Wealthbrite, an award-winning ed-tech platform, has successfully raised £200,000 in a pre-seed round from angel investors. This funding will support the company's mission to close the financial literacy gap by expanding into new markets. The investors include representatives from the UK manufacturing, financial services, and tech sectors, with a significant 70% from underrepresented communities, such as women, ethnic minorities, and individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

Wealthbrite’s platform, founded by Carla Hoppe in 2021, focuses on teaching early-career professionals the fundamentals of commercial awareness and good financial management. This approach not only fosters high-performing teams but also helps employees understand how their roles contribute to their company’s growth. The company's efforts aim to address the UK’s financial literacy issues, which are estimated to cost the economy £20 billion annually.

Carla Hoppe’s inspiration to start Wealthbrite stemmed from her desire to break the taboo around financial literacy in the UK. Previously on track to become a partner at a global Big Four accountancy firm, Hoppe shifted her career path to tackle the chronic lack of financial skills affecting individuals and businesses. "Money is the number one cause of mental health issues in the UK. There’s a chronic lack of financial skills, and it is having a significant impact, not just on individuals but also on businesses' bottom lines," Hoppe explains.

The recent funding will allow Wealthbrite to invest in its AI capabilities and expand its team. The company's AI-powered accelerator programs are designed to build financially savvy teams, enabling businesses to thrive. "We are building the next generation of rainmakers and wealth builders to deliver economic success for businesses and their people," says Hoppe. She highlights that the benefits of improved financial skills extend beyond work performance to better mental health, wellbeing, and greater social mobility.

The support from angel investors like Jo Wetz, CEO of Element Materials Technology, underscores the critical need for financial literacy. "If we're serious about creating opportunities and reducing inequality in the UK, understanding how money works is a critical foundational step. That's why I'm excited to be backing Wealthbrite to make this happen," says Wetz. Similarly, Mary Bonsor, Founder of Flex Legal, shares her enthusiasm for Wealthbrite’s mission. "I’m excited by Wealthbrite’s mission to increase social mobility and upskill future generations with key financial skills. We need to close the financial literacy gap, and I’m delighted to be an early-stage investor," Bonsor states.

Wealthbrite’s programs have already made an impact in the legal, banking, and tech sectors by equipping talent with essential financial skills. These skills help employees understand their company's operations, customer interactions, and their own contributions to business growth. By fostering high-performing teams, Wealthbrite aims to bridge the productivity gap and drive economic success.

The company's vision aligns with the broader goal of addressing financial literacy as a means to improve both individual and business outcomes. With the new funding, Wealthbrite is well-positioned to enhance its educational offerings and reach a wider audience. This expansion will further the company's mission to build financially literate and commercially aware teams across various industries.

In summary, Wealthbrite’s recent funding round marks a significant step in its journey to improve financial literacy and commercial awareness among early-career professionals. The support from angel investors and the focus on AI-driven educational programs highlight the importance of financial skills in today’s economy. As Wealthbrite continues to grow, it aims to create a lasting impact on both individuals and businesses, ultimately contributing to greater economic success and social mobility.