Gradguide, a career events, mentorship and graduate recruitment platform, has been acquired by UK peer Native.

Founded by CEO Mark Hughes in 2019 with a focus on matching graduates with tech employers, Gradguide received investment from TBG Shared Services Ltd, an investment vehicle for Taxback entrepreneur Terry Clune.

Gradguide says that over 20,000 graduates are signed up to the platform and that 300 mentors support graduates in their tech job aspirations and 65 employers across the tech sector.

Gradguide Ltd was incorporated in November 2020, and on 10 November 2022 TBG Shared Services disposed of its shareholding to Radar Leisure Tech Ltd, trading as Native.

The company’s turnover from November 2020 to December 2021 was €122,000 and start-up losses amounted to €442,000. Trade debtors at period end were €84,000.

In Association with

As of December 2021, Gradguide was funded with equity investment of €500,000 and a separate ‘capital contribution' of €500,000.

Mark Hughes commented: “We are super excited for the next chapter of Gradguide under Native. Having access to over a million students and grads as well as the strong university partnerships will help us massively in our vision to be the largest graduate recruitment and mentorship network in Europe.”

Nick Musto, CEO and founder of Native, stated: “Students want and deserve more from their time at university, including to depart feeling fully prepared for the future of work. Together, Gradguide and Native are perfectly placed to help students enjoy the holistic university experience they desire.”

Established in June 2015, Native’s accumulated losses to the end of 2021 were £2.8m.

Terry Clune commented: “Mark has done a tremendous job building the platform from idea to successful exit. I’m excited to see how they will combine forces to bring further value to the university and tech sectors in Ireland and abroad.”