AI Grading's New Guard: A Startup's Quest to Keep Education Human

South African edtech firm The Invigilator has secured $11 million in a funding round led by Kaltroco Partners and other investors from Nashville, Zurich, and Cape Town. The investment will fuel the company’s expansion beyond Africa and enhance its artificial intelligence capabilities. The Invigilator, co-founded in 2020 by Nicholas Riemer, provides AI-powered solutions for secure and ethical online assessment monitoring, addressing issues of academic integrity and cost-effective exam invigilation. The startup currently serves over 100 educational institutions, including the University of South Africa, the University of Johannesburg, and the University of Cape Town.

The AI platform at the heart of The Invigilator’s offering includes facial recognition, anti-plagiarism tools, and real-time monitoring to prevent cheating during online examinations. The latest funding will allow the company to refine and scale these AI models, further integrating them into a range of educational settings. Nicholas Riemer, the company’s CEO and co-founder, highlighted that the investment will enable the firm to expand its presence in North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. He noted that the startup has already begun forging partnerships with institutions in countries such as Mexico, India, and Australia.

The Invigilator’s growth has been rapid. As of early 2025, the platform was used by over 60,000 students globally. The company also introduced an AI detection feature that allows instructors to determine whether students have relied on generative AI for homework or assessments. The tool is designed to ensure that students do not become overly dependent on AI, instead fostering original thought and critical thinking skills. The Invigilator’s AI detection system works by analyzing writing patterns, breaking down question papers, and identifying inconsistencies that suggest AI influence.

The investment has also bolstered The Invigilator’s credibility and operational capacity. Kaltroco, which has made over 30 global investments, emphasized the company’s strong business model and disruptive potential. The firm’s backing provides The Invigilator with the flexibility to pursue long-term growth without external constraints on structure or investment timelines. Riemer expressed confidence in the startup’s trajectory, stating that the company is well positioned to become a global leader in AI-powered proctoring technology.

Looking ahead, The Invigilator plans to continue its expansion by strengthening its multilingual functionality and forming partnerships with corporate clients. The company’s live AI monitoring technology aims to revolutionize the assessment industry by enabling continuous, secure, and data-light evaluations. With the backing of Kaltroco and a growing global presence, The Invigilator is poised to play a key role in shaping the future of online education and assessment.

Source:

[1] The Invigilator raises $11m for global AI expansion (https://technext24.com/2025/09/03/the-invigilator-raises-11m-for-global/)

[2] SA edtech disruptor The Invigilator secures R195m for global growth (https://www.bizcommunity.com/article/sa-edtech-disruptor-the-invigilator-secures-r195m-for-global-growth-621921a)

[3] AI Policy Corner: U.S. Executive Order on Advancing AI Education for American Youth (https://montrealethics.ai/ai-policy-corner-u-s-executive-order-on-advancing-ai-education-for-american-youth/)

[4] Virginia Colleges Take Varied Approach to AI Education (https://www.govtech.com/education/higher-ed/virginia-colleges-take-varied-approach-to-ai-education)

[5] China is making AI education mandatory for kids (https://www.indy100.com/science-tech/china-mandatory-ai-classes-children)