Fremantle, the global creator and producer of film and television properties such as America’s Got Talent and Family Feud, is set to launch a data academy ahead of the rollout of new technologies and processes across the business. Training will be delivered by Euan Blair’s edtech unicorn, Multiverse, and will support he automation of manual processes, optimisation of […]
Fremantle, the global creator and producer of film and television properties such as America’s Got Talent and Family Feud, is set to launch a data academy ahead of the rollout of new technologies and processes across the business.
Training will be delivered by Euan Blair’s edtech unicorn, Multiverse, and will support he automation of manual processes, optimisation of decision-making, and the use of predictive analytics to improve content forecasting and audience engagement.
Multiverse, founded in 2016 by Euan Blair – son of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair – began by matching young people without degrees to salaried apprenticeship opportunities. The firm used automated predictive software to match apprentices with companies based on their aptitude and attitude rather than grades.
In 2022, it reportedly achieved unicorn status and has since evolved into an upskilling platform for AI and tech adoption, training over 20,000 apprentices in AI, data, and digital skills across the UK and US.
The ed tech platform – which counts Jaguar Land Rover and Google among its other customers – claims to have worked with over 1,500 organisations to close critical skills gaps in AI, data and tech, offering a new kind of apprenticeship.
According to a press release issued by Fremantle, the Data Academy will enhance the company’s data and insights capabilities, enabling key departments to better utilise and leverage their data.
A 35-strong cohort will undertake Multiverse’s Data & Insights for Business Decisions, a Level 3 apprenticeship that develops the technical and analytical skills needed to turn data into actionable insights using digital tools such as Power BI and Power Automate.
Paul Wood, head of global insight at Fremantle, said: “This Data Academy is more than a training programme – it’s a signal of Fremantle’s intent to empower our people with the tools they need to thrive in a data-driven, AI-enabled world.
“I knew this would be a powerful next step for us, and it’s been incredible to see how enthusiastically everyone involved has embraced the opportunity. We’re building a culture where data fluency is part of our creative DNA, and this is just the beginning.”
Jo Dolman and Kate Temple, co-directors of global HR at Fremantle, added:
“At Fremantle, we’re committed to helping our people grow with the business.
“This partnership with Multiverse supports that ambition by equipping our colleagues with new digital skills and greater confidence in working with data—enhancing their day-to-day work. It’s a real step forward in building a future-ready workforce.”
Euan Blair, co-founder and CEO, Multiverse
Gary Eimerman, chief learning officer at Multiverse, said: “Fremantle has a long-standing reputation as a major player in the global media landscape. We’re proud to support the team as they harness the power of data to fuel continued creativity and innovation.”
Tech talent: Bridging the gap between supply and demand
In June 2022, Multiverse announced a $220 million Series D funding round co-led by StepStone Group, Lightspeed Venture Partners, and General Catalyst. A post-funding valuation of $1.7 billion, the round established Multiverse as the UK’s first edtech unicorn.
However, the path to inclusive tech training has not been without its challenges. According to the Guardian in 2023 the firm reported a near-tripling of pre-tax annual losses to £40.5m – its seventh straight year of losses.
At the time Blair attributed the losses to growing its workforce in the US too quickly. The firm then laid off the majority of its ‘early-talent’ team and has since pivoted to providing apprenticeship programmes to staff already in work.
