Limerick Entrepreneur Secures €1 Million for AI Certification Venture

A new venture in the education technology sector, AICertified, has successfully secured €1 million in funding, with the investment led by Oyster Capital and supported by Enterprise Ireland. Founded by Limerick-born entrepreneur Ian Dodson, the company aims to establish a global certification standard for artificial intelligence skills, following the model of Dodson’s previous success with the Digital Marketing Institute (DMI).

Founded in 2008, the DMI set a benchmark in digital marketing training, producing over 75,000 graduates through a university-accredited and industry-validated standard. The institute was acquired by Spectrum Equity in 2017 and later by BPP Education Group in 2023, which offers professional and vocational education worldwide.

“This is about more than a course or a certificate – it’s about creating a measurable and trusted framework for competence in AI,” Dodson explained. He highlighted the current state of the AI training market as “fragmented and fundamentally unreliable,” noting that there is no clear definition of AI certification or the pathways to achieve it.

“Our answer is simple – set a single reliable standard, provide an outcome-driven path, and certify skills in a way employers and students can trust,” he added. The funding will enable AICertified to accelerate product development, expand its team, and scale its learning platform, with plans to launch its first course in February 2026.

Initially starting with a team of eight, AICertified anticipates growing to 15 employees within its first year. Oyster Capital, founded by Irish tech entrepreneur Bill McCabe, focuses on supporting high-growth, globally scalable companies in sectors such as EdTech, software, healthcare, and enterprise technology. McCabe previously founded CBT Systems, which became SmartForce, marking a significant milestone as the first Irish tech company listed on NASDAQ.

“We invested in AICertified because Ian and his team have done it before,” stated Martin Scully, CEO at Oyster Capital. “The demand for structured, credible AI training is enormous. We see a clear path to a market-leading AI training company emerging from Ireland – one built to guarantee outcomes for employers and graduates.”

AICertified’s model will offer certifications ranging from short skills sprints to professional diplomas and postgraduate diplomas. Interested individuals can register at BecomeAICertified.com. This initiative positions Ireland as a potential leader in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI education and certification.