Inkling Systems

Inkling Systems, established in August 2009, operates as a modern learning platform provider focused on equipping deskless workers with critical knowledge and training. The company was founded by Matt MacInnis, Josh Forman, and Robert Cromwell, who drew on their collective experience to address inefficiencies in corporate learning. MacInnis, who served as the founding CEO, previously spent eight years at Apple, where he was involved in expanding the use of technology in education, providing him with key insights into digital content delivery.

Initially, Inkling focused on creating interactive, multimedia e-book versions of textbooks for the iPad, launching its first app in August 2010. By 2014, the company executed a strategic pivot from a business-to-consumer (B2C) model to a business-to-business (B2B) model, concentrating on enterprise clients. This shift proved successful, and the company has since secured major clients like McDonald's, Whole Foods, and KPMG. The firm's journey includes significant financial backing, having raised over $95 million through multiple funding rounds from investors such as Sequoia Capital, Sapphire Ventures, and Tenaya Capital. In February 2018, Inkling was acquired by Marlin Equity Partners, a global investment firm. This was followed by another acquisition in May 2024, when Echo360, a SaaS platform for learning engagement, acquired Inkling to create a combined entity aimed at serving both educational and corporate learning sectors.

The company's business model is centered on providing a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform that enables businesses to create, manage, and distribute digital training materials to their frontline employees. Clients subscribe to the service to streamline onboarding, deploy standard operating procedures, and manage field communications. Inkling's platform is designed for mobile-first access, allowing employees in industries such as retail, restaurants, manufacturing, and healthcare to access information on any device, at any time. The core product, Inkling Knowledge, is a smart content system, complemented by offerings like Inkling Collaboration for task management and communication, and Inkling Connect for integration with other enterprise systems like Learning Management Systems (LMS). Key features include advanced authoring tools, customized learning paths with interactive elements like video and simulations, and real-time analytics to measure employee engagement and performance.

Keywords: operational learning, frontline worker training, mobile learning, content management technology, enterprise software, digital training, knowledge management, SaaS, employee enablement, corporate learning