London-based experiential learning platform, Yayem, has made significant strides with the launch of its mobile app. Yayem aims to cater to the needs of hybrid professionals and teams seeking immersive learning experiences. The company has successfully secured $2 million in seed funding, which will play a crucial role in facilitating its global expansion plans.
The funding round attracted notable angel investors, underscoring the potential and promise of Yayem’s platform. Cleo Sham, former Partner at Stride VC, Alon Lits, previously the Head of Sub-Saharan Africa at Uber and currently Founder and CEO of Panda Health, Robbie Khazzam, former Head of Uber Canada and now CEO of Float, Meg Donovan, a seasoned Global Marketing Leader with experience at Uber and Masterclass, Lyle Adams, Founder and CEO of Spry, and Kim Durand, Founder and CEO of Cheaf, all participated in the round.
Yayem’s mobile app launch marks a significant milestone for the company as it strives to revolutionise experiential learning for professionals and teams. The secured seed funding will fuel its global expansion efforts, allowing Yayem to reach a wider audience and cater to the increasing demand for hybrid learning solutions.
With its innovative approach and strong investor backing, Yayem is well-positioned to make a lasting impact in the experiential learning space, empowering professionals worldwide to enhance their skills and knowledge in a dynamic and immersive manner.
Cofounder and CEO Nicolas Buteau added, “We couldn’t be more excited to launch during Pride Month, with Yayem celebrations happening around the world. Just this past Tuesday, we took members on a private tour of Queer Britain – with London and visiting members joining us to learn, engage and connect. As a gay, black CEO, it was important to build Yayem with strong principles of diversity and inclusion — we are proud of the diversity of our initial founding member base, and plan to keep growing with these principles top of mind.”
The brainchild of ex-Uber executives
Yayem, the brainchild of Lindsey Elkin and Nicolas Buteau, former Uber executives, has emerged as a game-changer in response to the post-pandemic landscape. As the world witnesses a surge in “quiet quitting,” remote work, and digital nomadism, Yayem recognised the growing convergence of work, travel, and life, as well as the human need for connection and community through unconventional means. Moreover, fostering authentic diversity has been ingrained in the startup’s DNA from the beginning.
The company’s innovative digital product functions as a passport to physical spaces, learning opportunities, and a vast network of global professionals and digital nomads. The platform aims to dissolve boundaries, making the world feel boundless and akin to home. Through Yayem, users gain access to a network of physical spaces worldwide, including Yayem’s country home in Portugal, The Curtain Club in London, Aethos Club in Milan, and many more locations yet to be announced.
With a growing membership base in prominent global cities like London, Lisbon, Mexico City, Cape Town, and New York City, Yayem is reshaping the work and leisure dynamics for educated urbanites in this “hybrid” world. The platform’s impact is redefining the way millions of individuals approach their professional and personal lives, blurring the boundaries between work and play.
