Torch buys AI learning platform Praxis Labs to turn coaching into a strategic business lever

Hot on the heels of Workleap acquiring compensation tool Barley, UKG buying Shiftboard and LumApps and Beekeeper merging, another HR tech deal has been signed.

Coaching platform Torch has bought Praxis Labs, an AI learning company, for an undisclosed sum.

Taking about the acquisition, Torch CEO Heather Conklin stated: “We know that coaching, when done right, isn’t a perk – it’s a strategic lever.Taking about the acquisition, Torch CEO Heather Conklin stated: “We know that coaching, when done right, isn’t a perk – it’s a strategic lever.

"It’s a force that connects human behavior to business results, creating alignment between what leaders are feeling and what a company is trying to achieve.

Founded in 2017, Torch works with leading brands like Reddit, Twitch, HP and Tripadvisor to help their leaders adapt to the ever-changing future of work.

Praxis Labs was founded in 2019, and its customers include Accenture, BCG, Target, Uber and Amazon.

UNLEASH got the scoop on the acquisition from Conklin. Why was now the right time for Praxis Labs to join Torch, and what does the deal mean for their HR customers?

Torch & Praxis Labs as the ‘next frontier’ of leadership development?

Speaking exclusively to UNLEASH, Conklin shares: “We're at this incredible inflection point where the collision of exponential change and human burnout is forcing us to completely reimagine how we support leaders.

“But instead of seeing this as a crisis, I see it as the biggest opportunity in decades to build something fundamentally better.

This acquisition represents our belief that the next frontier isn't choosing between human connection and AI capability. It's about creating something even greater by bringing the best of both worlds together."This acquisition represents our belief that the next frontier isn't choosing between human connection and AI capability. It's about creating something even greater by bringing the best of both worlds together."

For Torch, integrating Praxis Labs will level up the feedback loop, and truly connect coaching to the bigger organizational picture. Plus, the ambition is for leadership development to move away from being a cost center to being a strategic driver for the business.

As a result of the acquisition, Praxis Labs co-founders Elise Smith and Heather Shen will join Torch in executive roles – Smith will become Head of AI Growth, while Shen will be Head of AI Product.

Smith shared: “Combining the capabilities of Torch and Praxis Labs delivers a powerful value loop that pairs contextual coaching AI practice simulations, coaching, and assessments so leaders can change their mindsets, build new behaviors, and perform in pivotal moments for their teams and their organizations.”

Talking about the positives for customers of the acquisition, Conklin tells UNLEASH: "Our customers are making serious investments in transformation efforts, and they need to connect the dots between developing their people and achieving business results.

“What this acquisition does is give us even richer solutions and insights to bring to that partnership.

We can show them real patterns about how their leaders are developing, where transformation efforts are gaining momentum, and where they're hitting systemic barriers.We can show them real patterns about how their leaders are developing, where transformation efforts are gaining momentum, and where they're hitting systemic barriers.

"And then help customers take steps to overcome those barriers.