The Invigilator, an innovative Edtech company based in South Africa, has successfully secured $11 million in a recent funding round spearheaded by Kaltroco Partners alongside investors from Nashville, Zurich, and Cape Town. This capital injection is set to accelerate the expansion of the company’s AI-driven solutions beyond the African continent.
As artificial intelligence continues to revolutionize numerous industries, The Invigilator is at the forefront of transforming educational assessment and exam supervision through cutting-edge AI technology. Established in 2020 by chartered accountant Nicholas Riemer, the platform addresses the critical issue of academic integrity by offering affordable and reliable online exam monitoring services.
Central to The Invigilator’s innovation is its AI-powered system designed to detect and prevent dishonest practices during remote examinations, effectively curbing cheating and overcrowding. The platform is already trusted by over 20 educational institutions, including prominent universities such as the University of South Africa, University of Johannesburg, and University of Cape Town, showcasing its robust AI capabilities.
With the fresh investment led by Kaltroco, The Invigilator aims to broaden its global reach. The funds will be dedicated to refining its AI algorithms and forging stronger collaborations with academic organizations across North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Reflecting on the investment, Riemer expressed confidence in the company’s operational strengths, which have positioned it for international acclaim. He emphasized that this funding will further enhance the integration of AI to facilitate smarter, more efficient exam supervision.
“We always believed we were creating something exceptional, and it’s inspiring to witness South African technology gaining global recognition,” Riemer remarked.
He also highlighted that The Invigilator is part of a growing wave of South African tech ventures attracting worldwide attention and capital. Kaltroco, with this latest deal, has now invested in over 30 companies globally.
“As a family-owned investment firm without external investors or structural constraints, Kaltroco enjoys the flexibility to support its portfolio companies on timelines that align with their growth strategies and management goals,” Riemer added.
Also Read: Top 10 edtech startups by Nigerians in the diaspora transforming education globally.
The Invigilator’s AI Technology
The Invigilator’s platform leverages AI to support both in-person and hybrid learning environments by providing comprehensive exam supervision. Features include facial recognition and real-time monitoring of students during assessments, alongside sophisticated plagiarism detection to ensure originality in submitted work.
“This funding empowers us to accelerate AI advancements, expanding educational access while safeguarding the integrity of assessments. Our live AI monitoring system marks a shift towards continuous, automated exam oversight,” the CEO explained.
By early 2025, the platform was adopted by over 100 educational institutions worldwide.
One of the latest innovations is an AI detection tool that enables educators to identify when students have relied on AI-generated content for assignments and tests. The Invigilator’s mission is to discourage overdependence on AI, encouraging learners to cultivate their own critical thinking and creativity.
“Our distinctive method involves dissecting exam questions, evaluating each response, and constructing a unique writing profile for every student. This allows educators to intervene when students excessively depend on AI, ensuring they develop essential analytical skills,” Riemer noted.
In 2022, The Invigilator became the top-ranked education app in South Africa on both iOS and Android platforms.
By 2023, the platform had attracted nearly one million users domestically and expanded internationally to countries including Mexico, India, and Australia, delivering its AI-powered educational management solutions to schools in these regions.
Before the close of 2023, three Mexican institutions-Tecnológico Universitario Aguascalientes, Olmeca in Tabasco, and UNAM in Mexico City-had integrated the app. Similarly, Indian universities such as Shiv Nadar University, Vedica Scholars, and PSGR Krishnammal College for Women adopted the platform.
In Australia, Navitas College embraced the app, which now serves a global student base exceeding 60,000 learners.
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