Multiverse, an AI powered workforce development platform fronted by Euan Blair (son of former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair), has raised $70 million in funding to drive growth across Europe. The round was led by Schroders Capital, with participation from existing investors including General Catalyst, Lightspeed Venture Partners, D1 Capital Partners, Index Ventures, Bond, and StepStone Group.
This bags the company, whose customers include Just Eat, Addison Lee, and Debenhams Group, a $2.1 billion valuation, a $400 million increase on the last funding round.
"There are companies who desperately need the benefits AI can bring. There are AI companies. What has been missing is the layer that bridges the two," says Blair. "This investment marks the moment Multiverse defines that category, and takes it across Europe. Getting outcomes from AI and unlocking productivity is not just a technology problem. It is a people problem. We exist to solve it."
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves says: “We want Britain to achieve the fastest rate of AI adoption of any country in the G7 - the productivity dividend we can get from AI will grow businesses of all shapes and sizes in the UK and ensure they stay competitive. Multiverse is a fantastic example of a British company helping turn that ambition into reality. This investment will support its expansion across Europe, strengthening a UK firm that is competing globally and equipping people with the skills to make AI work in practice.”
Michael Mclean, Head of Private Equity Technology Investments, Schroders Capital, comments: “The evolution of AI is creating transformative opportunities to drive productivity and growth across global economies,” “Multiverse is a leader in enabling this shift, helping organisations capitalise on these tailwinds. With growing momentum across Europe, Multiverse puts the focus on AI adoption, enabling employers to upskill their workforces and translate technology investment into tangible outcomes.”
"High quality businesses with the potential for transformative, sustainable growth and value creation are key fundamentals we look for. We're therefore delighted to have led this significant fundraise as Multiverse further accelerates its growth journey."
Patrick Gallagher, CEO at Addison Lee, says: "We are delighted with the impact of our partnership with Multiverse, which plays a vital role in Addison Lee’s ongoing digital transformation. It has been incredibly rewarding to see our colleagues at every level of the business respond with such resounding positivity toward this opportunity to learn and progress. As we navigate an increasingly complex and rapidly changing landscape, this collaboration ensures our workforce remains equipped with the essential skills to drive our business forward."
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
AI will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.
The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.
Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.
Check out our 2025 winners here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.