Ashley Ramrachia Shuts Down Academy After Uplifting 1,000+ Careers in Tech
Ashley Ramrachia has closed Academy, a tech talent initiative he founded in 2020. The programme helped over 1,000 people transition into tech and data roles, with a focus on diversity. Before its closure in March 2023, Academy secured £5 million in funding and formed partnerships with major companies like HSBC and Ocado.
Ramrachia launched Academy after playing a key role in scaling THG from 50 to 5,000 employees ahead of its 2020 IPO. His goal was to build a talent pipeline for the tech industry, particularly for underrepresented groups. The programme successfully moved more than 1,000 individuals—60% women and 60% from minority ethnic backgrounds—from roles in warehouses, call centres, and care work into tech and data positions.
To prove its model could expand beyond a single company, Academy partnered with HSBC, Ocado, and IAG. The initiative also raised £5 million from LocalGlobe, a long-term investor. Saul Klein, a representative from LocalGlobe, praised Ramrachia's integrity and vision, expressing excitement for his future plans. Despite its success, Ramrachia turned down two acquisition offers because he could not commit to staying with the business long-term. He later announced the closure of Academy in March 2023. In a statement, he thanked Klein for his support and reflected on the programme's achievements with pride.
Academy's closure marks the end of a programme that reshaped careers for over 1,000 people in tech. The initiative's partnerships with major firms and its £5 million funding highlighted its impact. While details about Ramrachia's next steps remain unclear, the programme's legacy in diversifying tech talent endures.
Read also:
- Federal Funding Supports Increase in Family Medicine Residency Program, Focusing on Rural Health Developments
- Potential Role of DHA in Shielding the Brain from Saturated Fats?
- Alternative Gentle Retinoid: Exploring Bakuchiol Salicylate for Sensitive Skin
- Hanoi initiates a trial program for rabies control, along with efforts to facilitate the transition from the dog and cat meat trade industry.
