Reach Capital

Reach Capital is a Palo Alto-based venture capital firm established in 2015 that focuses on early-stage investments in the education technology sector. The firm targets startups developing technology solutions for various educational challenges, including early childhood, K-12, higher education, and lifelong learning. Reach Capital prefers to invest between $100,000 and $500,000 in seed rounds and $1 million or more in Series A or B rounds, typically acquiring stakes of 3% to 5% in seed investments and 8% to 10% in later-stage funding. By supporting promising entrepreneurs, Reach Capital aims to enhance educational opportunities for all children and acts as a catalyst to attract additional investment in the rapidly growing ed-tech market. The firm explicitly avoids investments in wearable devices and related applications for schools.

Jennifer Carolan

Co-Founder and Partner

Enzo Cavalie

Investment Associate

Jackie Dao

CFO

Shauntel Garvey

Co-Founder and Partner

Jomayra Herrera

Partner

Jennifer Wu

Venture Partner

James Kim

Partner

Jim Lobdell

Venture Partner

Caoimhe MacRunnels

Senior Associate

Shauntel Poulson

General Partner

Esteban Sosnik

Managing Partner

Tony Wan

Head of Investor Content

Past deals in EdTech

Campus

Series A in 2023
Campuswire is a real-time messaging platform designed specifically for college classes, aimed at enhancing communication between students and educators. The platform facilitates class discussions, question-and-answer sessions, and announcements, ultimately optimizing the teaching and learning experience. By integrating both synchronous and asynchronous messaging features, Campuswire promotes increased student collaboration and simplifies educators' workflows. Its user-friendly interface, inspired by social media, enables professors to efficiently share important information, engage in online discussions, and privately communicate with individual students. Through its innovative approach, Campuswire is committed to addressing challenges in educational communication and fostering a more collaborative learning environment.

Xip

Seed Round in 2022
Provider of online coaching services intended to offer one-on-one instruction to creators to monetize their expertise. The company features a variety of courses, including Mathematics, Science, English, and History, along with receiving fully personalized instruction to stay on track, helping users with the opportunity to connect with other students and instructors from all over the world and learn online at their own pace.

Stellic

Series A in 2022
Stellic Inc. operates an integrated planning and advising platform designed to assist students in effectively planning their academic semesters. The platform features a Degree Planner that includes tools for prerequisite checks, course searches, career templates, elective placeholders, semester planning, and an integrated calendar. Additionally, it offers a Degree Audit feature that accurately tracks completed, in-progress, and remaining program requirements. The Advisor Tool enables advisors to identify at-risk students early, while Data Reports help university administrators analyze future course demand, student performance issues, and engagement levels among students and advisors. Founded by Carnegie Mellon undergraduates frustrated with existing academic planning tools, Stellic aims to provide innovative, user-centered solutions for universities globally. The company is headquartered in Doha, Qatar, with an additional location in Palo Alto, California.

Paper

Series D in 2022
Improve student achievement and teacher effectiveness with the leading Educational Support System. Leading school districts make Paper part of their strategic plan. Whether you need to support a high ELL population, improve math/English proficiency, reduce teacher turnover, or address opportunity gaps in a diverse socio-economic community, Paper helps you reach your district goals. Educational Equity Like Never Before Paper is the first comprehensive Educational Support System (ESS) featuring live help and writing feedback for students paired with real-time feedback and intervention tools for teachers.

FourthRev

Series A in 2022
FourthRev Pty Ltd is an educational service provider based in Hawthorn, Australia, established in 2019. The company focuses on bridging the digital skills gap by collaborating with leading technology firms and universities to create and deliver industry-relevant educational programs. These offerings range from micro-credentials to degree courses and are designed to equip students and lifelong learners with verified skills that meet current market demands. FourthRev partners with organizations like AWS, Salesforce, and Tableau to curate content and align it with university qualification standards, ensuring that courses remain relevant to industry needs. Additionally, the company connects learners with potential employers within its partner ecosystems, enhancing career opportunities and improving graduate outcomes.

Wayfinder

Series A in 2022
Project Wayfinder designed for all students to develop lives of meaning and purpose.

1mentor

Pre Seed Round in 2021
We all know how technology has disrupted the world, especially over the past couple of decades. As a result, preparing students with the right skills and tools required by the labour market is harder than ever. We partner with colleges and universities to help them and their students understand how the labour market is evolving, what employers expect of graduates, and guide students to equip themselves for the occupations they want.

Outschool

Series D in 2021
Outschool operates an online platform that facilitates live, interactive learning experiences for children through classes taught by independent teachers. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in San Francisco, the platform connects parents, motivated learners, and educators, allowing families to discover and book a variety of online classes tailored to their interests. The platform caters to a diverse range of educators, including certified teachers and individuals with expertise in various fields. Outschool's model enables parents to select classes and teachers based on their children’s needs, thereby expanding educational opportunities in a cost-effective manner compared to traditional tutoring. The platform emphasizes community building by allowing parents to collaborate on activities and share experiences.

Aprende Institute

Series A in 2021
Developer of an online education platform designed to offer vocational skills training. The company's platform offers a wide range of online training courses and diploma that assists students in acquiring skills needed to start their own business or a new career in areas of high demand, enabling students to earn extra income through small self-owned businesses.

Lynx Educate

Pre Seed Round in 2021
Lynx Educate is an education-to-employer marketplace focused on upskilling and reskilling workforces. The company provides employee education services that facilitate access to accredited and certified programs tailored for adult learners. By offering a comprehensive suite of educational resources, Lynx Educate enables human resources teams to effectively transform their training budgets into strategic investments aimed at retaining, engaging, and attracting talent within organizations.

EveryDay Labs

Series A in 2021
EveryDay Labs, Inc. develops a toolkit that is designed to provide educators with insights, research, and strategies on how to partner with families so that every student has an equitable opportunity to learn. The company was founded in 2015 and is based in Redwood City, California.

Vinco

Seed Round in 2021
Developer of a workforce education platform intended to reduce the labor skill gap. The company's platform serves as a bridge between big employers seeking to upskill and retain their workforce, working adults who want to earn credentials and education institutions looking to drive their enrollment online, enabling companies to empower their workforce via education opportunities.

Coderhouse

Series A in 2021
Coderhouse SRL is an online education platform based in Buenos Aires, Argentina, that offers a variety of coding and digital design courses. Founded in 2013, the company provides training in areas such as front-end development, full-stack development, mobile application development, digital marketing, UX design, and WordPress. Coderhouse's courses are designed for both students and professionals, featuring live training sessions that facilitate interactive learning. By equipping users with the necessary tools and knowledge, Coderhouse aims to enhance their skills in creating websites and mobile applications, thereby promoting both personal and professional development.

Class

Series B in 2021
Class is a provider of online learning solutions that focuses on enhancing remote education through its virtual classroom software. The company offers a comprehensive suite of tools designed to streamline the teaching and learning process, including features such as attendance tracking, assignment distribution, grading, and proctored exams. By integrating its software with platforms like Zoom, Class facilitates interactive and effective learning experiences for both teachers and students. The platform encompasses functionalities such as seating charts, ID verification, participation tracking, and performance management, enabling educators to optimize their classroom management and improve student engagement. Additionally, Class provides courses across various subject areas, including core, elective, and skills development, along with program implementation services to support educational institutions in their online teaching efforts.

Paper

Series C in 2021
Improve student achievement and teacher effectiveness with the leading Educational Support System. Leading school districts make Paper part of their strategic plan. Whether you need to support a high ELL population, improve math/English proficiency, reduce teacher turnover, or address opportunity gaps in a diverse socio-economic community, Paper helps you reach your district goals. Educational Equity Like Never Before Paper is the first comprehensive Educational Support System (ESS) featuring live help and writing feedback for students paired with real-time feedback and intervention tools for teachers.

Rhithm

Seed Round in 2021
Rhithm is a wellness check-in tool. The platform selects an ideal 1-2 minute activity video to regulate well-being based on user given data from a simple emoji assessment. This data is available on dashboards to reflect and connect with as desired at the campus, district/network and state levels.

Backer

Venture Round in 2021
Backer is a social savings platform that enables users to set up a tax-free 529 account where family and friends can contribute. It is backed by leading edtech and fintech venture firms, Princeton University, Dartmouth University, USC’s Marshall School of Business, and founders of SoFi, Facebook, Quizlet, CircleUp, AltSchool, Patreon, and LendingHome. Backer was incorporated in 2015 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California.

Outschool

Series C in 2021
Outschool operates an online platform that facilitates live, interactive learning experiences for children through classes taught by independent teachers. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in San Francisco, the platform connects parents, motivated learners, and educators, allowing families to discover and book a variety of online classes tailored to their interests. The platform caters to a diverse range of educators, including certified teachers and individuals with expertise in various fields. Outschool's model enables parents to select classes and teachers based on their children’s needs, thereby expanding educational opportunities in a cost-effective manner compared to traditional tutoring. The platform emphasizes community building by allowing parents to collaborate on activities and share experiences.

Holberton, Inc.

Series B in 2021
Holberton, Inc. offers a project-based learning approach tailored for aspiring software engineers, providing an alternative to traditional college education. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, the company operates additional campuses in New Haven, Connecticut, and in Bogotá and Medellín, Colombia. Its comprehensive two-year program focuses on hands-on learning, covering essential topics such as full-stack web development, machine learning, augmented and virtual reality, advanced Linux programming, algorithms, and blockchain. Students engage in collaborative projects that simulate real-world challenges, fostering teamwork and creativity. Notably, Holberton provides free education until students secure employment, making it an accessible option for those seeking to enter the tech industry.

Spokn

Seed Round in 2021
Spokn helps companies develop their talent and build a culture of continuous learning - all in audio. Our 'bite-sized' insights cover skills like communication, collaboration, productivity and leadership and come from the top experts in the world - from Harvard Business School and MIT to HubSpot, Mindful, the Financial Times and more. The best part? It's 100% in audio, so learning fits into the daily routine of employees.

Spokn

Seed Round in 2021
Spokn helps companies develop their talent and build a culture of continuous learning - all in audio. Our 'bite-sized' insights cover skills like communication, collaboration, productivity and leadership and come from the top experts in the world - from Harvard Business School and MIT to HubSpot, Mindful, the Financial Times and more. The best part? It's 100% in audio, so learning fits into the daily routine of employees.

Wayfinder

Seed Round in 2021
Project Wayfinder designed for all students to develop lives of meaning and purpose.

Newsela

Series D in 2021
Newsela, Inc. is an instructional content platform that publishes daily news articles to support students in developing advanced literacy skills. Founded in 2013 and based in New York, the platform offers a wide range of topics, including war and peace, science, health, and the arts, while providing content tailored to different reading levels. By featuring articles from reputable sources such as National Geographic, NASA, and the Washington Post, Newsela enhances engagement and learning for students and teachers alike. The platform also includes integrated formative assessments and analytics, helping educators track student progress and improve instruction. With a presence in over 90% of U.S. K-12 schools, Newsela has established itself as a vital resource for modern classrooms, facilitating non-fiction literacy and critical thinking across various subjects.

FourthRev

Seed Round in 2021
FourthRev Pty Ltd is an educational service provider based in Hawthorn, Australia, established in 2019. The company focuses on bridging the digital skills gap by collaborating with leading technology firms and universities to create and deliver industry-relevant educational programs. These offerings range from micro-credentials to degree courses and are designed to equip students and lifelong learners with verified skills that meet current market demands. FourthRev partners with organizations like AWS, Salesforce, and Tableau to curate content and align it with university qualification standards, ensuring that courses remain relevant to industry needs. Additionally, the company connects learners with potential employers within its partner ecosystems, enhancing career opportunities and improving graduate outcomes.

Class

Series A in 2021
Class is a provider of online learning solutions that focuses on enhancing remote education through its virtual classroom software. The company offers a comprehensive suite of tools designed to streamline the teaching and learning process, including features such as attendance tracking, assignment distribution, grading, and proctored exams. By integrating its software with platforms like Zoom, Class facilitates interactive and effective learning experiences for both teachers and students. The platform encompasses functionalities such as seating charts, ID verification, participation tracking, and performance management, enabling educators to optimize their classroom management and improve student engagement. Additionally, Class provides courses across various subject areas, including core, elective, and skills development, along with program implementation services to support educational institutions in their online teaching efforts.

Egg

Seed Round in 2021
Egg is an education company founded in 2015, focusing on life science and social impact. It offers a co-op-powered online training system that employs a scientific-based methodology to teach programming and other digital skills. The company provides a seven-week scholarship program designed for individuals eager to explore programming without prior experience. This initiative allows participants to quickly determine their interest in pursuing a career in technology, enabling them to acquire essential skills in programming, testing, and more. Egg's mission emphasizes overcoming obstacles, fostering teamwork, and contributing to future advancements in various fields.

Sprout Labs

Pre Seed Round in 2021
Developer of educational software designed to offer early detection of literacy challenges and appropriate, customized instruction. The company's platform detects literacy challenges including predicting risk for dyslexia and offers screening, dashboard and data analytics, customized instruction, resources, evidence-based tools, and support to translate data into meaningful action, enabling teachers, parents, paediatricians, and other clinicians to help students get back on track.

Paper

Funding Round in 2020
Improve student achievement and teacher effectiveness with the leading Educational Support System. Leading school districts make Paper part of their strategic plan. Whether you need to support a high ELL population, improve math/English proficiency, reduce teacher turnover, or address opportunity gaps in a diverse socio-economic community, Paper helps you reach your district goals. Educational Equity Like Never Before Paper is the first comprehensive Educational Support System (ESS) featuring live help and writing feedback for students paired with real-time feedback and intervention tools for teachers.

Sketchy

Series A in 2020
SketchyMedical is a online education company that helps students master complex concepts through fun and informative video sketches that enhance visual memory

Aprende Institute

Series A in 2020
Developer of an online education platform designed to offer vocational skills training. The company's platform offers a wide range of online training courses and diploma that assists students in acquiring skills needed to start their own business or a new career in areas of high demand, enabling students to earn extra income through small self-owned businesses.

Outschool

Series B in 2020
Outschool operates an online platform that facilitates live, interactive learning experiences for children through classes taught by independent teachers. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in San Francisco, the platform connects parents, motivated learners, and educators, allowing families to discover and book a variety of online classes tailored to their interests. The platform caters to a diverse range of educators, including certified teachers and individuals with expertise in various fields. Outschool's model enables parents to select classes and teachers based on their children’s needs, thereby expanding educational opportunities in a cost-effective manner compared to traditional tutoring. The platform emphasizes community building by allowing parents to collaborate on activities and share experiences.

Springboard

Series B in 2020
Springboard is an online learning platform that prepares students for the tech industry’s most sought after careers. With expert mentorship from top professionals, a bleeding-edge curriculum, and a network of support from day one, they make sure students have everything they need to excel in their program and in their next job. The platform one-size-fits-one approach is made for working professionals who are ready to level-up or make a major career shift. And our tuition back guarantee means students can take charge and invest in themselves. Springboard data science career track comes with a job guarantee, ensuring students secure a job within six months of graduation or get a full refund. The platform's self-paced courses offer students the opportunity to develop job-ready skills that they display in an industry-worthy capstone or portfolio projects.

EveryDay Labs

Venture Round in 2020
EveryDay Labs, Inc. develops a toolkit that is designed to provide educators with insights, research, and strategies on how to partner with families so that every student has an equitable opportunity to learn. The company was founded in 2015 and is based in Redwood City, California.

Ello

Seed Round in 2020
Ello is an innovative company that transforms the reading experience for children by integrating real books with artificial intelligence technology. Founded in 2019 and based in the United States, Ello provides personalized learning experiences, offering each child access to a virtual expert teacher. The company employs evidence-based reading instruction to assist children when they encounter difficulties, while also utilizing behavioral psychology to encourage persistence and motivation. By fostering a personal connection with physical books, Ello aims to ignite children's natural curiosity and promote lifelong learning.

Paper

Venture Round in 2020
Improve student achievement and teacher effectiveness with the leading Educational Support System. Leading school districts make Paper part of their strategic plan. Whether you need to support a high ELL population, improve math/English proficiency, reduce teacher turnover, or address opportunity gaps in a diverse socio-economic community, Paper helps you reach your district goals. Educational Equity Like Never Before Paper is the first comprehensive Educational Support System (ESS) featuring live help and writing feedback for students paired with real-time feedback and intervention tools for teachers.

Springboard

Series A in 2019
Springboard is an online learning platform that prepares students for the tech industry’s most sought after careers. With expert mentorship from top professionals, a bleeding-edge curriculum, and a network of support from day one, they make sure students have everything they need to excel in their program and in their next job. The platform one-size-fits-one approach is made for working professionals who are ready to level-up or make a major career shift. And our tuition back guarantee means students can take charge and invest in themselves. Springboard data science career track comes with a job guarantee, ensuring students secure a job within six months of graduation or get a full refund. The platform's self-paced courses offer students the opportunity to develop job-ready skills that they display in an industry-worthy capstone or portfolio projects.

Stellic

Seed Round in 2019
Stellic Inc. operates an integrated planning and advising platform designed to assist students in effectively planning their academic semesters. The platform features a Degree Planner that includes tools for prerequisite checks, course searches, career templates, elective placeholders, semester planning, and an integrated calendar. Additionally, it offers a Degree Audit feature that accurately tracks completed, in-progress, and remaining program requirements. The Advisor Tool enables advisors to identify at-risk students early, while Data Reports help university administrators analyze future course demand, student performance issues, and engagement levels among students and advisors. Founded by Carnegie Mellon undergraduates frustrated with existing academic planning tools, Stellic aims to provide innovative, user-centered solutions for universities globally. The company is headquartered in Doha, Qatar, with an additional location in Palo Alto, California.

Outschool

Series A in 2019
Outschool operates an online platform that facilitates live, interactive learning experiences for children through classes taught by independent teachers. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in San Francisco, the platform connects parents, motivated learners, and educators, allowing families to discover and book a variety of online classes tailored to their interests. The platform caters to a diverse range of educators, including certified teachers and individuals with expertise in various fields. Outschool's model enables parents to select classes and teachers based on their children’s needs, thereby expanding educational opportunities in a cost-effective manner compared to traditional tutoring. The platform emphasizes community building by allowing parents to collaborate on activities and share experiences.

PeopleGrove

Series A in 2019
PeopleGrove Inc. is an educational technology company based in San Francisco, California, that provides a platform designed to enhance career development and mentorship for students and professionals. Established in 2014, PeopleGrove connects users with advisers, mentors, and coaches, facilitating access to guidance and support as they navigate their academic and career paths. The platform enables individuals to create profiles, link to their LinkedIn accounts, and express interest in job openings, which informs employers about potential candidates. PeopleGrove aims to foster supportive relationships that enhance the educational experience and improve job outcomes, recognizing that community engagement is essential for student success. The platform has been successfully implemented at numerous prestigious institutions and is also utilized by companies like Intuit and Qualcomm to help their employees access expert coaching and resources within their organizations.

Paper

Venture Round in 2019
Improve student achievement and teacher effectiveness with the leading Educational Support System. Leading school districts make Paper part of their strategic plan. Whether you need to support a high ELL population, improve math/English proficiency, reduce teacher turnover, or address opportunity gaps in a diverse socio-economic community, Paper helps you reach your district goals. Educational Equity Like Never Before Paper is the first comprehensive Educational Support System (ESS) featuring live help and writing feedback for students paired with real-time feedback and intervention tools for teachers.

Lingokids

Series A in 2018
Lingokids is an educational app designed for children aged 2-8, focused on teaching English through a playful learning approach. With a user base exceeding 10 million families globally, the app offers over 600 interactive games and activities that foster essential skills such as creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and communication. The platform encourages parental involvement, allowing families to engage in the learning process together. Lingokids aims to positively impact 100 million families, emphasizing the importance of language acquisition and vocabulary development in early childhood education.

Gradescope

Venture Round in 2018
Gradescope, Inc. is a company that develops an online grading platform aimed at enhancing educational efficiency for instructors and students. Founded in 2014 and based in Berkeley, California, Gradescope's software allows educators to grade paper-based assignments and exams online, significantly reducing the time required for grading. The platform also provides detailed analytics on assignments and questions, helping instructors gain insights into student performance. By using artificial intelligence, Gradescope facilitates the grading process for various types of assignments, including online homework and programming projects. As of October 2018, Gradescope operates as a subsidiary of Turnitin, LLC, and has been utilized to grade over 3 million pages of work for more than 30,000 students across over 100 educational institutions. The company aims to promote data-driven education while maintaining compatibility with traditional paper-based systems.

Mainstay

Series A in 2018
AdmitHub, Inc. is a Boston-based company that specializes in providing expert admissions guidance through its website and SMS services. The company focuses on helping students communicate directly with college admissions offices and offers assistance in various areas, including college selection, financial aid, standardized tests, and support for first-generation college students. Additionally, AdmitHub has developed a chatbot platform named Oli, which integrates artificial intelligence and human expertise to enhance student enrollment, persistence, and completion at numerous colleges and universities. This platform helps educational institutions streamline repetitive tasks, engage students effectively on a large scale, and gain valuable insights into their admissions processes.

BookNook

Seed Round in 2018
BookNook is combining technology and educational expertise to open the doors of literacy for students. They are a social enterprise with dual bottom line and a particular focus on supporting children in traditionally disenfranchised communities. Their founding team comes almost entirely from schools, nonprofits, social-good technology, and government. They believe that the best programs are designed by educators who have their roots in the classroom. Both their instructional strategy and their curriculum come from experienced educators who have seen first hand what works best for students. Their approach is grounded in multiple rigorous studies and they have assembled a team of nationally recognized experts who are both practitioners and researchers. They believe in scaling what works for students that technology is a great way to put proven instructional best practices in the hands of more and more people.

Holberton, Inc.

Series A in 2018
Holberton, Inc. offers a project-based learning approach tailored for aspiring software engineers, providing an alternative to traditional college education. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, the company operates additional campuses in New Haven, Connecticut, and in Bogotá and Medellín, Colombia. Its comprehensive two-year program focuses on hands-on learning, covering essential topics such as full-stack web development, machine learning, augmented and virtual reality, advanced Linux programming, algorithms, and blockchain. Students engage in collaborative projects that simulate real-world challenges, fostering teamwork and creativity. Notably, Holberton provides free education until students secure employment, making it an accessible option for those seeking to enter the tech industry.

Ellevation

Series B in 2018
Ellevation, LLC is a Boston-based company that develops a web-based software platform aimed at supporting English learners (EL) and the educators who serve them. The platform organizes EL student data, facilitates critical monitoring processes, and aids in instructional planning for multilingual students. Ellevation offers research-based instructional practices and activities that assist classroom teachers in effectively planning lessons to help ELs acquire language skills and master grade-level content. Additionally, the company provides Ellevation Math, specifically designed to help ELs engage with grade-level math concepts. Serving various public school districts, including EL coordinators, specialists, and teachers, Ellevation aims to enhance educational outcomes for English learners across the United States. Founded in 2006, the company was previously known as ESL Innovations, Inc. and rebranded to Ellevation, LLC in 2011.

Frank Financial Aid

Series A in 2017
Frank’s online platform streamlines and simplifies the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) application process. Its mission is to help students reach their greatest potential by getting the most value from their education. Frank aims to assist each student and help them get their maximum financial aid.

BetterLesson

Series B in 2017
BetterLesson, Inc. is a professional development platform designed for educators, founded by teachers from Atlanta and Boston public schools. Established in 2008 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the platform enables teachers to connect with personal coaches to set professional development goals and create individualized learning plans. BetterLesson offers a searchable database that allows users to find lesson plans, classroom materials, and instructional resources, facilitating the organization and sharing of curricula among educators. By focusing on empowering teachers to quickly learn effective strategies for their students, BetterLesson aims to transform the professional development landscape and enhance teaching skills and student performance.

Mystery.org

Seed Round in 2017
Mystery.org is an educational platform dedicated to enhancing children's understanding of the world through engaging explanations. It originated with a focus on the 150 most common science questions posed by children, leading to the creation of Mystery Science, which has been utilized by one in five children in the U.S. across half of elementary schools. The organization has received over 500,000 questions from children in the past 18 months, indicating a strong demand for answers to their inquiries. To address this, Mystery.org is developing video explanations for a wide array of questions that children may not encounter in traditional schooling, effectively serving as a visual encyclopedia tailored for young learners. By providing multimedia lessons designed to spark curiosity and promote scientific understanding, Mystery.org aims to cultivate a generation of critical thinkers equipped to explore and comprehend the complexities of the world around them.

Play Piper

Series A in 2017
Piper is a Minecraft toolbox for budding engineers that leverages kids' love of Minecraft to show them that building real gadgets is effortless and fun. At a time when technology pervades every part of our life, kids learn to passively USE technology, but not to CREATE with it. We believe that giving kids an opportunity to become creators rather than consumers, and to do it through a game their already understand and love is a powerful way to replace screen-time with build-time. Letting kids invent, tinker, and build in the physical world while they are young is the most powerful way to empower them to create the future.

Tinkergarten

Series A in 2017
Tinkergarten, Inc. is dedicated to providing outdoor play-based learning classes and activities for children aged 18 months to 8 years. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Northampton, Massachusetts, the company connects families with local leaders who facilitate activity-based classes designed to foster essential developmental skills in a natural setting. Tinkergarten's approach emphasizes the importance of early childhood education in outdoor environments, allowing children to learn through play while enabling parents to engage actively in their children's learning journeys. By creating a network of community leaders, Tinkergarten aims to elevate the quality of early education and support parents in raising healthy, confident, and capable children.

PeopleGrove

Seed Round in 2017
PeopleGrove Inc. is an educational technology company based in San Francisco, California, that provides a platform designed to enhance career development and mentorship for students and professionals. Established in 2014, PeopleGrove connects users with advisers, mentors, and coaches, facilitating access to guidance and support as they navigate their academic and career paths. The platform enables individuals to create profiles, link to their LinkedIn accounts, and express interest in job openings, which informs employers about potential candidates. PeopleGrove aims to foster supportive relationships that enhance the educational experience and improve job outcomes, recognizing that community engagement is essential for student success. The platform has been successfully implemented at numerous prestigious institutions and is also utilized by companies like Intuit and Qualcomm to help their employees access expert coaching and resources within their organizations.

Abl

Series A in 2017
Abl Schools develops innovative school operations software designed to assist school leaders in effectively managing their time and resources. The company aims to transform the educational landscape by fostering flexible, transparent, and collaborative learning environments. Through its technology, Abl Schools seeks to enhance the overall efficiency and effectiveness of school operations, ultimately benefiting educators and students alike.

TeachFX

Pre Seed Round in 2017
TeachFX, Inc. develops an application that gives teachers feedback on the dialogue that happens in classroom. The application uses machine learning to analyze and visualize for teachers what portions of their class are teacher talk vs. student talk. The company develops smartphone and web application that provides automated feedback and help students and teachers to identify problem areas and resolve the issues. TeachFX, Inc. was incorporated in 2017 and is based in Palo Alto, California.

BookNook

Seed Round in 2017
BookNook is combining technology and educational expertise to open the doors of literacy for students. They are a social enterprise with dual bottom line and a particular focus on supporting children in traditionally disenfranchised communities. Their founding team comes almost entirely from schools, nonprofits, social-good technology, and government. They believe that the best programs are designed by educators who have their roots in the classroom. Both their instructional strategy and their curriculum come from experienced educators who have seen first hand what works best for students. Their approach is grounded in multiple rigorous studies and they have assembled a team of nationally recognized experts who are both practitioners and researchers. They believe in scaling what works for students that technology is a great way to put proven instructional best practices in the hands of more and more people.

Epic

Series C in 2017
Epic! Creations Inc. is an online subscription service that provides a wide range of children's literature for kids aged 12 and under. The company operates a digital reading platform that includes read-to-me books, audiobooks, educational videos, and interactive quizzes. By collaborating with prominent publishers like HarperCollins, Macmillan, and National Geographic Kids, Epic allows children to explore various topics in a fun and engaging environment. The platform is accessible on the web as well as through iOS and Android devices, making it easy for young readers to discover and share content that aligns with their interests. Founded in 2013 and based in Redwood City, California, Epic aims to foster a love of reading and learning among children worldwide.

Kaymbu

Seed Round in 2017
Kaymbu Inc. is a company that provides a cloud-based documentation and media management solution specifically designed for early education centers. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Kaymbu offers an iPad application that allows teachers to document classroom activities through photos and videos. This platform facilitates secure communication between teachers and families, enhancing the connection between home and school. Additionally, teachers and administrators can access these documented activities via web or mobile devices, enabling the addition of contextual notes and alignment with various assessment frameworks or accreditation criteria. Kaymbu’s services aim to strengthen school communities by making learning visible and improving engagement between educators and parents.

Nearpod

Series B in 2017
Nearpod Inc. is a cloud-based platform aimed at enhancing the learning experience in both traditional classrooms and distance learning environments. Founded in 2011 and based in Aventura, Florida, Nearpod provides educators with tools to create interactive multimedia presentations that engage students and facilitate real-time assessments. The platform supports the synchronized use of iPads and other mobile devices, allowing teachers to convert existing presentations into mobile-friendly formats. It also features interactive elements such as polls, quizzes, and drawing activities, enabling teachers to receive instant feedback on student performance. In addition to its core offerings, Nearpod operates a certified educator community that provides webinars, training materials, and a lesson library, along with curriculum services focusing on digital citizenship, social-emotional learning, and other educational themes.

Holberton, Inc.

Seed Round in 2017
Holberton, Inc. offers a project-based learning approach tailored for aspiring software engineers, providing an alternative to traditional college education. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, the company operates additional campuses in New Haven, Connecticut, and in Bogotá and Medellín, Colombia. Its comprehensive two-year program focuses on hands-on learning, covering essential topics such as full-stack web development, machine learning, augmented and virtual reality, advanced Linux programming, algorithms, and blockchain. Students engage in collaborative projects that simulate real-world challenges, fostering teamwork and creativity. Notably, Holberton provides free education until students secure employment, making it an accessible option for those seeking to enter the tech industry.

Mainstay

Seed Round in 2017
AdmitHub, Inc. is a Boston-based company that specializes in providing expert admissions guidance through its website and SMS services. The company focuses on helping students communicate directly with college admissions offices and offers assistance in various areas, including college selection, financial aid, standardized tests, and support for first-generation college students. Additionally, AdmitHub has developed a chatbot platform named Oli, which integrates artificial intelligence and human expertise to enhance student enrollment, persistence, and completion at numerous colleges and universities. This platform helps educational institutions streamline repetitive tasks, engage students effectively on a large scale, and gain valuable insights into their admissions processes.

Mainstay

Seed Round in 2016
AdmitHub, Inc. is a Boston-based company that specializes in providing expert admissions guidance through its website and SMS services. The company focuses on helping students communicate directly with college admissions offices and offers assistance in various areas, including college selection, financial aid, standardized tests, and support for first-generation college students. Additionally, AdmitHub has developed a chatbot platform named Oli, which integrates artificial intelligence and human expertise to enhance student enrollment, persistence, and completion at numerous colleges and universities. This platform helps educational institutions streamline repetitive tasks, engage students effectively on a large scale, and gain valuable insights into their admissions processes.

Tinkergarten

Seed Round in 2016
Tinkergarten, Inc. is dedicated to providing outdoor play-based learning classes and activities for children aged 18 months to 8 years. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Northampton, Massachusetts, the company connects families with local leaders who facilitate activity-based classes designed to foster essential developmental skills in a natural setting. Tinkergarten's approach emphasizes the importance of early childhood education in outdoor environments, allowing children to learn through play while enabling parents to engage actively in their children's learning journeys. By creating a network of community leaders, Tinkergarten aims to elevate the quality of early education and support parents in raising healthy, confident, and capable children.

PeopleGrove

Seed Round in 2016
PeopleGrove Inc. is an educational technology company based in San Francisco, California, that provides a platform designed to enhance career development and mentorship for students and professionals. Established in 2014, PeopleGrove connects users with advisers, mentors, and coaches, facilitating access to guidance and support as they navigate their academic and career paths. The platform enables individuals to create profiles, link to their LinkedIn accounts, and express interest in job openings, which informs employers about potential candidates. PeopleGrove aims to foster supportive relationships that enhance the educational experience and improve job outcomes, recognizing that community engagement is essential for student success. The platform has been successfully implemented at numerous prestigious institutions and is also utilized by companies like Intuit and Qualcomm to help their employees access expert coaching and resources within their organizations.

Play Piper

Seed Round in 2016
Piper is a Minecraft toolbox for budding engineers that leverages kids' love of Minecraft to show them that building real gadgets is effortless and fun. At a time when technology pervades every part of our life, kids learn to passively USE technology, but not to CREATE with it. We believe that giving kids an opportunity to become creators rather than consumers, and to do it through a game their already understand and love is a powerful way to replace screen-time with build-time. Letting kids invent, tinker, and build in the physical world while they are young is the most powerful way to empower them to create the future.

Tynker

Series A in 2016
Tynker is an online creative coding platform that aims to equip children aged 5 to 18 with foundational skills in computer science and programming. The platform offers self-paced courses for individual learners as well as a comprehensive curriculum tailored for educational institutions. Through its intuitive visual programming language, Tynker allows users to create a variety of projects, including web and mobile applications, animations, music, e-books, and games, while also enabling programming for robotics and drones. The organization's mission is to foster critical thinking and problem-solving abilities in children, preparing them for future career opportunities in a technology-driven world.

KickUp

Seed Round in 2016
KickUp, Inc. operates a collaboration platform tailored for K-12 school districts, focusing on the design, coordination, and assessment of professional learning activities. The platform provides educational leaders with actionable insights into the effectiveness of their programs, allowing for informed decision-making. It enables professional development teams to leverage analytics for customizing support for teachers, aligning with strategic goals, and integrating real-time data from surveys. KickUp's services aim to enhance the professional learning experience, ensuring that innovative ideas translate into measurable outcomes in the classroom. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the company was previously known as Pedagology, LLC before rebranding in 2015.

FreshGrade

Series A in 2016
FreshGrade Inc. is an online education platform based in Kelowna, Canada, founded in 2011. It is designed for teachers, parents, and students, facilitating communication, assessment, and documentation of learning moments through multimedia such as videos, pictures, and notes. The platform enhances parental engagement by providing insights into their child's classroom progress and fosters personalized learning experiences. By enabling real-time assessment and collaboration, FreshGrade aims to improve learning outcomes for students and support the evolution of education in a manner that aligns with contemporary communication practices.

Nearpod

Series A in 2016
Nearpod Inc. is a cloud-based platform aimed at enhancing the learning experience in both traditional classrooms and distance learning environments. Founded in 2011 and based in Aventura, Florida, Nearpod provides educators with tools to create interactive multimedia presentations that engage students and facilitate real-time assessments. The platform supports the synchronized use of iPads and other mobile devices, allowing teachers to convert existing presentations into mobile-friendly formats. It also features interactive elements such as polls, quizzes, and drawing activities, enabling teachers to receive instant feedback on student performance. In addition to its core offerings, Nearpod operates a certified educator community that provides webinars, training materials, and a lesson library, along with curriculum services focusing on digital citizenship, social-emotional learning, and other educational themes.

Gradescope

Seed Round in 2016
Gradescope, Inc. is a company that develops an online grading platform aimed at enhancing educational efficiency for instructors and students. Founded in 2014 and based in Berkeley, California, Gradescope's software allows educators to grade paper-based assignments and exams online, significantly reducing the time required for grading. The platform also provides detailed analytics on assignments and questions, helping instructors gain insights into student performance. By using artificial intelligence, Gradescope facilitates the grading process for various types of assignments, including online homework and programming projects. As of October 2018, Gradescope operates as a subsidiary of Turnitin, LLC, and has been utilized to grade over 3 million pages of work for more than 30,000 students across over 100 educational institutions. The company aims to promote data-driven education while maintaining compatibility with traditional paper-based systems.

ClassDojo

Series B in 2016
ClassDojo, Inc. is an online school communication platform designed to connect teachers, students, and families, fostering a community that enhances learning and character development. Founded in 2011 and based in San Francisco, California, ClassDojo enables educators to share classroom experiences through photos, videos, and messages, facilitating real-time communication with parents about their children's progress. The platform allows teachers to create classes, monitor student behavior, and reward achievements, while parents can stay informed and engaged in their child's education. Available in 35 languages and utilized in 180 countries, ClassDojo has become a widely adopted tool in 90% of American school districts. The application is accessible via web browsers and mobile devices, ensuring ease of use for all participants. Over the years, ClassDojo has received several accolades, including recognition as one of the "25 Most Disruptive Companies" by Inc. and inclusion in Forbes' "100 Most Promising Companies."

BetterLesson

Series A in 2016
BetterLesson, Inc. is a professional development platform designed for educators, founded by teachers from Atlanta and Boston public schools. Established in 2008 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the platform enables teachers to connect with personal coaches to set professional development goals and create individualized learning plans. BetterLesson offers a searchable database that allows users to find lesson plans, classroom materials, and instructional resources, facilitating the organization and sharing of curricula among educators. By focusing on empowering teachers to quickly learn effective strategies for their students, BetterLesson aims to transform the professional development landscape and enhance teaching skills and student performance.

SchoolMint

Series A in 2016
SchoolMint is a cloud-based platform designed to streamline student enrollment and school choice for PreK-12 education systems globally. Founded in 2013, the company has served over 6,000 schools, offering solutions that encompass student registration management, application processing, lottery systems, and digital document submissions. SchoolMint's services are accessible via both web and mobile, facilitating a user-friendly experience for school staff and families. The platform integrates seamlessly with various student information systems (SIS), transforming the admissions process into a simpler and more secure experience.

Abl

Seed Round in 2016
Abl Schools develops innovative school operations software designed to assist school leaders in effectively managing their time and resources. The company aims to transform the educational landscape by fostering flexible, transparent, and collaborative learning environments. Through its technology, Abl Schools seeks to enhance the overall efficiency and effectiveness of school operations, ultimately benefiting educators and students alike.

EdSurge

Series A in 2015
EdSurge, Inc. is a prominent platform dedicated to providing news and insights on innovation in education technology. Founded in 2011 and based in Burlingame, California, the company serves educators, entrepreneurs, and investors by offering a comprehensive database of edtech products, companies, and topics. Its product browser allows users to filter information based on various criteria, facilitating informed decision-making. EdSurge publishes a weekly newsletter and regular reports, while also hosting events such as the San Francisco education technology meetup and nationwide summits. The organization operates as a hybrid of technology and journalism, employing a team of technologists, educators, and journalists to deliver impartial reporting. Additionally, EdSurge offers services like the Edtech Concierge to assist education leaders in selecting appropriate tools. Through its efforts, EdSurge aims to promote the effective adoption of education technology and supports stakeholders in navigating the evolving edtech landscape.

WriteLab

Seed Round in 2015
WriteLab is an online writing platform offering immediate, objective, and constructive responses to any writer's prose. WriteLab utilizes probability and statistics to identify patterns in each writer's choices. Writers can accept or reject suggestions, and WriteLab learns continuously from these choices, customizing its algorithms to suit users' preferences. Users receive customized feedback, generating powerful analytics. The platform designed for high school and higher education students that provide specific feedback and editing suggestions to uploaded essays Student users can share drafts with instructors on WriteLab, and instructors can read and respond to students'​ writing and leave comments of their own. It addresses these issues by offering immediate editorial assistance at any time.

Newsela

Series B in 2015
Newsela, Inc. is an instructional content platform that publishes daily news articles to support students in developing advanced literacy skills. Founded in 2013 and based in New York, the platform offers a wide range of topics, including war and peace, science, health, and the arts, while providing content tailored to different reading levels. By featuring articles from reputable sources such as National Geographic, NASA, and the Washington Post, Newsela enhances engagement and learning for students and teachers alike. The platform also includes integrated formative assessments and analytics, helping educators track student progress and improve instruction. With a presence in over 90% of U.S. K-12 schools, Newsela has established itself as a vital resource for modern classrooms, facilitating non-fiction literacy and critical thinking across various subjects.

Lab4U

Seed Round in 2015
Lab4U, Inc. is an educational technology company based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2013. It develops a platform that enables hands-on laboratory experiences through mobile devices, transforming smartphones and tablets into science laboratories. The company offers a suite of applications, including Lab4Physics, which allows physics educators and students to utilize mobile devices as laboratory instruments, and Lab4Chemistry, which enables users to capture and analyze images of liquid samples to create calibration plots. Lab4U aims to enhance science education by providing low-cost, accessible solutions that empower students and scientists to conduct experiments and share results using built-in mobile sensors and a crowd-learning web platform.

eSpark

Series B in 2015
eSpark, Inc. is an educational technology company that designs and develops iPad-based applications aimed at enhancing learning for elementary school students. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Chicago, with an additional office in San Francisco, eSpark offers tools such as Frontier, which motivates students to write, and a platform that provides differentiated instruction in math and English Language Arts (ELA). The company's mission is to create a student-centered learning experience that allows every student, regardless of their background, to achieve their academic goals and realize their potential. By curating personalized learning resources, eSpark enables teachers to address the diverse needs of their students, thereby transforming traditional classrooms through technology.

Zeal Learning

Seed Round in 2015
Zeal Learning, Inc. specializes in providing live math coaching for K-12 students, focusing on identifying and addressing learning gaps through standards-based support. Founded in 2013 and based in San Francisco, California, the company has developed an extensive assessment bank of 10,000 questions aligned with Common Core, Smarter Balanced, and PARCC standards. Their adaptive assessments evaluate each Common Core skill and trace back through pre-skills, offering detailed insights into student understanding on a daily basis. This approach not only enhances the learning experience for students but also alleviates planning burdens for teachers, allowing them to concentrate on the areas where students require the most assistance.

Nepris

Seed Round in 2014
Nepris Inc. operates a cloud-based platform that links educators with industry professionals to enhance the relevance of curriculum topics for students. Founded in 2013 and based in Austin, Texas, Nepris facilitates virtual connections between professionals and classrooms, allowing for interactive discussions, project mentoring, and career exposure. The platform matches the expertise of industry professionals with specific educational requests, enabling educators to bring real-world knowledge into the classroom. This service supports K-16 classrooms, adult job seekers, and out-of-school youth by making it easier for educators to access industry insights, while also providing companies and regional organizations a means to engage effectively with future workforce talent. Through its innovative approach, Nepris aims to inspire students and increase classroom engagement by connecting them with the skills and experiences of working professionals.

Hāpara

Series A in 2012
Hapara, Inc. is a K12 software company that develops instructional management tools designed to enhance the educational experience for both teachers and students. Founded in 2007 and based in Redwood City, California, the company offers various solutions, including Hapara for G Suite and Hapara for Microsoft Office 365. These tools enable educators to create digital learning environments and monitor student engagement across multiple platforms, such as Google Drive, Gmail, and Microsoft applications. The Teacher Dashboard provides real-time insights into student activities, while the Highlights Remote Control tool allows teachers to oversee browser activity. Hapara Workspace facilitates collaboration for differentiated assignments, and Hapara Analytics offers education leaders valuable data visualizations to evaluate the effectiveness of their digital learning strategies. With over 1.6 million users in more than 44 countries, Hapara is committed to supporting educators and enhancing student learning outcomes.
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