Build Capable
Build Capable is an Austin, Texas learning technology company that sells a patent-pending headless learning delivery platform (XCL) and consulting services, serving corporations, government, education, and nonprofit clients globally.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2008
- HeadquartersAustin, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What Build Capable does
Build Capable, legally Learning Ninjas LLC, is an Austin, Texas-based learning technology company founded in 2008 that operates a hybrid model combining professional services with proprietary software products. The company's core product is Build Capable XCL (xAPI-enabled Content Launcher), a patent-pending, headless learning delivery platform that distributes shareable links to digital training content (eLearning, video, PDF, websites) and automatically captures learner interaction data as xAPI statements, without requiring a traditional LMS or per-seat user accounts. A central technical component is the patent-pending Data Translator, which converts SCORM 1.2/2004, video events, PDF interactions, and weblink opens into standardized xAPI format, removing the coding burden typically required to instrument learning content. Every XCL subscription includes a built-in Learning Record Store (LRS) powered through a partnership with Veracity Learning.
Build Capable generates revenue through three primary streams: tiered SaaS subscriptions on XCL (Build at $49/month, Build Pro at $299/month, and custom E-XCL enterprise), project-based professional services spanning Learning Ecosystem consulting, Learning Experience Design, and Performance Data Strategy (with engagements ranging from under $10,000 to over $100,000), and Capable Custom Assessments delivered on customer domains. The go-to-market is dual-motion: product-led growth for SMB and individual creators purchasing self-serve subscriptions directly on buildxcl.com, combined with a consultative enterprise sales motion for larger deployments requiring SSO, white-labeling, and custom integrations. Customers span six primary verticals — corporations, government, education, nonprofits, small businesses, and L&D professionals — with named engagements in aviation services (Swissport, 65,000 users across 45 countries), healthcare technology (Midmark RTLS), K-12 education (thinkLaw), financial services, hospitality, military, and law enforcement, indicating a globally distributed but vertically diversified customer base.
The company is founder-led by CEO Sarah Mercier, operates without disclosed external venture funding, and has built thought leadership through the "Learn xAPI" self-paced program and the "Design for All Learners" book. Recent strategic activity centers on expanding the XCL ecosystem through partnerships with RISC Inc. (xACTION integration) and Yet Analytics (AI-ready learning data stack), along with industry recognition including the 2025 Learning Technologies Gold Award for Most Innovative New Learning Technologies Product and WCAG 2.1 Level AA accessibility certification completed in September 2025.
Build Capable firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Build Capable
- Legal name
- Learning Ninjas LLC
- Website
- https://buildcapable.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2008
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Build Capable is an Austin, Texas learning technology company that sells a patent-pending headless learning delivery platform (XCL) and consulting services, serving corporations, government, education, and nonprofit clients globally.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Build Capable industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Learning Technology Software
- NAICS
- Software Publishers (5132), Custom Computer Programming Services (541511), Computer Training (611420), Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services (518210)
- SIC
- Services-Prepackaged Software (7372), Services-Computer Programming Services (7371), Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Standards, Packaging & Interoperability Tools (SCORM/xAPI/cmi5/LTI) (EDAFAHAH)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- LMS Integrations, Interoperability & Identity (LTI/SCORM/xAPI, SSO, APIs) (EDAFAAAI), Content Conversion, Digitization & LMS/SCORM/xAPI Packaging (EDAGAKAL), Digital Learning Content Development (eLearning, Labs, Simulations) (BPAEANAD)
Keywords
Where Build Capable is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Austin
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Build Capable business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations
Revenue model
- XCL Subscription Plans: SaaS subscription model with three tiers: Build ($49/month), Build Pro ($299/month), and E-XCL (custom pricing). Revenue is recurring monthly or annual subscription-based with tiered features including Learning Links, Brand Templates, storage, and support levels.
- Professional Services: Consulting services for Learning Ecosystem Services, Learning Experience Design, Performance Data Strategy, Custom Assessments, Accessibility Consulting, and AI/Adaptive Learning. Project-based engagements ranging from less than $10,000 to over $100,000.
- Capable Custom Assessments: Fully branded assessment platform delivered on customer domains. Revenue generated through custom assessment development projects and platform licensing.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Monthly | Build plan for individual users and small teams to distribute and track learning experiences without an LMS. |
| Subscription | Monthly | Build Pro plan with expanded capacity for growing teams and organizations. |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | E-XCL enterprise plan with advanced distribution, tracking, and customization at scale. |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels8 records
Build Capable product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Build Capable sells and delivers the XCL (xAPI-enabled Content Launcher) SaaS platform, which enables organizations to distribute and track online learning through shareable links and QR codes without requiring a traditional LMS, along with Capable Custom Assessments for branded competency assessments, and complementary professional services including Learning Ecosystem Services, Learning Experience Design, and Performance Data Strategy consulting.
Product overview
Build Capable is a learning technology consultancy with a portfolio of proprietary tools and professional services. Its flagship product is Build Capable XCL, a headless, LMS-free learning delivery and tracking platform that generates shareable Learning Links to any digital content, captures xAPI data via a built-in Veracity-powered LRS, and converts content interactions through its patent-pending Data Translator. XCL has three subscription tiers: Build (individual creators), Build Pro (teams), and E-XCL (enterprise with SSO, white-label, and custom translator). The product ecosystem is extended by Capable® Custom Assessments (a branded assessment platform), Learn xAPI (a self-paced xAPI educational program), and Design for All Learners (an accessible-instructional-design book). These tools are complemented by three professional service lines: Learning Ecosystem Services (technology selection and RFP support), Learning Experience Design (instructional design across formats including AI coaches), and Performance Data Strategy (LRS selection and xAPI implementation consulting). Build Capable operates globally across nonprofits, corporations, education, government, and small businesses sectors.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Build Capable XCL: Patent-pending xAPI-enabled Content Launcher tool for delivering and tracking online learning experiences via shareable links and QR codes
- Capable Custom Assessments
- Learn xAPI
- Design for All Learners
Products and services
- Build Capable XCL (xAPI-enabled Content Launcher) Patent-pending headless learning delivery and tracking platform that generates shareable Learning Links to any digital learning content, collecting real-time xAPI data without requiring an LMS or user accounts. Includes built-in LRS powered by Veracity, Data Translator that converts SCORM and content interactions to xAPI automatically, and supports unlimited learners across three subscription tiers (Build, Build Pro, E-XCL).
- XCL Data Translator Patent-pending feature within XCL that converts content interactions from any supported format (xAPI, SCORM 1.2, SCORM 2004, MP4, PDF, PPT, DOC, XLS, PNG, JPG) into standardized xAPI statements with appropriate ADL activity types. The translator handles video playback events, PDF page views and prints, download requests, and weblink opens, normalizing all into a 'who did what' data format for the LRS.
- Capable Custom Assessments Fully branded assessment platform delivered on the client's own domain. Capable assessments provide self-registration for competency and skills assessments, pre- and post-tests, custom learning paths, and immediate personalized feedback with actionable results from the learner's own dashboard.
- Learning Ecosystem Services Advisory and consulting service covering learning technology selection and implementation. Services include assessing organizational tech stacks, drafting RFP requirements documentation, and coordinating vendor implementation. Addresses learning experience platforms (LXP), LMS, LRS, xAPI, AI solutions, open-source tools, HRIS integrations, CMS, eLearning authoring software, and social collaboration tools.
- Learning Experience Design Full-service learning experience design covering course redesign (ILT to eLearning), immersive simulations and video, mobile/multi-screen solutions, microlearning and performance support, accessibility audits and rebuilds, virtual instructor-led training (Zoom, Teams), custom Capable assessments, offline solutions (interactive ebooks, apps, PDFs), and artificial intelligence (AI coaches and automation).
- Performance Data Strategy Data strategy consulting that maps organizational data sources, structures, and analysis opportunities, then helps select and implement the right Learning Record Store (LRS). Includes custom xAPI training to upskill client teams. Build Capable's team has nearly 30 years of experience with learning data standards and co-authored 'Investigating Performance: Design and Outcomes With xAPI.'
Quantifiable outcome
- Organizations can eliminate per-seat LMS licensing costs by using unlimited learner Learning Links
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Build Capable
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Build Capable technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration3 records
AI capability3 records
Feature6 records
Build Capable partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Three partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.
- Veracity LearningcoreStrategic partnership to power XCL with a built-in Learning Record Store (LRS). Every XCL subscription includes a built-in LRS powered by Veracity, enabling immediate collection and analysis of xAPI learning data without separate LRS procurement. Veracity is xAPI 2.0-conformant and trusted by learning platforms, government agencies, and organizations worldwide.
- RISC Inc.flagshipStrategic partnership combining Build Capable's XCL with RISC's xACTION system for workforce development. xAPI-first approach enables modern learning ecosystems without LMS dependency. XCL creates trackable Learning Links; xACTION applies customized rules and triggers outbound REST API calls to external systems when specific xAPI data returns and rules are met.
- Yet AnalyticscorePartnership to deliver an AI-ready learning data stack. Combined offering helps organizations design, deliver, and scale learning in the AI era without relying on a traditional LMS. XCL handles content delivery and xAPI translation while Yet Analytics provides SQL-based LRS query and data integration.
Scale indicators3 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Build Capable competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Yet Analytics: Yet Analytics offers an SQL-based LRS with xAPI-native data integration and analytics. As a Build Capable partner and overlapping vendor in the xAPI ecosystem, it directly competes for the LRS + learning data stack buyer.
- Veracity Learning: Veracity provides xAPI 2.0-conformant LRS solutions (SaaS and on-prem) trusted by government and enterprises. It is also a Build Capable partner, but its independent LRS offering competes directly with the embedded LRS feature of XCL.
- Rustici Software (SCORM Cloud): Rustici Software provides SCORM and xAPI conformance tools, content hosting, and dispatch services. Its SCORM Cloud and Engine products overlap with XCL's content packaging and dispatch capabilities for eLearning interoperability.
- Learning Locker: Learning Locker is an open-source LRS that supports xAPI and SCORM for storing and reporting learning data. It serves the same interoperability-focused L&D buyer as XCL, particularly organizations seeking alternatives to traditional LMS analytics.
- Watershed LRS: Watershed provides a commercial LRS and learning analytics platform focused on xAPI data collection and reporting. It is the most direct competitor to XCL's combined content-launcher + LRS value proposition, targeting the same enterprise L&D buyers seeking xAPI-native analytics.
- RISC Inc. RISC offers the xACTION platform, a patented xAPI processing tool that triggers automated workflows from learning data. As a Build Capable partner with overlapping xAPI capabilities, it competes and collaborates in the same workflow-automation layer.
Broad incumbents
- Docebo: Docebo is a major AI-powered enterprise LMS/LXP serving global corporations. It represents the incumbent suite alternative that XCL's headless value proposition is positioned against.
- Intellum: Intellum provides a customer and partner education platform with content authoring, delivery, and analytics. It competes in the broader enterprise learning experience space where Build Capable delivers consulting and XCL distribution.
- Degreed: Degreed is an established LXP/skills platform with deep enterprise integrations. It is a broader incumbent in the modern learning ecosystem where Build Capable also operates.
- Totara: Totara offers an open-source LMS/LXP platform with xAPI support and a broad ecosystem of compliance, talent, and learning products. It competes in the broader enterprise learning platform space where XCL is positioned as a complementary or headless alternative.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Build Capable social profiles
Digital presenceBuild Capable compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Build Capable financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Build Capable leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles14 records
Build Capable funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Build Capable M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Build Capable
What does Build Capable do?
Build Capable sells and delivers the XCL (xAPI-enabled Content Launcher) SaaS platform, which enables organizations to distribute and track online learning through shareable links and QR codes without requiring a traditional LMS, along with Capable Custom Assessments for branded competency assessments, and complementary professional services including Learning Ecosystem Services, Learning Experience Design, and Performance Data Strategy consulting.
Is Build Capable a public or private company?
Build Capable is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Build Capable founded?
Build Capable was founded in 2008. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Build Capable based?
Build Capable is headquartered in Austin, United States, in the North America region.
How does Build Capable make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. XCL Subscription Plans are the primary driver. The others are professional Services and capable Custom Assessments.
Who are Build Capable's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Yet Analytics, Veracity Learning, Rustici Software (SCORM Cloud), Learning Locker, Watershed LRS and RISC Inc.. Broad incumbents are Docebo, Intellum, Degreed and Totara.
Does Build Capable have an API?
No public API is recorded for Build Capable.
What industry is Build Capable in?
Build Capable's product category is Learning Technology Software. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAFAHAH, Standards, Packaging & Interoperability Tools (SCORM/xAPI/cmi5/LTI), with a secondary code of EDAFAAAI, LMS Integrations, Interoperability & Identity (LTI/SCORM/xAPI, SSO, APIs). Its NAICS code is 5132 and its SIC code is 7372.