French Grand Ecole and Canadian Pension Fund invest over £10M to join the founders of H&M and Innocent as investors in the UK’s newest university

Émlyon Business School, Canadian Public Pension Fund (CPP), and Galileo Global Education join the founders of H&M, Innocent and Funding Circle with investing in The London Interdisciplinary School (LIS), a pioneer of interdisciplinary education. This new minority stake investment of over £10 million brings the total invested into LIS to an accumulative amount of £24 million and highlights the growing significance of interdisciplinary learning in British higher education. Amidst 40,000 university course withdrawals in 2023 alone, this announcement is reinforced by the launch of LIS’ landmark study – Citizen Student – which has unveiled that a staggering 37% of Gen Z and 45% of Millennials feel their education did not prepare them for modern day careers. The research reinforces LIS’ robust commitment to degrees that serve both an academic and societal purpose for tomorrow’s problem solvers.

Ranked 7th in the FT’s Masters in Management 2023 global study, Émlyon Business School – with its rich heritage since 1872 and recent certification as a B-Corp – brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to societal and environmental change. The French Business School’s investment into the London-based institution underlines a shared commitment to innovative modes of education that empowers students to make a meaningful impact on the society they live in. With 47% of Gen Z eager to pursue degrees that contribute positively to the world – according to LIS’ recent study – their unique approach to learning, tackles complex issues such as ethics, culture, and the role of AI. A hybrid discipline of course structures and module curation underline the education institution’s reinforcement of diverse perspectives for a fit-for-purpose education system.

With The French Chamber of Commerce owning 50% of Émlyon and LIS having received investment from The British Government – through the Future Fund launched during covid – LIS is in a potentially unique position of being part owned by both the British and French governments.

The collaboration further increases LIS’ freedom to execute on their mission and plan, under the continued leadership of Chris Persson, Carl Gombrich, and Ed Fidoe. As such, LIS is set to advance its mission of providing a unique learning experience that increases the potential global opportunities for their students and staff, increases financial security and yields greater opportunities to scale. This is reinforced by a directed commitment to international students and student exchanges, and increased access to shared technology. The educational institution will retain an independent board with colleagues from Émlyon and Galileo.

Together, LIS and its backers are shaping the future of education, demonstrating the powerful impact of collaborative investment in nurturing the next generation of problem solvers and innovators.

To discuss the growth of interdisciplinary education, CEO of the London Interdisciplinary School, Ed Fidoe is available to discuss the following subjects:

Interdisciplinary Learning’s Crucial Role: Explore the growing significance of interdisciplinary education in arming graduates with the skills necessary to navigate the intricate challenges of our global landscape.

Addressing Global Problems: Delve into how LIS’s multi-faceted academic approach equips future generations with essential skills to tackle global problems, including the climate crisis and the ethics of artificial intelligence, surpassing the effectiveness of traditional bachelor’s and master’s degree courses.

Blended Approach of Humanities and STEM: Understand why LIS’s unique blend of interdisciplinary learning, seamlessly integrating teachings from the Arts, Humanities and STEM fields, stands in stark contrast to traditional linear subjects. This approach cultivates problem-solvers capable of addressing a broad spectrum of issues.