Virtual Internships is a London-based edtech company founded in 2018, dedicated to making internships globally accessible to all. The company's mission is to break the cycle of requiring experience to obtain a job by providing remote internship opportunities that support career growth and enhance employability. By partnering with educational institutions and governments across more than 50 countries, Virtual Internships facilitates for-credit internship programs that integrate seamlessly with academic commitments.
Key Strategic Focus
Virtual Internships specializes in delivering remote internships across 18 career fields, connecting students and recent graduates with over 15,000 companies in more than 80 countries. These host companies range from multinational corporations to innovative startups in various sectors. The platform offers complete flexibility, allowing participants to choose their start date, internship length, and weekly commitment hours. Additionally, Virtual Internships provides coaching and support through expert mentors, award-winning courses to build essential skills, and guarantees placement regardless of degree, location, or experience.
Financials and Funding
As of March 2025, Virtual Internships has raised a total of $14 million in funding over four rounds. The latest funding round occurred on September 14, 2022, amounting to $14 million. Notable investors include Arsenal Growth, Ascend Vietnam Ventures, Peak XV Partners, Salica Investments, and STIC Investments. The company reported an annual revenue of $7.5 million as of March 2025.
Technological Platform and Innovation
Virtual Internships leverages a robust technological platform to deliver its services. The company's tech stack includes Modernizr, OWL Carousel, Envoy, WPBakery, Google Tag Manager, MUI, and Gravity Forms. These technologies enable a seamless and scalable experience for both interns and host companies, facilitating efficient matching processes and comprehensive support throughout the internship period.
Leadership Team
- Daniel Nivern: Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Board Member.
- Edward Pearce: Co-Founder, President, and Board Member.
- Katina Dell'Acqua-Lubich: Chief Financial Officer.
- Jason Kan: Chief Operating Officer.
- Jillian Low: Chief Strategy Officer.
These leaders bring extensive experience in education, technology, and business development, driving the company's mission to provide accessible and impactful internship opportunities worldwide.
Competitor Profile
Market Insights and Dynamics: The virtual internship market has experienced significant growth, particularly accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted the need for remote work solutions. This shift has led to increased adoption of virtual internships as a means to provide students with real-world experience without geographical constraints.
Competitor Analysis: Key competitors in the virtual internship space include:
- Riipen: Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, Riipen connects students with companies through project-based experiences, focusing on experiential learning.
- Forage: Established in 2017 in Wilmington, Delaware, Forage offers virtual work experience programs that allow students to engage in simulated tasks from leading companies, providing insights into various industries.
- Multiverse: Based in London, England, and founded in 2016, Multiverse focuses on apprenticeship programs, connecting learners with employers to provide on-the-job training and development.
These competitors offer alternative models for connecting students with professional experiences, each with unique approaches to bridging the gap between education and employment.
Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships
Virtual Internships has established significant partnerships to enhance its offerings and expand its reach:
- CSU-Global: In May 2024, CSU-Global partnered with Virtual Internships to integrate industry-relevant work experiences into its online curriculum, providing students with practical skills aligned with their academic studies.
- University of Cincinnati: In January 2024, the University of Cincinnati collaborated with Virtual Internships to offer information technology students access to global work experience, enriching their educational journey with real-world applications.
- University of Bradford: In January 2023, the University of Bradford partnered with Virtual Internships to promote social mobility through remote internships, reshaping the landscape of professional development for its students.
These collaborations demonstrate Virtual Internships' commitment to working with academic institutions to provide students with valuable, real-world experiences that complement their education.
Operational Insights
Virtual Internships' strategic positioning in the edtech industry is bolstered by its extensive network of host companies and its commitment to accessibility and flexibility. By offering remote internships that cater to diverse learners, including graduates, first-generation students, individuals with refugee backgrounds, and women returners, the company addresses the evolving needs of the global workforce. Its focus on integrating internships with academic programs through partnerships with educational institutions further differentiates Virtual Internships from its competitors.
Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions
Looking ahead, Virtual Internships aims to continue expanding its global reach by forming new partnerships with universities and governments, particularly in emerging markets such as the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia. The company plans to enhance its technological platform to improve scalability and employability outcomes, including developing a post-internship employability portal that will allow companies to identify potential employees from its database of students and graduates. By focusing on these strategic initiatives, Virtual Internships is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for remote work experiences and to support the career success of students worldwide.
Contact Information
- Website: virtualinternships.com
- LinkedIn: Virtual Internships on LinkedIn
Virtual Internships continues to innovate in the field of remote internships, providing students with the skills and experiences necessary to succeed in a rapidly changing global job market.
