Zen Academy

What Zen Academy does

Zen Academy is a Paris-based, online professional training provider registered as a SASU (RCS Paris 918 464 116) and operating with approximately 5 employees under the direction of Olivier Boudana. The company delivers more than 250 CPF-eligible training courses spanning languages (Italian, English, French, Spanish, German, Projet Voltaire), creative and engineering software (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, AutoCAD, Revit), office and IT tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, WordPress, WooCommerce, PHP/SQL, Python), professional skills (management), and skills assessment (Bilan de Compétences), with newer additions in Metaverse and AI/ChatGPT training. It reports 800+ learners trained annually, a 92% certification pass rate, and that 97% of learners obtain 100% CPF financing.

The business model is built around individual learners funded through France's CPF (Compte Personnel de Formation) system, supplemented by a sub-brand, Formation Compétences, which extends the offering into skills-assessment services. Distribution is driven primarily by the CPF platform rather than direct enterprise contracts; named brands such as Canal+, Danone, Leroy Merlin, Cofidis, Crédit Agricole, Canon, SNCF, and Altarea appear to reflect individual learner affiliations rather than negotiated B2B agreements. Zen Academy operates under Qualiopi certification, is recognized by France Compétences, and adheres to a Charte de Déontologie, satisfying the regulatory prerequisites required to deliver CPF-financed training in France.

The technology stack is typical of a course-catalogue aggregator: course delivery appears to be conducted through partnered instructors and standard online training platforms, with no proprietary learning infrastructure disclosed. The recent launch of AI, ChatGPT, and Metaverse training lines indicates a curriculum-led growth posture aimed at capturing demand in emerging technology categories, while the small headcount suggests a lean operating model that relies on partner-led delivery rather than in-house content production at scale.

Name

Zen Academy

Legal name

Zen Academy SASU

Website

https://zenacademy.fr

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Zen Academy is a Paris-based online professional training provider offering 250+ CPF-eligible courses in languages, software, IT, and emerging tech to individual French learners funded through the CPF system.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Online Professional Training and Continuing Education

NAICS

Professional and Management Development Training (61143), Business Schools and Computer and Management Training (6114), Computer Training (61142)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Professional & Career Skills Tutoring Platforms (Coding, Data, Business) (EDANAGAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Training Delivery Services (Onsite/Virtual Instruction, Workshops, Coaching) (BPAEANAN), IT Support & End-User Computing (Helpdesk, Desktop, M365/Google Workspace) (EDABAFAN), Project, Process & Quality Certification Prep (PMP, PRINCE2, Lean Six Sigma, ITIL) (EDANAIAE)

Keywords

• Online professional training
• Cpf certified courses
• Language learning platform
• Office software training
• Career certification programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Paris

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Professional Training Services (CPF-funded): Zen Academy generates revenue through professional continuing education services funded primarily by the French CPF (Compte Personnel de Formation) system. The company states that 97% of learners obtain 100% financing through CPF. Training is sold as structured courses with defined duration (e.g., 25h PowerPoint, 80h Spanish, 13h Python) leading to recognized certifications.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Zen Academy operates an online professional training platform that delivers 250+ state-certified courses in languages (English, French, Spanish, German, Italian), office software (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook), creative tools (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, AutoCAD, Revit Autodesk), programming (Python, PHP/SQL, WordPress, WooCommerce), and professional skills (Management). Courses are 100% online, self-paced, taught by certified experts with 24/7 tutor support, and are primarily financed through the French CPF (Compte Personnel de Formation) system, culminating in state-recognized certifications. The platform also offers a Bilan de Compétences (skills assessment) service and dedicated corporate training pathways for TPE/PME and grandes entreprises.

Product overview

Zen Academy is an online professional training platform offering CPF-eligible courses across multiple categories: Languages (Italian, English, French, Spanish, German, Projet Voltaire), Software/Creativity tools (ChatGPT, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, AutoCAD, Revit Autodesk), Office/IT skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, WordPress, WooCommerce, PHP/SQL, Python, Computer Basics), and Professional Skills (Management). The platform also provides Skills Assessment (Bilan de Compétences) services and specialized categories for Metaverse and AI training. All courses are 100% online, self-paced, certified by the French state, and eligible for CPF (Compte Personnel de Formation) financing. The platform reports over 800 learners trained annually, 250+ courses available, and a 92% certification pass rate.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Excel Training Online certified training course covering Microsoft Excel spreadsheet software, including data analysis, formulas, and table management, for professionals and individuals seeking state-recognized certification (CPF-eligible).
• Anglais (English) Training Online certified English language course covering vocabulary, grammar, and professional communication, for individuals and corporate learners seeking state-recognized certification (CPF-eligible).
• Photoshop Training Online certified Adobe Photoshop course covering photomontage, image retouching, and graphic visual creation, for creative professionals and individuals (CPF-eligible).
• PowerPoint Training Online certified Microsoft PowerPoint course for creating dynamic presentations and professional communication (CPF-eligible, 25-hour curriculum cited).
• WordPress Training Online certified WordPress course for creating websites and blogs without coding, including themes, plugins, and content management (CPF-eligible).
• Word Training Online certified Microsoft Word course covering document creation, formatting, and professional document production (CPF-eligible).
• Outlook Training Online certified Microsoft Outlook course covering mail management, calendar organization, and scheduling for professional productivity (CPF-eligible).
• Italien (Italian) Training Online certified Italian language course covering vocabulary, grammar, and communication for daily and professional use (CPF-eligible).
• Espagnol (Spanish) Training Online certified Spanish language course covering basics for communication in Spanish-speaking professional environments (CPF-eligible, 80-hour curriculum cited).
• Allemand (German) Training Online certified German language course with intensive grammar and vocabulary training for professional communication (CPF-eligible).
• Français Training Online certified French language course for consolidating grammar and vocabulary skills, intended for professional writing and oral expression (CPF-eligible).
• Projet Voltaire Certification Training Online certified course preparing learners for the Projet Voltaire certification for professional French writing and oral expression (CPF-eligible).
• WooCommerce Training Online certified e-commerce course using the WooCommerce WordPress extension for creating online stores (CPF-eligible).
• Python Training Online certified Python programming course covering web development, data analysis, and software programming skills (CPF-eligible, 13-hour curriculum cited).
• PHP/SQL Training Online certified PHP programming and SQL database course for developing dynamic websites and web applications (CPF-eligible).
• Bases Informatiques (Computer Basics) Training Online certified computer basics course covering mouse, keyboard, Windows 10, internet, and fundamental computing skills for beginners (CPF-eligible).
• Management Training Online certified professional management course covering leadership, team management, and organizational skills (CPF-eligible).
• ChatGPT Training Online certified training course for mastering ChatGPT and generative AI assistance for professional use (CPF-eligible).
• Revit Autodesk Training Online certified Autodesk Revit course for architects, engineers, and construction professionals using BIM (CPF-eligible).
• InDesign Training Online certified Adobe InDesign desktop publishing course for creating posters, flyers, brochures, and layout designs (CPF-eligible).
• Illustrator Training Online certified Adobe Illustrator vector graphics course for creating scalable drawings and illustrations (CPF-eligible).
• AutoCAD Training Online certified AutoCAD technical drawing course for 2D and 3D architectural and engineering drawings (CPF-eligible).
• Bilan de Compétences (Skills Assessment) Online skills assessment service for evaluating professional competencies and supporting career development planning (CPF-eligible), available to individuals and employees.

Quantifiable outcome

• 800+ learners trained annually
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• QualiopicoreOthersZen Academy holds Qualiopi certification, a mandatory quality certification for professional training organizations in France. This certification is required to access government-funded training programs (CPF, OPCO). Qualiopi is awarded by an accredited certification body and attests to compliance with rigorous quality standards in training delivery, trainer competence, and organizational capability.
• France CompétencescoreOthersFrance Compétences is the national authority for professional training and apprenticeship in France. Zen Academy's training programs are referenced and recognized by France Compétences, which is a prerequisite for CPF eligibility. France Compétences manages the CPF system and ensures the quality and relevance of listed training programs.
• Charte de DéontologieminorOthersZen Academy adheres to the Charte de Déontologie (Code of Ethics Charter) for professional training organizations, demonstrating commitment to ethical standards in learner treatment, pricing transparency, and training quality.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves4 records

Expansion highlights3 records

Direct peers

• OpenClassrooms: France-based online education provider specializing in tech, data, and professional skills with state-recognized diplomas and CPF eligibility. Closely comparable business model (online, CPF-funded, certification-led) and overlapping course categories (Python, web dev, management).
• IFG (Institut Français de Gestion): French professional training organization offering CPF-eligible courses in IT, languages, and management with online delivery. Comparable in operating a 100% online Qualiopi-certified catalog targeting French professionals and enterprises via CPF.
• ENACO: French online higher-education and professional training provider offering CPF-funded certification programs in business, IT, and trades. Directly comparable as a CPF-eligible e-learning competitor serving the same French individual and SME buyer.
• Studi (Galileo Global Education): Large French online education platform offering CPF-eligible certification courses across IT, languages, and professional skills. Directly comparable in business model (CPF-funded asynchronous online training) and target buyer (French professionals and enterprises), but at much greater scale.

Broad incumbents

• Cegos: Largest French corporate training incumbent with Qualiopi certification, offering a broad catalog of professional, management, and digital courses. Comparable in being a French Qualiopi-certified training provider serving grandes entreprises, but with a much larger B2B focus and instructor-led delivery.
• LinkedIn Learning: Enterprise and prosumer online learning platform covering software, creative, and business skills. Comparable catalog overlap (Excel, Photoshop, Python, management) and B2B enterprise distribution, but lacks CPF-specific certification positioning.
• Udemy: Global marketplace for online courses with deep coverage of IT, creative, and professional skills. Overlaps with Zen Academy's catalog (Excel, PowerPoint, Photoshop, Python) and online delivery, but operates on a global consumer/B2B self-serve model rather than French CPF funding.
• Skillsoft: Global enterprise learning and certification provider with deep IT, compliance, and leadership catalogs. Comparable as a B2B training content and certification provider serving large enterprises, though focused on corporate L&D budgets rather than CPF-funded individual learners.
• Coursera: Global MOOC platform offering professional certificates and courses in IT, data, languages, and business. Comparable on the asynchronous online learning model and some overlapping content (Python, Office tools, AI), but not specifically optimized for CPF funding or French certification requirements.

Regional players

• 360Learning: France-headquartered collaborative LMS platform for corporate L&D teams. Comparable as a French online learning business serving enterprise training, but differentiated by being a B2B SaaS tool rather than a CPF-funded course provider.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/zen-academy-paris

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

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 Zen Academy