphics, videos, animation, as well as games that are specifically designed for learning.
To lead international collaborations, Geldenhuys, CEO of Hubble Studios, will join Noodle as senior vice president of international.
“The management and staff of Hubble Studios are honored to join the esteemed team at Noodle and contribute to their trailblazing efforts to deliver high-quality, rigorous, and accessible hybrid degree programs.
“As one entity, we can elevate our support for university partners in North America and introduce the Noodle brand to universities around the world,” Geldenhuys concluded.
The company claims that with this acquisition, Noodle has entered the local market, with aspirations to expand to other nations like Australia, England, Germany, Switzerland, and Singapore. According to the firm, the increased capacity expedites its objective to modernize online learning architecture and the overall learner experience for Noodle’s university partners and students.
The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Butler University, Yale School of Nursing, and Hubble Studios are just a few of the partners that Noodle, and Hubble Studios are currently developing more than 100 courses for.
The acquisition takes place at an exciting time for Noodle’s growth and iteration, as well as its dedication to creating a strong partner environment. Noodle now collaborates with over 40 colleges and 30 businesses globally after the acquisition of Hubble Studios.
John Katzman, the founder, and CEO of Noodle states that the acquisition underscores and enhances Noodle’s commitment to providing world-class online learning design affordable for partners and modernizes teaching and learning.
“We believe Hubble Studio’s innovative and interactive design capabilities empower Noodle to create a unified vision for the rigor and aesthetic of the online learning experience and to integrate that vision into the ongoing student journey, from inquiry to alumnus, and becoming a lifelong learner,” Katzman stated.