Dunce Capital

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.

FourthRev is an educational services provider focused on addressing the global shortage of digital skills by collaborating with leading companies and universities. The company develops industry-relevant programs, including micro-credentials and degree courses, co-creating content and curriculum with prominent technology firms such as AWS, Salesforce, and Tableau. These programs are delivered by university partners, either as standalone courses or integrated into existing offerings. FourthRev also facilitates connections between learners and employers within its partners' ecosystems, enhancing the overall student experience and improving graduate outcomes by providing a blend of theoretical knowledge, technical skills, and practical applications.

Kritik is a collaborative online learning platform aimed at enhancing students' critical and creative thinking skills in both in-person and online educational settings. The platform facilitates peer-to-peer learning by providing an automated peer evaluation system that allows students to receive specific and personalized feedback efficiently, minimizing the need to read lengthy essays. Additionally, Kritik incorporates gamification strategies to boost student engagement through a reward system, making the learning process more enjoyable and interactive. Its features include calibration, custom activities, discussions, learning management system enhancements, feedback, insights and analytics, rubrics, and support, all designed to foster a more effective learning environment for students and instructors alike.

Maven is a new platform for cohort-based courses started by the founders of Udemy, altMBA and Socratic. We partner with the world’s best instructors to offer live, online, community-driven courses to transform your career.

Prendea offers live afterschool classes to Spanish-speaking kids ages 4 to 15. For a fixed monthly price, kids can choose as many classes as they like from our large selection that ranges from TikTok choreography to astronomy.

Abwaab Technologies Inc, established in 2019 and headquartered in Amman, Jordan, operates an online learning platform for secondary-school students. It provides concept-based video lessons, visualized learning journeys, assessments, and performance-tracking features for key subjects like math, physics, chemistry, and biology. The platform allows students to learn at their own pace, test themselves, and access expert tutors anytime and anywhere, aiming to enhance the learning experience outside the classroom.

Contra is a professional networking platform based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2019 by Ben Huffman and Gajus Kuizinas. The company offers a space for freelancers and independent professionals to connect and showcase their work portfolios, facilitating flexible work opportunities. Through its exclusive community and referral network, Contra empowers individuals to earn a living on their own terms, promoting the freedom of independent work.

Beanstalk is an educational platform that specializes in providing live interactive classes for children, tailored to specific age groups. The company offers on-demand learning experiences led by experienced teachers, utilizing real-time animation and artificial intelligence to engage young learners by bringing familiar characters to life. This innovative approach allows children to participate in educational activities anytime and from anywhere, making learning accessible and enjoyable. Beanstalk aims to enhance the educational experience for kids through its interactive and immersive online classes.

FourthRev is an educational services provider focused on addressing the global shortage of digital skills by collaborating with leading companies and universities. The company develops industry-relevant programs, including micro-credentials and degree courses, co-creating content and curriculum with prominent technology firms such as AWS, Salesforce, and Tableau. These programs are delivered by university partners, either as standalone courses or integrated into existing offerings. FourthRev also facilitates connections between learners and employers within its partners' ecosystems, enhancing the overall student experience and improving graduate outcomes by providing a blend of theoretical knowledge, technical skills, and practical applications.

GetSetUp, Inc. is an online platform that connects seniors with their peers to facilitate private and engaging lessons on frequently used online tools. Founded in 2019 and based in San Francisco, the platform offers a variety of classes aimed at enhancing the digital skills of older adults. These classes cover essential topics such as e-commerce, personal marketing, website development, government services, health and wellness, and technology usage. GetSetUp's mission is to empower older adults by providing them with the skills necessary to lead fulfilling, independent, and socially connected lives through learning. The company was formerly known as Walkabout Inc. before rebranding in January 2020.

HaikuJAM is a mobile application that facilitates collaborative haiku writing, allowing users to create poetry together by contributing lines in a shared creative space. Originating from the traditional Japanese form of poetry, haikus consist of three lines with a specific syllable structure, often concluding with an unexpected twist. The application serves as a platform for self-expression and stress relief, offering users a unique way to connect and engage in artistic collaboration. Through its interactive format, HaikuJAM fosters a community of creativity, encouraging individuals to explore their poetic abilities while enjoying the benefits of shared artistic experiences.

Beanstalk is an educational platform that specializes in providing live interactive classes for children, tailored to specific age groups. The company offers on-demand learning experiences led by experienced teachers, utilizing real-time animation and artificial intelligence to engage young learners by bringing familiar characters to life. This innovative approach allows children to participate in educational activities anytime and from anywhere, making learning accessible and enjoyable. Beanstalk aims to enhance the educational experience for kids through its interactive and immersive online classes.

MarketerHire LLC operates an online platform designed to connect businesses with freelance marketing professionals. Founded in 2018 and based in San Francisco, California, the company offers a streamlined process for businesses to hire pre-vetted marketers, providing access to a global talent pool within 48 hours. The platform caters to a diverse clientele, including early-stage startups, billion-dollar unicorns, and Fortune 100 companies, allowing them to meet their marketing needs through flexible engagement options such as part-time, full-time, or hourly arrangements. MarketerHire's mission is to democratize access to expert marketing talent, enabling companies to focus on product development while offering marketers the opportunity to earn additional income alongside their full-time roles. The platform supports remote work, allowing talent to operate from anywhere in the world.

Prenda is an educational technology company established in 2015, based in Mesa, Arizona. It specializes in facilitating weekly code clubs in libraries and schools, fostering a fun, collaborative learning environment where students teach themselves computer programming. Prenda's approach emphasizes informal education, using a hybrid learning model that combines online classes, project modules, and virtual training sessions led by verified teachers across diverse subjects.

SV Academy is a career development organization that expands access to technology-sector roles, focusing on sales and customer success. Founded in 2017, it partners with more than 400 SaaS employers to connect graduates from underrepresented backgrounds with opportunities in tech. The program offers accelerated skill-building, mentorship, and job placement assistance, along with post-hire support such as alumni networking and coaching. Its income-inclusive participation model and industry-readiness preparation reduce barriers to entry, enabling diverse professionals to pursue long-term career growth in competitive tech roles. Notably, 60% of its graduates are promoted in the first year, reflecting rapid progression for participants. The program has been recognized for innovation in education by Fast Company.

Sora Schools, Inc. is an online private high school founded in 2018 and based in Smyrna, Georgia. The institution offers a unique project-based learning curriculum that empowers students to explore their interests and tailor their education according to their preferred learning styles. Sora's programs include communication skills development, career mentorship, counseling services, college preparation, content writing, and graphic design. With a focus on hands-on work, students build strong portfolios that enhance their future job and college applications. The school’s innovative approach is supported by a world-class faculty who conduct engaging live classes, and its full-time program is accredited by Cognia and WASC, as well as approved by the NCAA.