AI Leadership Development Platform Praxis Acquired by Torch
A Strategic Merger in Leadership Tech
The AI leadership development platform Praxis Labs has been acquired by coaching enterprise Torch, as announced on July 11, 2025. With this move, Praxis brings its AI-powered coaching, practice modules, and DEI-based assessments into Torch’s expanding leadership solution stack.
Since its founding in 2019, Praxis Labs has collaborated with companies like Amazon, eBay, Zoom, and Google. Despite being a small team, the startup gained traction through data-driven leadership training. Now, its solutions will integrate directly into Torch’s platform, allowing for broader implementation across enterprises.
As companies adopt AI more rapidly, the need for structured, inclusive leadership development has grown. This acquisition combines technology, scale, and shared purpose to meet that demand.
Shared Vision, Stronger Execution
Co-founders Elise Smith and Heather Shen will continue with Torch—Smith as Head of AI Growth and Shen as Head of AI Product. Furthermore, the entire Praxis team will join the organization, ensuring operational continuity and strategic alignment.
According to Smith, both companies immediately recognized their shared mission. They saw a chance to combine Torch’s coaching framework with Praxis’ AI tools for skills development. As a result, the merger was more than a business deal—it was a values-driven alignment.
Moreover, this move enables Torch to offer contextual coaching while enhancing it with measurable, practice-based learning tools developed by Praxis.
From Funding to Integration
Back in 2021, Praxis Labs raised $15 million in Series A funding. The round included investors such as Emerson Collective, Penny Jar Capital, Precursor Ventures, and Ulu Ventures. At the time, Elise Smith was one of the few Black women founders to raise more than $1 million in venture funding.
These milestones positioned Praxis Labs as a forward-thinking AI leadership development platform. Their ability to merge technology with inclusion attracted attention from both enterprises and investors alike.
Now, as part of Torch, the platform’s capabilities can scale faster—reaching more teams and leaders across industries.
Leading in the Age of AI
Today’s executive teams face a difficult challenge. They must integrate AI into leadership workflows without losing the essential human connection. According to Smith, solving this issue is key to true organizational transformation.
Therefore, the merger with Torch comes at a critical time. It combines Praxis’ AI tools with Torch’s proven coaching model to help companies lead effectively in this AI-powered era.
Ultimately, this acquisition is not just about products or scale—it’s about shaping the future of leadership development through combined intelligence, human insight, and shared values.
What’s your take—can leadership remain human-centered as AI becomes more integrated into the workplace?
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