Lean Capital

Lean Capital, formerly known as Revolution Learning, is a venture capital and private equity firm established in 2008 and based in San Mateo, California, with additional offices in Austin, Texas, and Beijing, China. The firm specializes in early to mid-stage investments in the education technology sector, focusing on innovative learning content, platforms, and services. Lean Capital primarily targets companies that have developed or are in the process of commercializing innovative products in their home markets, particularly in emerging markets such as Latin America. The firm is dedicated to funding entrepreneurs who aim to enhance learning experiences through new technology platforms and applications, believing that advancements in education will play a crucial role in shaping the future.

Maia Sharpley

Partner

Paul Strange

General Counsel

Vinit Sukhija

Partner

Susan Wang

Principal

143 past transactions

Flourish Labs

Seed Round in 2022
Flourish Labs is a purpose-driven startup combining cutting edge mental health science and technology to foster flourishing and good mental health.

Prenda

Series B in 2022
Prenda is an ed-tech company with the vision of helping young people learn technology in a fun, informal settings. It helps libraries and schools run code clubs weekly meetings where people work together to teach themselves computer programming. The company founded in 2015 and is headquartered in Mesa, Arizona.

Ender

Seed Round in 2022
Ender is a venture-backed startup based in Austin, Texas, focused on enhancing employability for children before they reach adulthood. The company has developed a competition platform that incentivizes kids to build apps, games, websites, and other real-world projects by offering cash prizes. This innovative learn-to-earn model allows children to create a portfolio while earning money, fostering both skill development and financial literacy. With a team of dedicated professionals from the fields of game development, education, engineering, and design, Ender aims to empower the next generation through practical experience and competitive engagement.

Shikho

Seed Round in 2022
Shikho is a Bangladeshi education technology company on a mission to revolutionise the way Bangladesh learns today and democratise access to a high quality education. Its core product is a mobile learning application designed specifically for the Bangladeshi national curriculum to serve a growing total addressable market of 35 million students. "Shikho - The Learning App" is available on the Google Play Store.

Almas Insight

Seed Round in 2021
Almas Insight was created to address the rapidly growing need to better understand the soft skills, or capabilities, employees may have and to turn that understanding into actionable business data. We use gamified digital work samples, we call them gamulations, to observe the behaviors of professionals in actual business situations and then provide organizations the ability to explore and analyze that data. Organizations around the globe are using this type of information to dramatically accelerate their ability to hire, develop, and better utilize their companies most important asset - their people.

Amplify

Venture Round in 2021
Amplify is leading the way in creating next-generation curriculum and assessment programs. Its captivating core and supplemental programs in ELA, math, and science engage all students in rigorous learning and inspire them to think deeply, creatively, and for themselves. Its formative assessment products turn data into practical instructional support to help all students build a strong foundation in early reading and math. All of its programs provide teachers with powerful tools that help them understand and respond to the needs of every student. Today, Amplify serves more than three million students in all 50 states.

Teachmint

Series B in 2021
Teachmint Technologies Pvt. Ltd. develops and operates a platform for teachers to conduct live classes and interact with students. Its platform delivers two-way streaming video and tutoring business management workflow tools to mark attendance, create content, and conduct tests. The company's platform also allows tutors to create video doubt sessions. Teachmint Technologies Pvt. Ltd. was founded in 2020 and is based in Bengaluru, India.

Ender

Pre Seed Round in 2021
Ender is a venture-backed startup based in Austin, Texas, focused on enhancing employability for children before they reach adulthood. The company has developed a competition platform that incentivizes kids to build apps, games, websites, and other real-world projects by offering cash prizes. This innovative learn-to-earn model allows children to create a portfolio while earning money, fostering both skill development and financial literacy. With a team of dedicated professionals from the fields of game development, education, engineering, and design, Ender aims to empower the next generation through practical experience and competitive engagement.

Nerdy

Post in 2021
Nerdy is a curated direct-to-consumer platform that specializes in live online learning, utilizing technology and artificial intelligence to connect learners of all ages with experts across a wide range of subjects. The platform offers various learning formats, including one-on-one instruction, small group classes, large group sessions, and adaptive self-study options. By focusing on delivering high-quality educational experiences, Nerdy aims to provide significant value to both learners and professionals in the gig economy, establishing itself as a comprehensive online learning destination.

Landed

Series B in 2021
Landed, Inc. is a financial services company based in San Francisco that assists essential professionals, particularly in education and healthcare, in purchasing homes and achieving financial stability within their communities. Founded in 2015, Landed provides debt-free financing options, allowing homebuyers to receive funds in exchange for a share of their home's value upon refinancing or selling. The company collaborates with schools, employers, and affinity networks to establish and manage down payment support funds, facilitating access to homeownership for teachers, school staff, and other professionals. Additionally, Landed offers personalized support through a dedicated team, including partner agents and homebuying experts, to help clients navigate their home-buying options and provide education on the process.

Class.com

Series B in 2021
Class.com specializes in online learning solutions, offering a range of courses that include core subjects, electives, and skills development. The company also provides program implementation services to enhance the educational experience. A key feature of Class.com is its integration with Zoom, allowing educators to utilize Class software within the Zoom Meetings platform. This integration facilitates various educational activities such as taking attendance, distributing assignments, administering quizzes or tests, grading, proctoring exams, and engaging in one-on-one discussions with students. Through these offerings, Class.com aims to support and improve the online teaching and learning process.

Shikho

Seed Round in 2021
Shikho is a Bangladeshi education technology company on a mission to revolutionise the way Bangladesh learns today and democratise access to a high quality education. Its core product is a mobile learning application designed specifically for the Bangladeshi national curriculum to serve a growing total addressable market of 35 million students. "Shikho - The Learning App" is available on the Google Play Store.

SoloLearn

Series B in 2021
SoloLearn, Inc. operates a mobile learning platform that offers online courses. It provides courses in nine programming languages including HTML,CSS, JavaScript, PHP, C++, Java, Python, Swift, and SQL for Android, iOS, Windows phone, and Web. The company was founded in 2013 and is based in Pleasanton, California.

Leap

Seed Round in 2021
Leap is a social learning community that connects writers, storytellers, and creatives via conversations and classes.

Teachmint

Series B in 2021
Teachmint Technologies Pvt. Ltd. develops and operates a platform for teachers to conduct live classes and interact with students. Its platform delivers two-way streaming video and tutoring business management workflow tools to mark attendance, create content, and conduct tests. The company's platform also allows tutors to create video doubt sessions. Teachmint Technologies Pvt. Ltd. was founded in 2020 and is based in Bengaluru, India.

Pathrise

Series A in 2021
Pathrise LLC, founded in 2017 and based in San Francisco, California, offers career development services aimed at young professionals and students in the tech industry. The company provides an online program featuring one-on-one mentorship, training, and tailored advice to assist clients in securing high-paying job placements. Its services encompass refining resumes, enhancing portfolio presentations, interview preparation, and negotiation techniques. Pathrise operates on an income-sharing model, allowing clients to pay a percentage of their future salary only after they successfully land a job. This approach aligns the company's incentives with the success of its clients, fostering a supportive environment for job seekers in various fields, including software engineering, product management, data science, and marketing.

Nana

Series A in 2021
Nana Services, Inc. is a technology-driven company specializing in appliance repair services, offering solutions for various household appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, and washers through its Nana Home platform. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Alameda, California, the company addresses the growing demand for skilled tradespeople by providing a free online vocational school, known as Nano Academy, that equips individuals with hands-on repair skills. Graduates of this program are not only offered initial employment opportunities but are also supported in advancing their careers through Nana's AI-powered marketplace, which connects customers with qualified professionals. Through these initiatives, Nana aims to create a sustainable pipeline of skilled workers while addressing the challenges of unemployment and underemployment in the United States.

MindPortal

Seed Round in 2021
MindPortal makes wearable devices for brain analysis and assessment. The companies brain-computer interface enables providers to make clinical decisions. Founded by Ekram Alam and Jack Baber in 2019 and is based in San Francisco, United States.

Teachmint

Series A in 2021
Teachmint Technologies Pvt. Ltd. develops and operates a platform for teachers to conduct live classes and interact with students. Its platform delivers two-way streaming video and tutoring business management workflow tools to mark attendance, create content, and conduct tests. The company's platform also allows tutors to create video doubt sessions. Teachmint Technologies Pvt. Ltd. was founded in 2020 and is based in Bengaluru, India.

Section4

Series A in 2021
Section4, Inc. is a business media firm founded in 2018 and based in New York, New York. The company specializes in publishing news and stories related to business and the economy, and it aims to educate its audience through short-form videos and podcasts. By focusing on accessible content, Section4 seeks to provide valuable insights and information to individuals interested in understanding the complexities of the business world.

Brave Care

Series A in 2021
Brave Care, Inc. is a healthcare provider specializing in urgent pediatric services. Founded in 2017 and based in Portland, Oregon, the company operates clinics that address a variety of childhood illnesses and injuries. Services offered include treatment for allergies, asthma, coughs, ear pain, eye problems, fever, and urinary tract infections. Brave Care also provides care for minor fractures, strains, sprains, and head trauma, along with pediatric-specific laboratory services and on-site x-ray capabilities. The clinics are equipped to perform procedures such as stitches and tissue glue application for wound closure, as well as mild sedation for uncomfortable treatments.

Photomath

Series B in 2021
Photomath, Inc. is a mobile application company founded in 2014 and located in San Mateo, California. The company offers a math learning app that allows users to solve mathematical problems by pointing their device's camera at the equations. This innovative app provides instant solutions along with step-by-step explanations, making it a valuable educational tool for students. It supports a wide range of mathematical topics, from basic arithmetic to advanced calculus, and also includes features for graphing. Available for both iPhone and Android, the app is free to use, enabling users to practice and enhance their math skills independently. Through its user-friendly interface and real-time problem-solving capabilities, Photomath aims to simplify the learning process for students encountering challenging math concepts.

Higher Ground Education

Series C in 2021
Higher Ground is an organization dedicated to mainstreaming and modernizing Montessori education. Its purpose is to help children worldwide achieve just such elevation. The company focuses on expanding the reach and impact of the Montessori movement to creating systems, services, and resources that empower Montessori educators everywhere. The company was founded in 2016 and is headquartered in Lake Forest, California.

Brainly

Series D in 2020
Brainly is an online learning platform where students and parents get homework and study help from peers and experts. With the platform and its group of websites and apps, middle school and high school students are given the opportunity to ask questions freely to the online community comprised of students, parents, and teachers. The software is developed with a mission to help students gain the confidence that comes from helping others and inspire them to learn in a collaborative community. Brainly is backed by Naspers, Kulczyk Investments, General Catalyst Partners, Point Nine Capital, Runa Capital, and Learn Capital. In 2009, Lukasz Haluch, Michał Borkowski, and Tomasz Kraus co-founded the company in Kraków, Malopolskie, Poland and is available in 35 countries.

Udemy

Series F in 2020
Udemy, Inc. is an online learning platform that provides a diverse array of courses aimed at students, businesses, and governments worldwide. Established in 2010 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, Udemy offers courses in various fields, including development, business, finance, IT, personal development, design, marketing, and health. The platform connects students with instructors, allowing for self-paced, on-demand learning tailored to individual goals, whether for professional advancement or personal interest. For corporate clients, Udemy for Business provides subscription access to over 7,000 relevant courses in multiple languages, along with robust learning analytics and a centralized platform for content management. Additionally, Udemy offers a customizable learning solution for government entities to enhance workforce skills across various sectors. The company has offices in several locations, including Ankara, Dublin, São Paulo, Denver, and Gurgaon.

Udemy

Series F in 2020
Udemy, Inc. is an online learning platform that provides a diverse array of courses aimed at students, businesses, and governments worldwide. Established in 2010 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, Udemy offers courses in various fields, including development, business, finance, IT, personal development, design, marketing, and health. The platform connects students with instructors, allowing for self-paced, on-demand learning tailored to individual goals, whether for professional advancement or personal interest. For corporate clients, Udemy for Business provides subscription access to over 7,000 relevant courses in multiple languages, along with robust learning analytics and a centralized platform for content management. Additionally, Udemy offers a customizable learning solution for government entities to enhance workforce skills across various sectors. The company has offices in several locations, including Ankara, Dublin, São Paulo, Denver, and Gurgaon.

Nana

Seed Round in 2020
Nana Services, Inc. is a technology-driven company specializing in appliance repair services, offering solutions for various household appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, and washers through its Nana Home platform. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Alameda, California, the company addresses the growing demand for skilled tradespeople by providing a free online vocational school, known as Nano Academy, that equips individuals with hands-on repair skills. Graduates of this program are not only offered initial employment opportunities but are also supported in advancing their careers through Nana's AI-powered marketplace, which connects customers with qualified professionals. Through these initiatives, Nana aims to create a sustainable pipeline of skilled workers while addressing the challenges of unemployment and underemployment in the United States.

Podium Education

Series A in 2020
Podium Education, Inc. is an online education service provider based in Austin, Texas. Founded in 2017, the company partners with colleges and universities to enhance undergraduate programs by integrating in-demand technology skills. Its mission is to help institutions expand access and increase enrollment while equipping students with the essential hard skills needed for successful employment outcomes. By focusing on the integration of practical skills into existing curricula, Podium Education aims to bridge the gap between academic preparation and the demands of the job market.

Podium Education

Series A in 2020
Podium Education, Inc. is an online education service provider based in Austin, Texas. Founded in 2017, the company partners with colleges and universities to enhance undergraduate programs by integrating in-demand technology skills. Its mission is to help institutions expand access and increase enrollment while equipping students with the essential hard skills needed for successful employment outcomes. By focusing on the integration of practical skills into existing curricula, Podium Education aims to bridge the gap between academic preparation and the demands of the job market.

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.

Coursera

Series F in 2020
Coursera is an online education company that serves over 20 million registered learners by partnering with 140 of the world’s best universities and education institutions. On Coursera, anyone, anywhere can access over 1,000 online courses and Specializations in dozens of fields in order to achieve meaningful career, educational, and personal enrichment goals throughout their lives. The company was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in Mountain View, California.

NextStep

Venture Round in 2020
NextStep Interactive, Inc. is a Seattle-based company that specializes in training and job placement services, particularly within the healthcare sector. Founded in 2018, the company offers a mobile and web-based platform designed to assess individuals' skills and interests, matching them with suitable career opportunities. Its services include a certified nursing assistant (CNA) training program and recruitment for entry-level healthcare positions, such as community health workers and home health aides. By enabling users to demonstrate competencies and soft skills, NextStep facilitates connections between job seekers and employers, streamlining the hiring process and helping individuals reskill affordably for in-demand roles. The company also has an office in Bozeman, Montana.

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.

Foundry College

Seed Round in 2019
Foundry College Inc. is an education institution that offers degree programs and courses online, including foundational and business management. The institution offers two year courses that teach working adults skills and knowledge that are in demand by employers and unlikely to be automated in the foreseeable future. It offers active and competency based learnings and contained classrooms. Foundry College Inc. was founded in 2018 and is based in San Francisco, California.

Monti Kids

Seed Round in 2019
Monti Kids helps parents use Montessori educational play from birth to age three. It empowers parents with educational wooden toys and simple online guidance based on the world's leading early childhood curriculum: the Montessori method. The program is a subscription beginning at birth, with customers advancing to a new stage every three months. It was founded in 2014 and is headquartered in Orinda, California.

Climb

Series A in 2019
Climb Credit, Inc. is a student lending platform founded in 2014 and based in New York City. The company specializes in providing educational loans to U.S. citizens and permanent residents, focusing on accessibility, affordability, and accountability in career development. Climb partners with a variety of educational institutions that offer programs aimed at enhancing graduates' earning potential, including fields such as cybersecurity, data science, culinary arts, and aviation. By identifying schools with a proven track record of improving student outcomes, Climb offers tailored financing options designed to meet the specific needs of individuals seeking to advance their careers, regardless of their credit history. This approach ensures that students have the resources necessary to pursue their career ambitions and successfully navigate an evolving job market.

Higher Ground Education

Series B in 2019
Higher Ground is an organization dedicated to mainstreaming and modernizing Montessori education. Its purpose is to help children worldwide achieve just such elevation. The company focuses on expanding the reach and impact of the Montessori movement to creating systems, services, and resources that empower Montessori educators everywhere. The company was founded in 2016 and is headquartered in Lake Forest, California.

MakeSchool

Series B in 2019
MakeSchool is an educational organization that offers a degree program designed to foster a direct connection between education and employment for high school graduates. It operates both online and offline platforms, providing essential services such as instructional support, curriculum development, and admissions assistance. By partnering with established universities, MakeSchool aims to create innovative college programs that remain relevant in today's economy. The organization focuses on enhancing accessibility to higher education for students from diverse backgrounds, ultimately preparing them for careers as software developers or startup founders.

Differ

Venture Round in 2019
Makers of Differ, a messaging app with chatbot teaching assistants. 19x increased student engagement and 3x increased course completion rates in online and blended courses.

Photomath

Series A in 2018
Photomath, Inc. is a mobile application company founded in 2014 and located in San Mateo, California. The company offers a math learning app that allows users to solve mathematical problems by pointing their device's camera at the equations. This innovative app provides instant solutions along with step-by-step explanations, making it a valuable educational tool for students. It supports a wide range of mathematical topics, from basic arithmetic to advanced calculus, and also includes features for graphing. Available for both iPhone and Android, the app is free to use, enabling users to practice and enhance their math skills independently. Through its user-friendly interface and real-time problem-solving capabilities, Photomath aims to simplify the learning process for students encountering challenging math concepts.

NextStep

Seed Round in 2018
NextStep Interactive, Inc. is a Seattle-based company that specializes in training and job placement services, particularly within the healthcare sector. Founded in 2018, the company offers a mobile and web-based platform designed to assess individuals' skills and interests, matching them with suitable career opportunities. Its services include a certified nursing assistant (CNA) training program and recruitment for entry-level healthcare positions, such as community health workers and home health aides. By enabling users to demonstrate competencies and soft skills, NextStep facilitates connections between job seekers and employers, streamlining the hiring process and helping individuals reskill affordably for in-demand roles. The company also has an office in Bozeman, Montana.

Foundry College

Venture Round in 2018
Foundry College Inc. is an education institution that offers degree programs and courses online, including foundational and business management. The institution offers two year courses that teach working adults skills and knowledge that are in demand by employers and unlikely to be automated in the foreseeable future. It offers active and competency based learnings and contained classrooms. Foundry College Inc. was founded in 2018 and is based in San Francisco, California.

SoloLearn

Series A in 2018
SoloLearn, Inc. operates a mobile learning platform that offers online courses. It provides courses in nine programming languages including HTML,CSS, JavaScript, PHP, C++, Java, Python, Swift, and SQL for Android, iOS, Windows phone, and Web. The company was founded in 2013 and is based in Pleasanton, California.

Kenzie Academy

Seed Round in 2018
Kenzie Academy, Inc., doing business as Kenzie Academy, owns and operates a software engineering apprenticeship school. The company designs programs that provide training, networking, and experience to help students. It organizes coding bootcamps, project based learning, and offers online courses. The company also offers job placements upon course completion. Kenzie Academy, Inc. was incorporated in 2017 and is based in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Learning Machine Technologies, Inc. deploy blockchain based secure credentialing systems. It allows governments, companies, and school systems to create, issue, and manage digital records. The company's products are used to manage recruitment, enrollment, portfolio review, faculty hiring, and credentialing. The company was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in New York, New York. As of February 5, 2020, Learning Machine Technologies, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Hyland Software, Inc..

Mentor Collective

Venture Round in 2018
Mentor Collective is a Boston-based company founded in 2013 that specializes in creating mentoring programs for universities. The platform enables educational institutions to design, manage, and assess mentoring initiatives that connect students with near-peer mentors, thereby enhancing student engagement and retention. Mentor Collective works with over 60 partner schools, including notable institutions such as Princeton and UC Davis. The company offers a comprehensive suite of services, including program design, mentorship operations, a content library, and analytics to evaluate program effectiveness. By facilitating one-on-one mentorship, Mentor Collective aims to improve graduation rates and foster a supportive academic environment for all students. Its mission-driven approach has garnered recognition, positioning it as a leader in the education sector.

VIPKid

Series D in 2018
VIPKid operates an online English language learning platform that connects Chinese children with North American teachers, providing an immersive educational experience akin to an American elementary school. Founded in 2013 and launched in 2014, the company aims to inspire students by offering personalized learning opportunities that foster curiosity and cultural exchange. VIPKid’s platform has grown to serve over 500,000 students, facilitated by more than 60,000 teachers from the US and Canada. This model enables students in remote areas of China to improve their English skills and enhance their understanding of the world from home. As a leader in China's online education sector, VIPKid emphasizes the importance of tailored education, recognizing that each student has unique needs and potential.

Varsity Tutors

Series C in 2018
Varsity Tutors is a Live Learning Platform that seamlessly connects experts and learners in any subject, anywhere, and at any time. We operate the largest tutoring and live instruction platform in the United States. At Varsity Tutors, we believe that learning matters and we believe that innovative technology and personalized learning can make all the difference. Students can learn live online in 1:1, small group, and large format scaled classes in more than 3,000 different subjects, tests, and topics. Personalization and AI is woven throughout the customer experience and learners seek out the platform as a learning destination where they go to excel, be inspired, and foster their creativity. To date, students have accessed more than 10 million hours of live 1:1 and group instruction on the platform.

Wonderschool

Venture Round in 2018
Started in 2016 by a group of educators and technologists in California, Wonderschool offers a platform where people can start infant and toddler programs and preschools out of their homes. Wonderschool supports experienced educators and childcare providers to start their own childcares or preschools out of their homes, whether they live in apartments, condos, or homes that they rent or own. Wonderschool provides assistance with licensing, program setup, marketing and everything in between. The company’s software platform allows teachers to manage their students, parents, and their program from one dashboard. Along with this, Wonderschool has built a marketplace for parents to search Wonderschool programs, schedule visits, enroll their children, and make payments. It’s been proven time and time again that children should start developing cognitive, motor, behavioral, and social skills from as early as 6 months and Wonderschool is committed to increasing families’ access to high quality care and learning environments for children.

Peergrade

Seed Round in 2017
Peergrade ApS offers Peergrade, an online software application that allows teachers to create peer assessment sessions, monitor student performance, and create a better learning experience for students. Its application enables teachers to get data-driven insights into student performance. The company was founded in 2015 and is based in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Springboard

Series A in 2017
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.

Qualified

Seed Round in 2017
Qualified.io is a San Francisco-based company that specializes in software designed to automatically assess coding skills for developers. The platform focuses on evaluating and training engineers through real-world assessment methodologies, allowing organizations to effectively identify and recruit high-performing talent. By providing a streamlined approach to coding assessments, Qualified.io assists companies in enhancing their hiring processes and developing the capabilities of their engineering teams.

Sixup

Convertible Note in 2017
Sixup PBC, Inc. is a for-profit technology company based in San Francisco that provides an online platform offering loans to low-income, high-achieving students. Established in 2014, Sixup focuses on addressing the financial needs of underserved students by aggregating, underwriting, and funding loans that support their educational pursuits. The company aims to create a new asset class, termed Future-Prime, which encompasses approximately seven million students and represents a significant annual market volume. Sixup is supported by $14 million in equity funding from various investors, including Collaboration Capital and the Kellogg Foundation, and has secured an additional $41 million in lending and grant capital from institutions like Goldman Sachs and Deutsche Bank. Operating in 18 states, Sixup collaborates with numerous community-based and advocacy organizations to enhance access to education for its target demographic.

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.

Scoutible

Seed Round in 2017
Scoutible, Inc. operates a game-based hiring platform that uses mobile games to pinpoint candidates for jobs. Its technology identifies players’ unique cognitive and personality traits, talents, and aptitudes through gameplay; spots opportunities where players’ attributes match those of companies’ proven top performers; and enables employers to identify and communicate with qualified candidates. The company was incorporated in 2015 and is based in Walnut, California.

MissionU

Series A in 2017
MissionU is an innovative college alternative that equips students with essential skills and practical experience necessary for success in the modern workforce. Founded by Adam Braun and Mike Adams, the program uniquely integrates general education with specialized training to prepare individuals for real-world employment. MissionU operates on an income-share agreement model, allowing students to graduate debt-free without upfront tuition costs. Instead, students begin to repay the program once they secure a job earning $50,000 or more, contributing 15% of their income for three years. This approach enables individuals to pursue their career aspirations while minimizing financial burdens.

Outschool

Seed Round in 2017
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.

Coursera

Series D in 2017
Coursera is an online education company that serves over 20 million registered learners by partnering with 140 of the world’s best universities and education institutions. On Coursera, anyone, anywhere can access over 1,000 online courses and Specializations in dozens of fields in order to achieve meaningful career, educational, and personal enrichment goals throughout their lives. The company was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in Mountain View, California.

extern

Seed Round in 2017
Extern is a developer of a remote externship platform that connects students with companies, allowing them to gain professional experience in various industries from any location. The platform transforms corporate work projects into scalable online learning opportunities, enabling students to explore career paths flexibly while enhancing their employability. For companies, this approach acts as an effective talent identification and training program, reaching diverse and underserved student populations. By facilitating collaboration between employees and students on real-world projects, Extern fosters meaningful engagement and supports companies in building their employer brand through impactful educational experiences.

Climb

Seed Round in 2017
Climb Credit, Inc. is a student lending platform founded in 2014 and based in New York City. The company specializes in providing educational loans to U.S. citizens and permanent residents, focusing on accessibility, affordability, and accountability in career development. Climb partners with a variety of educational institutions that offer programs aimed at enhancing graduates' earning potential, including fields such as cybersecurity, data science, culinary arts, and aviation. By identifying schools with a proven track record of improving student outcomes, Climb offers tailored financing options designed to meet the specific needs of individuals seeking to advance their careers, regardless of their credit history. This approach ensures that students have the resources necessary to pursue their career ambitions and successfully navigate an evolving job market.

Learners Guild

Venture Round in 2017
17 million young people in the United States are un(der)employed while the demand for technology related jobs exceeds the supply. At Learners Guild, we’re solving this problem by providing a software education fellowship with life-changing curriculum and community support. Our products are built upon the premise that life is a process of continuous learning, building, and perfecting pursuits of livelihood, community and purpose. Learners Guild, a California B-Corp following the principles of holocracy, is a network of guild-style professional schools that transform students into high-skilled workers in one year. We have a unique financing model that aligns student and institutional success, and allows us to profitably recruit & train the most ambitious students, regardless of financial background. Together, we can transform the trillion dollar higher education market and fix the gap for talented software developers in the coming connected device era.

Teachable

Series A in 2017
Teachable (formerly Fedora) is changing education by making it easy to teach or sell courses online. Teacher entrepreneurs use Teachable to run their own courses work with almost half a million students online. In a matter of minutes, Teachable allows you to create a beautiful and powerful, payment-ready course from your own website without any technical knowledge. While many use Teachable for asynchronous video-based classes teachers have used it to sell books, services, offline-online classes, group coaching, tutoring and webinars.

CodeHS

Seed Round in 2016
CodeHS, Inc. is a San Francisco-based company founded in 2012 that offers an online platform for training in programming and computer science. The platform is designed to assist high schools in teaching a comprehensive curriculum focused on various topics, including JavaScript, graphics, animation, game design, data structures, HTML, and CSS. CodeHS provides free access to a curriculum suitable for students in grades 6 through 12, along with enhanced features for schools that opt for the professional version. These features include lesson plans, grading tools, progress tracking, and dedicated support, which collectively aim to improve the teaching and learning experience in computer science education.

SoloLearn

Seed Round in 2016
SoloLearn, Inc. operates a mobile learning platform that offers online courses. It provides courses in nine programming languages including HTML,CSS, JavaScript, PHP, C++, Java, Python, Swift, and SQL for Android, iOS, Windows phone, and Web. The company was founded in 2013 and is based in Pleasanton, California.

Smashcut

Seed Round in 2016
Smashcut partners with universities and organizations to develop and deliver customized online film programs.

MissionU

Seed Round in 2016
MissionU is an innovative college alternative that equips students with essential skills and practical experience necessary for success in the modern workforce. Founded by Adam Braun and Mike Adams, the program uniquely integrates general education with specialized training to prepare individuals for real-world employment. MissionU operates on an income-share agreement model, allowing students to graduate debt-free without upfront tuition costs. Instead, students begin to repay the program once they secure a job earning $50,000 or more, contributing 15% of their income for three years. This approach enables individuals to pursue their career aspirations while minimizing financial burdens.

ProSky

Seed Round in 2016
ProSky, Inc. is an HR software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform based in Lehi, Utah, that automates various human resource activities, including recruiting, hiring, evaluation, feedback, and communication. Founded in 2014, ProSky offers tools that enable companies to efficiently assess candidates and develop their employees through structured succession pathways. The platform provides predictive intelligence and insights into candidates' and employees' aptitude, technical skills, and interpersonal abilities. ProSky serves a diverse range of industries, including technology, finance, consulting, retail, healthcare, and aviation, helping organizations to recruit, hire, retain, train, and cultivate a diverse and culturally aligned workforce.

Fluent City

Seed Round in 2016
Fluent City is a language company that offers online classes in 11 different languages. We're on a mission to help you achieve your language-learning goals by teaching you how to talk about the things you care about most. Our team uses AI and natural language processing technology to provide hyper-relevant content and personalized, engaging lesson plans that help you get fluent faster.

VIPKid

Series C in 2016
VIPKid operates an online English language learning platform that connects Chinese children with North American teachers, providing an immersive educational experience akin to an American elementary school. Founded in 2013 and launched in 2014, the company aims to inspire students by offering personalized learning opportunities that foster curiosity and cultural exchange. VIPKid’s platform has grown to serve over 500,000 students, facilitated by more than 60,000 teachers from the US and Canada. This model enables students in remote areas of China to improve their English skills and enhance their understanding of the world from home. As a leader in China's online education sector, VIPKid emphasizes the importance of tailored education, recognizing that each student has unique needs and potential.

Wonder Workshop

Series B in 2016
Wonder Workshop is a company based in Sunnyvale, California, that focuses on teaching children coding through interactive robotics. Founded in 2012, it produces Dash and Dot robots, which allow kids to program their movements, sounds, and lights using mobile devices. These robots encourage collaboration and creativity, enabling children to see their programming efforts manifest in real-time. In addition to the robots, Wonder Workshop offers a variety of accessories, including xylophones and building connectors, as well as Class Connect, an online suite designed for educators to incorporate coding and robotics into their curriculums. By opening their API, the company invites developers to create additional applications for their robots, further enhancing the learning experience.

Andela

Series B in 2016
Andela is a global talent network that specializes in recruiting and managing software developers from emerging markets, particularly in Africa. Established in 2014 and headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, the company provides training and mentorship to prepare developers for roles with companies worldwide. Through its platform, Andela connects leading organizations like GitHub and Cloudflare with highly skilled engineering talent, enabling businesses to scale their teams efficiently and cost-effectively. The company focuses on identifying the top 1% of software developers, fostering a network that empowers developers while facilitating job opportunities. Andela operates as a distributed organization across four continents and has garnered support from notable investors, including Generation Investment Management and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative.

Teachable

Seed Round in 2016
Teachable (formerly Fedora) is changing education by making it easy to teach or sell courses online. Teacher entrepreneurs use Teachable to run their own courses work with almost half a million students online. In a matter of minutes, Teachable allows you to create a beautiful and powerful, payment-ready course from your own website without any technical knowledge. While many use Teachable for asynchronous video-based classes teachers have used it to sell books, services, offline-online classes, group coaching, tutoring and webinars.

Edunav

Series A in 2016
Edunav, Inc. specializes in developing academic planning and optimization software tailored for the higher education sector. Founded in 2013 and based in Cupertino, California, the company's flagship product, EduNav, utilizes advanced technologies such as Big Data, combinatorial algorithms, and machine learning to assist students in navigating their academic journeys effectively. EduNav enables students to determine optimal pathways to graduation, while also offering tools for degree, career, and transfer planning. Additionally, it provides predictive enrollment management solutions aimed at helping educational leaders make informed decisions. By focusing on improving student retention and ensuring timely degree completion, Edunav aims to minimize wasted credit hours and enhance the overall course catalog, thereby supporting colleges and universities in achieving their academic goals.

Schoold

Seed Round in 2016
The world's #1 college search and counseling mobile app, we're helping 1M+ students figure out where to go to college and how to pay for it. Download at: http://social.schoold.co.

Photomath

Seed Round in 2016
Photomath, Inc. is a mobile application company founded in 2014 and located in San Mateo, California. The company offers a math learning app that allows users to solve mathematical problems by pointing their device's camera at the equations. This innovative app provides instant solutions along with step-by-step explanations, making it a valuable educational tool for students. It supports a wide range of mathematical topics, from basic arithmetic to advanced calculus, and also includes features for graphing. Available for both iPhone and Android, the app is free to use, enabling users to practice and enhance their math skills independently. Through its user-friendly interface and real-time problem-solving capabilities, Photomath aims to simplify the learning process for students encountering challenging math concepts.

Sixup

Seed Round in 2016
Sixup PBC, Inc. is a for-profit technology company based in San Francisco that provides an online platform offering loans to low-income, high-achieving students. Established in 2014, Sixup focuses on addressing the financial needs of underserved students by aggregating, underwriting, and funding loans that support their educational pursuits. The company aims to create a new asset class, termed Future-Prime, which encompasses approximately seven million students and represents a significant annual market volume. Sixup is supported by $14 million in equity funding from various investors, including Collaboration Capital and the Kellogg Foundation, and has secured an additional $41 million in lending and grant capital from institutions like Goldman Sachs and Deutsche Bank. Operating in 18 states, Sixup collaborates with numerous community-based and advocacy organizations to enhance access to education for its target demographic.

CourseHorse

Series B in 2016
CourseHorse, Inc. operates an online platform that simplifies the process of finding and enrolling in a diverse range of classes. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in New York, the platform offers opportunities in subjects such as art, cooking, health and fitness, languages, performing arts, professional development, technology, and children's education. By partnering with various class providers, CourseHorse serves as a centralized destination for individuals seeking personal enrichment and skill development. The platform enhances the learning experience by enabling users to compare options and easily enroll in courses that align with their interests and goals.

BUILD ACADEMY

Seed Round in 2016
Build Academy, Inc. operates a professional development e-learning platform for the building industry. The company offers online and blended learning courses and programs for building professionals, companies, and governments operating in fields of architecture, engineering, real estate, and construction worldwide. Its professional e-learning programs enhance enterprise capability to achieve the goals of clients and the objectives of their companies. Build Academy, Inc. is based in New York, New York.

EdSurge

Series A in 2015
EdSurge is a prominent platform serving educators, entrepreneurs, and investors in the education technology sector. The organization offers a comprehensive database of edtech products and companies, along with daily news reporting focused on the education technology ecosystem. It provides independent reviews of education technology tools, assisting schools and colleges in selecting appropriate resources to enhance learning. In addition to its online presence, EdSurge hosts events such as the San Francisco education technology meetup and a series of nationwide summits, alongside the Digital Innovation in Learning Awards. The platform also features a jobs board and a service called Edtech Concierge, which supports education leaders in tool selection. Founded in 2011 and based in Burlingame, California, EdSurge operates as a hybrid of technology journalism, employing a mix of technologists, educators, and journalists, with the aim of fostering informed adoption of education technology through impartial reporting and community engagement.

Mentor Collective

Venture Round in 2015
Mentor Collective is a Boston-based company founded in 2013 that specializes in creating mentoring programs for universities. The platform enables educational institutions to design, manage, and assess mentoring initiatives that connect students with near-peer mentors, thereby enhancing student engagement and retention. Mentor Collective works with over 60 partner schools, including notable institutions such as Princeton and UC Davis. The company offers a comprehensive suite of services, including program design, mentorship operations, a content library, and analytics to evaluate program effectiveness. By facilitating one-on-one mentorship, Mentor Collective aims to improve graduation rates and foster a supportive academic environment for all students. Its mission-driven approach has garnered recognition, positioning it as a leader in the education sector.

Vemo Education

Seed Round in 2015
Vemo Education is a mission-driven educational technology company focused on expanding educational access for all Americans. We partner directly with colleges, universities, and other educational providers to design, implement, and sustain income share agreement (ISA) programs to help increase educational opportunity and reduce financial barriers to economic mobility.

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.

VersaMe

Seed Round in 2015
Nicki Boyd met brothers Jon and Chris Boggiano on the campus of Stanford University. The trio quickly found that they shared a passion and united themselves in a common goal to “fix” the education system. Yes, the same system everyone has tried and failed to fix for the past 50 or so years. So while great minds think alike, they knew they also needed to think differently.

Coursera

Series C in 2015
Coursera is an online education company that serves over 20 million registered learners by partnering with 140 of the world’s best universities and education institutions. On Coursera, anyone, anywhere can access over 1,000 online courses and Specializations in dozens of fields in order to achieve meaningful career, educational, and personal enrichment goals throughout their lives. The company was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in Mountain View, California.

BrightBytes

Series C in 2015
BrightBytes provides the first SaaS-based data analytics platform that measures and links technology use in education to learning outcomes. It leverages data to understand and improve learning with technology. Its team is made up of Data Scientists, Educational Researchers, Developers, and Data Visualization Experts. The platform also enables educators to cleanse, integrate, and bi-directionally to manage complex data from multiple systems. It was founded in 2012 and is located in San Francisco, California.

BloomBoard

Series B in 2015
BloomBoard is a company that specializes in web-based professional development tools for educators, founded in 2010 and based in Palo Alto, California. It provides observation and evaluation tools for school districts, along with individualized learning plans and a marketplace of workshops and resources aimed at enhancing professional development. The company is focused on transitioning from traditional professional development to a model centered on educator advancement through micro-certification. By partnering with states and districts, BloomBoard offers an online learning experience that enables educators to enhance their instructional practices and career progression by earning micro-credentials. The organization aims to promote meaningful and measurable educator development and advancement.

Savvy.is

Seed Round in 2015
Savvy is a global platform where learners and teachers connect for live, one on one video learning sessions. One on one learning is the most effective way to learn anything, from how to manage your personal finances to how to put on makeup. Savvy gives anyone with expertise the ability to teach, and makes it easy for learners to book, learn, and pay for sessions whenever and wherever they want.

AltSchool Inc.

Series B in 2015
AltSchool Inc. operates a network of personalized learning schools for students from pre-kindergarten to 8th grade, focusing on adapting education to meet the unique needs of each child. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, the institution combines the expertise of educators, technologists, and entrepreneurs to create an educational environment that is responsive to students, families, and local communities. The schools utilize a tailored curriculum and a collaborative platform that fosters a greater impact on education by connecting individual institutions within the network.

Educents

Seed Round in 2015
Educents Inc. operates as an online marketplace for selling educational products to students, parents, homeschoolers, and educators in the United States. The company offers science kits, curriculum packs, books, art supplies, math and reading books, and others. It also provides digital products, such as downloads and online programs for international customers. The company was founded in 2013 and is based in San Francisco, California.

Teachable

Seed Round in 2015
Teachable (formerly Fedora) is changing education by making it easy to teach or sell courses online. Teacher entrepreneurs use Teachable to run their own courses work with almost half a million students online. In a matter of minutes, Teachable allows you to create a beautiful and powerful, payment-ready course from your own website without any technical knowledge. While many use Teachable for asynchronous video-based classes teachers have used it to sell books, services, offline-online classes, group coaching, tutoring and webinars.

CodeHS

Seed Round in 2015
CodeHS, Inc. is a San Francisco-based company founded in 2012 that offers an online platform for training in programming and computer science. The platform is designed to assist high schools in teaching a comprehensive curriculum focused on various topics, including JavaScript, graphics, animation, game design, data structures, HTML, and CSS. CodeHS provides free access to a curriculum suitable for students in grades 6 through 12, along with enhanced features for schools that opt for the professional version. These features include lesson plans, grading tools, progress tracking, and dedicated support, which collectively aim to improve the teaching and learning experience in computer science education.

Yoi

Seed Round in 2014
Yoi Corp. provides software-as-a-service (SaaS) based mobile digital tools designed specifically for line managers in corporate environments. The company's primary offering, Yoi, supports managers in various human resources processes, including onboarding, integration, engagement, performance management, training, and exit procedures. Yoi streamlines these functions by delivering templates that automate assignments, meeting requests, data collection assessments, and reporting directly to managers' inboxes. Founded in June 2013 and headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Yoi Corp. operates as a subsidiary of HighGround, Inc.

Bloc

Series A in 2014
Bloc, Inc. is an online education company that specializes in intensive, mentor-led programs for aspiring developers and designers. Founded in 2011 and based in Palo Alto, California, Bloc offers courses focusing on web development, iOS, and web design. Its curriculum allows students to select their mentors based on various factors such as experience, language, location, and availability, enabling them to build skills through personalized assignments. By combining a structured, project-based approach with one-on-one mentorship, Bloc provides a flexible and effective alternative to traditional degree programs for career-oriented adults. As of April 2018, Bloc operates as a subsidiary of Thinkful, Inc.

Minerva Project

Series B in 2014
Minerva Project, Inc. is an innovative educational institution based in San Francisco, California, that offers undergraduate courses through Minerva Schools at KGI. Established in 2011, the institution focuses on preparing global leaders and innovators for the complexities of the 21st century by integrating pedagogy, curriculum, and class environments. Minerva emphasizes a liberal arts and sciences education while developing critical life skills, professional capabilities, and personal character. Additionally, the organization operates the Minerva Institute for Research and Scholarship, which provides scholarship and loan programs to support higher education.

Brainly

Series A in 2014
Brainly is an online learning platform where students and parents get homework and study help from peers and experts. With the platform and its group of websites and apps, middle school and high school students are given the opportunity to ask questions freely to the online community comprised of students, parents, and teachers. The software is developed with a mission to help students gain the confidence that comes from helping others and inspire them to learn in a collaborative community. Brainly is backed by Naspers, Kulczyk Investments, General Catalyst Partners, Point Nine Capital, Runa Capital, and Learn Capital. In 2009, Lukasz Haluch, Michał Borkowski, and Tomasz Kraus co-founded the company in Kraków, Malopolskie, Poland and is available in 35 countries.

Andela

Seed Round in 2014
Andela is a global talent network that specializes in recruiting and managing software developers from emerging markets, particularly in Africa. Established in 2014 and headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, the company provides training and mentorship to prepare developers for roles with companies worldwide. Through its platform, Andela connects leading organizations like GitHub and Cloudflare with highly skilled engineering talent, enabling businesses to scale their teams efficiently and cost-effectively. The company focuses on identifying the top 1% of software developers, fostering a network that empowers developers while facilitating job opportunities. Andela operates as a distributed organization across four continents and has garnered support from notable investors, including Generation Investment Management and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative.