SkillsWave Makes List of Top 10 Startups to Watch in 2025

ByKari Clarkson

Selected by Pragmatic Coder Using Dealroom Signal’s Predictive Algorithm for Growth Indicators  

[KITCHENER, JANUARY 16, 2025] SkillsWave, an upskilling solution for businesses serious about skills, has been named to Pragmatic Coder’s list of the top 10 most inspiring startups to watch in 2025. The list was determined using the highest scores of startups launched in 2024 by Dealroom Signal—a predictive algorithm used to find inspiring companies based on growth, hiring, fundraising timing and team composition. 

SkillsWave was highlighted for the ability of its upskilling solutions to solve the problems businesses face with employee retention, skills gaps and internal mobility. The upskilling solutions’ proficiency in enabling L&D leaders to roll out engaging employee learning programs, coupled with its growth timeline and strong founding team, helped SkillsWave stand out as a startup to watch this year. 

After gaining traction in Canada, SkillsWave is continuing to expand into the U.S. market in 2025. Its growing list of prominent U.S. education partners—including University of Arkansas System, University of Maryland Global Campus and Purdue University—provide top-notch education options for all learners. Programming includes micro-credentials, courses, full bachelor’s, master’s degrees and more—giving learners the options they need to be successful with their career aspirations. 

“We’re thrilled to have SkillsWave celebrated for its strong skills solutions and ability to solve important business problems,” said Sasha Thackaberry-Voinovich, president of SkillsWave. “It’s never been more important for organizations to adapt to rapidly changing skill needs. We’re helping teams in Canada and the U.S. utilize the latest advancements in AI and productivity to accelerate their talent development. We’re excited to continue our growth in 2025.” 

About SkillsWave 

SkillsWave is on a mission to drive people and businesses forward—building tomorrow’s most valued skills, today. By providing quality learning opportunities that align with organizational needs, we’re helping organizations transform their workforce into a competitive advantage. Our upskilling platform and strategic education partnerships not only propel career and company growth, but also deliver measurable and meaningful ROI for learning.  

Founded by John Baker, CEO of D2L, SkillsWave is on a mission to transform how organizations develop and sustain the skills needed for tomorrow’s challenges. To learn more, visit SkillsWave.com. 

SkillsWave Media Contact 

Kari Clarkson 
pr@skillswave.com 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skillswave 
 
© 2025 SkillsWave Corporation.  

The SkillsWave family of companies includes SkillsWave Corporation and SkillsWave LLC. All SkillsWave marks are trademarks of SkillsWave Corporation.