LMS365, a Danish online learning management system (LMS) designed for seamless integration with Microsoft products, has secured $20 million in its first institutional funding round. The platform, which is utilized by companies such as logistics giant Hellmann and G&J Pepsi, allows users to create their own courses or import them from third-party providers like Go1 or LinkedIn Learning. LMS365's partnership with LinkedIn Learning was announced last month.

A key selling point for LMS365 is its ability to embed the learning management system directly into employees' everyday tools, setting it apart from competitors such as Workday, Eloomi, and TalentLMS.

CEO Rasmus Holst emphasized to us that LMS365 "does not invent a technology problem, but meets the professionals where they are." The platform's course creator and learning module builder enables users to drag-and-drop elements from existing Microsoft Office content or import pre-existing courses or quizzes stored in the SCORM or AICC format. This functionality allows for new hires to be onboarded directly through Microsoft Teams and receive ongoing training across various disciplines.

Managers can also monitor learner progress and present relevant data using Microsoft Power BI visuals. LMS365's evolution began in 2003 with Elearningforce, which was founded by dentist Bjarne Mortensen and focused on on-premise deployments of Microsoft SharePoint. Over time, the company shifted to a cloud-based product supporting Teams and Microsoft 365, and recently added support for Viva, Microsoft's employee experience and engagement platform.

Although the company's official name remains Elearningforce, it transitioned to the LMS365 brand in 2015 to reflect its focus on Microsoft. According to Holst, targeting training delivery through Microsoft offers a global, coherent market with 350 million users and an extensive software suite. LMS365's Microsoft focus also minimizes risks associated with supporting multiple software ecosystems.

The majority of LMS365 users are based in the U.S., with almost a third in the EMEA region and the remainder spread worldwide. Holst noted that typical customers are SMEs with 200 to 1,000 users across industries such as services, logistics, manufacturing, automotive, healthcare, and government.

New York-based Blue Cloud Ventures led the recent investment round, with participation from Singapore's Kamet Capital and existing shareholders. LMS365 plans to use the funding to accelerate global growth by acquiring distribution partners in the U.S., Germany, and Australia. LMS365 Chief Strategy Officer Henrik Jeberg commented, "We see a clear window of opportunity in the market where we can accelerate. We will use M&A strategically going forward, including in relation to product development."