Praxis Labs Joins Forces with Torch to Enhance Leadership Development
Praxis Labs, a platform focused on learning and development, has been acquired by Torch, a leadership and coaching company. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Elise Smith, co-founder and CEO of Praxis Labs, explained that as a small team serving major clients like Amazon, building strong partnerships was essential to reach more companies. She and co-founder Heather Shen connected with Torch’s CEO Heather Conklin through their shared work in leadership development.
Smith highlighted the natural fit between the two companies, noting their aligned values and shared mission. The combination of Torch’s coaching and organizational insights with Praxis Labs’ AI-driven coaching and skill assessments presents a unique opportunity to support the evolving workforce.
A Track Record of Inclusivity and Growth
Since its launch in 2019, Praxis Labs has worked with notable companies such as eBay, Zoom, Amazon, Google, and Target to foster more equitable and inclusive workplaces. The company gained significant attention in 2021 when it raised $15 million in Series A funding, a milestone that placed Smith among a small group of Black women founders to secure over $1 million in venture capital.
Investors in that round included Emerson Collective, NBA star Steph Curry’s Penny Jar Capital, Precursor Ventures, and Ulu Ventures.
Leadership Roles and Future Direction
Following the acquisition, Smith and Shen will take on leadership roles at Torch as head of AI growth and head of AI product, respectively. The entire Praxis Labs team will also join Torch.
Smith emphasized the critical question companies face today: how to prepare for a future workforce that blends human talent with AI, while maintaining genuine human connections. She expressed confidence that their integration with Torch positions them well to help organizations address this challenge effectively.
For HR professionals aiming to develop leadership skills and navigate the integration of AI in the workplace, exploring AI-focused training can provide valuable insights. Resources like Complete AI Training’s latest courses offer practical guidance on leveraging AI responsibly within teams.
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