DENVER – December 6, 2023 – ACI Learning, a leader in audit, cybersecurity, and IT training, has announced its acquisition of Infosec Learning, a prominent digital skills learning platform specializing in cybersecurity, cyber ranges, and software training. This acquisition marks ACI Learning’s fourth strategic addition as a portfolio company under Boathouse Capital. This move underscores ACI’s commitment to creating a unified platform, integrating best-in-class training solutions for today’s dynamic workplace, especially in the critical field of infosec learning.
In an era where the cybersecurity landscape is constantly evolving, ACI Learning is proactively shaping the market. The acquisition of Infosec Learning significantly enhances ACI’s robust portfolio of training solutions. These solutions are designed to empower individuals to enter cybersecurity and IT roles and to support professionals in advancing their careers, all while bolstering organizational defenses against cyber threats. For businesses, this translates to increased confidence in their data protection strategies through enhanced infosec learning initiatives for their teams.
The daily emergence of new cyber threats, alongside persistent traditional risks, compels organizations to continuously adapt and strengthen their defenses. Staying ahead of malicious actors requires an agile and comprehensive training and assessment infrastructure. This infrastructure must equip individuals and leaders with the essential knowledge and skills to effectively protect digital assets and sensitive information. Furthermore, organizations need the capability to rigorously test these skills and analyze expertise levels across their teams. This adaptability is crucial in the face of evolving work environments, such as remote work, and the rapid integration of technologies like AI into enterprise systems, all of which impact the demands of infosec learning.
“This acquisition further consolidates the market, providing us with greater scale, data, and insights to refine our learning platform,” stated Brett Shively, CEO of ACI Learning. “Our enhanced platform is designed to deliver an experience that is now essential for both individuals and organizations.” He emphasized, “Customers choose ACI for our robust training content, courses, and assessments, and our dedication to staying ahead of the rapidly changing dynamics within their industries. The persistent challenges of evolving threats, coupled with the introduction of new technologies like AI, have significantly increased the importance of cybersecurity, audit, and IT skills training and assessment. The stakes for effective infosec learning have never been higher.”
The assets acquired from Infosec Learning include an impressive library of over 500 configurable labs. These labs offer advanced simulation, assessment, and reporting functionalities, providing a hands-on approach to infosec learning.
Jim Kowatch, president & CEO of Infosec Learning, commented, “From the outset, we focused on delivering our training through a cloud-based, subscription learning environment.” He added, “This approach ensures our catalog of courses and labs remains flexible and responsive to our customers’ evolving needs. ACI’s existing offerings and customer base align perfectly with ours. We are excited to integrate our portfolio and customer relationships into the ACI platform, which is dedicated to future-proofing organizations worldwide through superior infosec learning solutions.”
Infosec Learning provides innovative and impactful virtual labs to colleges, universities, and businesses, facilitating hands-on, personalized infosec learning experiences. Their virtual lab solution offers an online, remotely accessible environment that simulates real-world scenarios, preparing students with the necessary skills for security practitioner roles. The virtual labs incorporate step-by-step instructions and a “capture the flag” assessment feature to reinforce learning and verify skill acquisition in infosec learning.
Tyton Partners served as the financial advisor and Armstrong Teasdale LLP as the legal advisor to Infosec Learning for this transaction. Ice Miller LLP provided legal counsel to ACI Learning.
About ACI Learning
ACI Learning is revolutionizing corporate training and professional development in audit, cybersecurity, and information technology. Trusted by Fortune 500 companies, leading universities, and small businesses, ACI Learning empowers the modern workforce. As a continuous partner, ACI identifies critical skill gaps and delivers immediate, effective solutions to businesses, channel partners, and individuals. From foundational technology education to advanced cybersecurity for critical infrastructure, ACI’s certified instructors deliver engaging certification preparation and skills training through high-quality content, supporting professionals throughout their career journey and emphasizing the importance of continuous infosec learning. For more information, please visit www.acilearning.com.
About Boathouse Capital
Boathouse Capital, based in Philadelphia, is a private equity firm managing $650 million in capital. They invest between $25 million and $100 million in control equity in high-growth middle-market companies, particularly in SaaS/software and technology-enabled services. Boathouse Capital focuses on sector-specific investments, partnering with management teams to foster long-term value creation and position companies for accelerated growth, including those in the infosec learning sector.
