Olswang has advised Guardian Media Group on a strategic investment which sees the global news and digital publishing group take a 15 per cent holding in Decoded, the code and data education and digital transformation company.

Decoded is renowned for its one-day transformative accelerated learning experiences 'Code in a Day' and 'Data in a Day' and the investment will help accelerate the company's international expansion. The deal is the latest step by GMG in focusing attention and resources on initiatives and programmes that support its digital-first strategy.

Andrew Miller, chief executive officer of GMG, said: "We're delighted to announce an investment in and strategic partnership with Decoded, which sees us working with an incredibly successful and innovative young business that is closely aligned to our belief in the importance of the digital future and the education required to maximise the enormous opportunities afforded by it."

Kathryn Parsons, founder, Decoded, said: "Decoded have been at the forefront of driving the global code education zeitgeist since our launch in 2011.  We believe digital literacy, skills and empowerment are no longer a nice to have, but a need to have.  It is an honour to be working alongside Andrew and the Guardian Media Group team who share our vision for digital literacy and the potential it holds for individuals, business and the economy."

Decoded was launched in 2011 by entrepreneurs Alasdair Blackwell, Steve Henry, Kathryn Parsons and Richard Peters. Its flagship course 'Code in a Day' teaches business professionals to harness the opportunities created by code literacy and skills.  Decoded has also developed 'Data in a Day', unlocking the potential for everyone and anyone to understand and realise the potential of data within their lives and businesses.

Olswang Partner Mark Bertram and Associate Theo Godfrey advised GMG on the investment, while Tony Littner, head of the Harbottle & Lewis' Venture Capital Group, advised Decoded.

Commenting on Olswang's work for GMG, Sarah Davis, group commercial legal director GMG, said: "Mark and his team combine innovative thinking with technical brilliance. A real pleasure to work with."

Mark Bertram, Partner at Olswang, commented: "We have had a valued and long relationship with GMG, so it was particularly exciting to help on its latest trajectory of innovation and growth. Acquiring a stake in Decoded, GMG is not just putting technology at the heart of its business, but is doing so in a way that is true to its core values."