What LINKgroup does

LINKgroup is a private, multi-brand educational services group headquartered in Belgrade (Zemun), Serbia, that operates a vertically integrated education-to-employment ecosystem across four countries: Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Romania, and Moldova. The group's portfolio spans primary and secondary schools (Savremena Gimnazija, ITHS), higher education institutions (ITS, ALUM Academy of Fine Arts and Multimedia), vocational academies (ITAcademy, ITAcademy JUNIOR for ages 7-14, BusinessAcademy, InternetAcademy, LINK Academy), and ancillary services including a recruitment and casting agency (LINK2job), career development center, business incubator, coworking space (LINKhub), and an academy for performing and applied arts.

The underlying technology stack is built around a proprietary distance learning platform (SoftLINK / Link-eLearning) with native Android and iOS applications, a video archive of live-streamed lessons, a Project Center that runs Scrum-based student projects for real clients, and an Educational System Integrator offering. LINKgroup also operates an authorized Pearson VUE / Certiport / ICDL / Autodesk ATC / Microsoft Gold Partner testing center via its LINK Examinations Institute, and holds Cambridge International School, CMI, CIM, IPMA, and EDEN memberships.

The revenue model is tuition-driven across multiple academies, supplemented by certification testing fees, recruitment services revenue from the LINK2job placement agency, and ancillary fees from coworking, internship programs, and a business incubator. The company sells directly to individual students and corporate hiring partners (260+ employers participate in LINK2job), distributes through owned institutional campuses in four countries plus a global self-serve online channel, and operates a sales-led go-to-market motion. Notable scale indicators include 101-250 employees, 20+ years of operating history since founding in 1998, 4-country footprint, and a publicly disclosed 48% female representation at the top management level. No funding rounds, parent company, or revenue figures are disclosed.

Name

LINKgroup

Legal name

LINKgroup

Website

https://link-group.eu

Company type

Private

Founded year

1998

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

LINKgroup is a private, multi-brand educational services group headquartered in Belgrade, Serbia, operating academies, schools, certification testing, and recruitment services across Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Romania, and Moldova for students, professionals, and corporate employers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Education and Training Services

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310), Computer Training (611420), Educational Services (611)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Higher Education Digital Courseware & Modules (EDAGAEAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Course Bundle Subscriptions & Learning Membership Marketplaces (EDAFAIAI), Advanced Project-Based Learning & Portfolio Mentoring (STEM/arts portfolios, maker projects) (EDANAKAI)

Keywords

• Professional education services
• IT career training
• Distance learning platform
• Business management courses
• Internationally certified programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Belgrade

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Educational Programs: Tuition-based education at various institutions covering IT, business, design, and professional development. Students pay for courses, certifications, and programs. Programs offered include ITAcademy, BusinessAcademy, InternetAcademy, LINK Academy, and professional training programs with internationally recognized certificates.
2. Certification Testing: As Pearson VUE, Certiport, and ICDL testing center, the company administers exams for internationally recognized certifications, generating revenue from testing fees.
3. Recruitment and Staffing Services: LINK2job recruitment and casting agency connects candidates with employers, providing vetted candidates with complete reports on education, experience, grades, and recommendations.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

LINKgroup operates a portfolio of educational institutions and services delivering tuition-based IT, business, internet, and design programs with internationally recognized certifications from Cambridge, Microsoft, Autodesk, ICDL, CMI, IPMA, and Pearson VUE. The company runs a proprietary distance learning platform with Android and iOS mobile applications, certified testing centers, and recruitment services that connect graduates with more than 260 employer partners across Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Romania, and Moldova.

Product overview

LINKgroup is a comprehensive educational services company operating as a multi-brand educational ecosystem. The company offers a portfolio of academies and services including: ITAcademy (IT career training for adults) and ITAcademy JUNIOR (for children 7-14), BusinessAcademy (business and professional education), InternetAcademy (internet business skills), and LINK Academy (practical IT job training). Supporting these core academies are services including LINK2job recruitment agency, the Center for Career Development, Career Assistance Counselor, Learning Assistance Counselor, Personal Development Program, ProgrammingFactory, DesignStudio, LINK Apprentice Internship Program, Business Incubator, LINK Examinations Institute, LINKuniversity, and Link-eLearning. The company also offers technology products including SoftLINK (edtech platform) and an Educational System Integrator, along with LINKhub coworking space. LINKgroup also partners with affiliated institutions ITS (Information Technology School) and ITHS (Information Technology High School), and the Academy of Fine Arts and Multimedia (ALUM). The company operates internationally across Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Romania, and Moldova.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• LINK2job: Recruitment and casting agency connecting candidates with employers
• LINKhub
• SoftLINK
• DesignStudio
• ProgrammingFactory
• The Career Doctor
• Personal Development Program
• LINK Meritocracy Policy (LMP)

Products and services

• ITAcademy IT career education school offering programs in programming, design and multimedia, administration, IT business, 3D design, and mobile development, authorized by Cambridge's international examinations department and leading IT certification programs. Targets adults seeking IT career preparation.
• ITAcademy JUNIOR IT adventure program for children aged 7 to 14, introducing technology and basic IT concepts to young learners as an early education offering within LINKgroup.
• BusinessAcademy School for business professionals offering programs in business, management, finance, marketing, and investment, with partnerships providing internationally recognized certificates including CIM and IPMA accreditations. Targets professionals and entrepreneurs seeking business credentials.
• InternetAcademy School offering practical knowledge and skills for successful business on the Internet, covering areas such as online business, e-commerce, and digital marketing.
• LINK Academy The most practical school to get a job in the IT sector, offering hands-on training and career-focused IT education with employment outcomes as the central goal.
• Link-eLearning School without walls offering distance learning education accessible to everyone, featuring LINKgroup's proprietary platform with Android and iOS mobile applications for e-learning.
• LINKuniversity Free education platform available to everyone, providing accessible learning opportunities as part of LINKgroup's open learning initiatives.
• LINK2job Recruitment and Casting Agency Recruitment and casting agency providing the best link between candidates and employers with vetted candidates and complete reports on education, experience, grades, and recommendations.
• LINK2job Employment Fair Employment fair and job placement service organizing large regional job fairs connecting candidates with employers; the most recent LINK2job fair attracted over 6,000 visitors and offered more than 450 job positions.
• LINK Examinations Institute Authorized Pearson VUE, Certiport, and ICDL testing center providing internationally recognized certificates serving as a gateway to success; one of the world's two largest test centers and exclusive provider for Adobe, Oracle, CompTIA, Cisco Systems, and Zend Technologies exams.
• Business Incubator Program helping entrepreneurs turn their business ideas into successful enterprises through structured incubation support.
• LINK Apprentice Internship Program Internship program providing students with their first work experience through real project work over three months.
• ProgrammingFactory Skills development program where students can perfect their programming skills by working on real projects.
• Center for Career Development Career development services helping individuals become employers' first choice through guidance, workshops, and employment fair organization.
• Personal Development Program Program developing the most marketable business competencies to help individuals take the first step toward success.
• DesignStudio Design service focused on ideas, creativity, and enthusiasm for design projects.
• SoftLINK Innovation, digital, future, edtech platform offering technology solutions for education, including Android and iOS applications for distance learning; positioned as a global pioneer in educational software for online education in South Eastern and Eastern Europe.
• Educational System Integrator Integration services for educational systems and technologies, offering learning without limits through technology integration.
• LINKhub Modern coworking space where users gain more by sharing knowledge and resources, supporting the LINKgroup community.
• Academy of Fine Arts and Multimedia (ALUM) Higher education institution offering accredited bachelor, master, and PhD programs in performing and applied arts, acquired by ITS in 2016 as part of LINKgroup's portfolio expansion.
• Learning Assistance Counselor Advisory service providing the right advice to make education easier for students throughout their learning journey.
• Career Assistance Counselor Comprehensive assistance for building a successful career, including guidance on professional development and job search strategies.
• The Career Doctor Practical advice service for professional success, offering career guidance and support to individuals.

Quantifiable outcome

• More than 260 companies employ LINKgroup students
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Cambridge InternationalflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 August 2005Became Cambridge International School in August 2005, providing students opportunity to acquire widely recognized international certificates. Cambridge certificates open doors to successful careers and provide official recognition of knowledge and skills.
• EDEN (European Distance and E-learning Network)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2005Became members in January 2005 of leading European distance learning association ensuring students study according to same principles and criteria as EU residents.
• MicrosoftcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerReceived Microsoft Partner status, authorized for training and testing for Microsoft certification. Microsoft Partner Network Gold competency provides latest MS technologies, full technical support, and official partner benefits.
• Pearson VUEcoreTechnology or IntegrationOne of world's two largest test centers; exclusive provider of official examinations for Adobe, Oracle, CompTIA, Cisco Systems, Zend Technologies and many others.
• Chartered Management Institute (CMI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of 200 accredited centres of CMI from Great Britain, the prestigious institute for professional certification and education in marketing.
• AutodeskcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAuthorized Autodesk Training Center (Autodesk ATC) providing training according to Autodesk principles and certificates validating students' skills and knowledge.
• ICDL FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAccredited international training and testing center certified by ICDL Foundation. ICDL is recognized in over 160 countries.
• Software Development Academy (SDA) RomaniaflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerLINK Group and SDA joined forces to establish Romania's leading educational powerhouse in IT and business education. Advanzia Education operates LINK Academy and BusinessAcademy through LINK Group Education Services SRL in Romania.
• HRH Crown Prince Alexander's Foundation for Education and CulturecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partnership for awarding education programs to top high school students. LINKgroup donated 40 education programs worth €100,000 to best students from Serbia and Republic of Srpska.
• British CouncilminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperation with British Council, the leading international organisation dealing with education and cultural relations.
• Public Institution Sarajevo Canton Employment ServiceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOfficial protocol on cooperation to organize training actions for the unemployed in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
• Ministry of Education, Science and Technological DevelopmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerValue of diplomas guaranteed through accreditations from Ministry of Education as institution with highest jurisdiction in national education.
• Confindustria SerbiaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Confindustria Serbia, representative of Confederation of Italian Industry comprising more than 150,000 companies with over 5 million employees.
• Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of 200 accredited centres of CIM from Great Britain for professional certification in marketing.
• CertiportcoreTechnology or IntegrationAs one of world's biggest test centers, Certiport is authorized for testing and certification for large number of influential institutions.
• AmCham B&HminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAmerican Chamber of Commerce membership in Bosnia and Herzegovina connects LINKgroup to global network representing interests of over 3 million companies.
• European Digital Learning NetworkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMembership in leading global initiative gathering eminent European organizations to respond to challenges of digital age through education.
• Bit AllianceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember of largest association of software industry companies in Bosnia and Herzegovina addressing lack of qualified employees and underdeveloped infrastructure.
• Erasmus+ and International Project PartnerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint participation in various international Erasmus+ and other projects focused on modernisation of education. Partners include Sabanci University, Politecnico di Torino, Griffith College, JA Europe, European Institute of Innovation and Technology, and over 70 other international institutions.
• International Qualifications Network (IQN)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFirst and only Exam Preparation Partner for IQN in Serbia. IQN provides international certification recognized in over 160 countries.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Le Wagon: International coding and data bootcamp emphasizing project-based learning and employability, comparable to LINKgroup's ITAcademy and ProgrammingFactory.
• Ironhack: Multi-country tech bootcamp offering web development, design, and data courses with job placement support, closely aligned with LINKgroup's IT academy offering.
• Simplilearn: Online professional certification and upskilling provider partnering with certification bodies, comparable to LINKgroup's certification-backed IT/business training.
• Software Development Academy (SDA): Central/Eastern European IT bootcamp and academy offering career-focused tech training; directly comparable and now acquired into LINKgroup's Romanian operations.
• General Assembly: Global provider of career-focused tech, data, and business courses with employer placement, mirroring LINKgroup's practical, job-oriented education model.
• BrainStation: Digital skills training provider offering courses and certificates in tech and business, comparable to LINKgroup's professional education academies.

Regional players

• Algebra University College: Croatian IT and business education institution offering accredited programs and professional training, a regional Balkans analogue serving a different territory.

Broad incumbents

• Coursera: Large global online learning platform offering IT/business courses and certificates; overlaps with LINKgroup's distance-learning and professional certification offering at far greater scale.
• Udemy: Global marketplace for professional and IT courses; competes for the same upskilling learners LINKgroup targets through its online platform.
• Pearson: Global education and assessment company (owner of Pearson VUE) providing courseware and certification testing; both a partner and broad incumbent in LINKgroup's certification space.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/link_group_
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/LINKgroupEU
• Facebookfacebook.com/linkgroupbeograd
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/link-group

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Subsidiaries20 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about LINKgroup