April 2024: Melbourne startup Peeplcoach has raised a further $1.3 million in funding for its coaching platform democratising access to professional development for under-represented groups.
The raise was led by a consortium of private investors including Anytime Fitness Co-Founder Jacinta McDonnell, Australian Renewable Energy Agency Chair Justin Punch and One Ventures Director Roger Massey-Green, with LaunchVic’s Alice Anderson Fund also going in on the round.
Launched in 2020 by executive coaching and recruitment entrepreneur Christine Khor, Peeplcoach (An AFR 2022 Fast Starters company) democratises access to leadership development and 1:1 coaching through its SaaS platform.
“With billions spent globally every year (and often too late) on leadership and development, ineffective leaders and teams are causing losses in the trillions (the latest Australian figures for disengagement and poor leadership are estimated at $34 Billion p.a.), the mission of Peeplcoach is to make coaching accessible and affordable for all”, Khor says.
“Our platform breaks down the barriers of gender, ethnicity or geographical bias, and budgetary constraints that have traditionally prevented many from benefiting from coaching and training to accelerate their personal, professional and business success”.
This latest round brings Peeplcoach’s total investment to $3M+. Khor and co-founder James Chisholm plan to use this funding to develop the next stage of technology features and further support growth across the APAC region.
LaunchVic CEO Dr Kate Cornick said Khor’s experience as an executive coach positioned the company well to scale.
“The Alice Anderson Fund is thrilled to have Christine as one of our portfolio founders”.
“Christine has been a trusted advisor for many business leaders across her 35-year career. With Peeplcoach, she is scaling her expertise with on-demand virtual coaching that makes executive coaching accessible to anyone”.
Private environmental and impact investor Justin Punch (Chair of Australian Renewable Energy Agency) says of the raise, “I have invested in Peeplcoach from the beginning. Initially, because Christine’s single-minded vision to democratise coaching and now because of the growth and impact Peeplcoach has seen over the last three years”.
“Supporting female founders transcends mere equity; it’s a sound business strategy. Their invaluable perspectives, determination, and resilience are unparalleled. It’s a strategic advantage essential for shaping the inclusive future we aspire to see, and our investments must reflect this vision”, added investor and world-renowned leadership mentor Jacinta McDonell (Co-Founder Anytime Fitness)
Business leader and Pioneers in Philanthropy member Roger Massy-Greene (Director One Ventures and The Hunger Project) has been a fan of Peeplcoach for some time, “Women founders, and especially ones who establish their businesses after their 20s, have shown that they have the right stuff. They have overcome more obstacles, climbed more mountains, and lived and loved better. In short, they have demonstrated they have what it takes to be successful. Christine Khor is one of those”, said Greene.
Possible Ventures’ Simon Betschel is a foundational investor in Peeplcoach, “Investing in female founders isn’t just equity – it’s good business. They bring unique perspectives, drive, and resilience. In a diverse world, it’s a strategic advantage, and our investments should mirror the world we envision”.
Peeplcoach is a trusted leadership development partner for Honeywell, Vicinity Centres, Ingham’s and many more.
