The Invigilator
Overview
The Invigilator is a mobile and desktop application designed to monitor and secure the integrity of online assessments. Launched in 2020, the app was co-founded by Nicholas Riemer, Matthew Riemer, and Jurie Wessels. It has gained substantial traction, especially in South Africa, primarily due to its low-data requirements and ability to function on entry-level smartphones. As of 2025, The Invigilator has raised $11 million in funding to support its global expansion and AI development initiatives.
Recent Developments
- September 2025: The Invigilator secured $11 million in funding to enhance AI development and expand globally, targeting educational institutions in North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. This investment round was led by Kaltroco and included other investors like Blank Canvas Capital and Buffet Crampon.
- July 2025: The Invigilator continued to optimize its platform's features, emphasizing AI-driven proctoring solutions that aim to prevent academic dishonesty, and announced further integrations with popular educational technologies.
- May 2025: The app launched a campaign in collaboration with UCT Online High School to prepare students for Cycle Tests, providing detailed demos and regulatory guidance to enhance familiarity with the app.
- January 2025: Efforts to translate the app's success in South Africa to a global context included releasing language support and regional customizations to align more closely with international educational standards.
- Throughout 2024: Continued partnerships with major South African universities cemented The Invigilator's role as a critical tool for maintaining exam integrity during the ongoing transition to online learning environments.
Company Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | 2020 |
| Headquarters | Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Founders | Nicholas Riemer, Matthew Riemer, Jurie Wessels |
| Key Investors | Kaltroco, Blank Canvas Capital, Buffet Crampon |
| Industry | Educational Software |
| Number of Employees | 16 |
| Revenue | Not publicly disclosed |
Early History
The Invigilator was conceptualized during the COVID-19 pandemic when educational institutions rapidly shifted to online learning. The three co-founders, with significant academic and technological expertise, noted the challenges in maintaining examination integrity without traditional in-person invigilation. Nichola, Jurie, and Matthew, leveraging educational networks and their programming capabilities, developed a solution-centered app that transcended traditional geographic and technological limitations, providing a massively scalable tool in The Invigilator.
Company Profile and Achievements
The Invigilator quickly positioned itself as a leading proctoring technology by focusing on accessibility and cost-effectiveness. Unlike many traditional solutions, it worked seamlessly on basic smartphones and under limited internet connectivity, a considerable advantage given South Africa's diverse socio-economic environment.
- Key Achievements:
- The app became the most downloaded educational application in South Africa by September 2021.
- The successful integration of AI technologies for real-time monitoring and data tracking, coupled with easy tutor dashboards.
- Over a million assessments have been conducted using The Invigilator.
- Introduction of cutting-edge features including facial recognition, GPS tracking, and frame-detection technology.
- Successfully expanded user base beyond South Africa to include several international educational institutions.
Current Operations and Market Position
Currently, The Invigilator serves over 20 large education providers, including the University of Johannesburg and Cape Town. Its market position is reinforced by its robust, scalable, and affordable proctoring solutions that cater to the specific needs of diverse educational settings.
- Market Impact:
- Continuously innovate on AI modules used in assessment invigilation.
- Ensuring assessment credibility while expanding accessibility, particularly in underserved markets.
- Leveraging funding to strengthen their AI systems and broaden international educational partnerships.
Conclusion
The Invigilator plays a critical role in redefining online education standards by offering a versatile, low-cost alternative to traditional exam monitoring solutions. Its growth trajectory seems promising, paving the way for broader international expansion and deeper technological enhancements. As digital learning environments become more prevalent, The Invigilator's adaptable and solution-oriented approach positions it firmly as a leader in educational technology and online examination integrity.