NewSchools Venture Fund is a nonprofit organization founded in 1998, dedicated to improving public K-12 education, particularly for low-income and minority students in urban areas. It focuses on closing the achievement gap by funding and supporting innovative educational entrepreneurs who create scalable solutions to critical challenges in education. The organization has invested significant capital in both nonprofit and for-profit ventures, aiming to promote student achievement and provide access to quality education. NewSchools actively collaborates with educational leaders nationwide and advocates for effective educational policies. Its investment strategy encompasses a range of financial structures, including equity, loans, and grants, while also seeking to take board seats in portfolio companies to ensure active engagement in their operations. With offices in Oakland, Boston, and Washington, D.C., NewSchools targets its investments in key cities across the United States and Canada, fostering organizations that serve underserved communities and facilitate the outsourcing of school facilities needs.
OurWorlds is an edutainment company creating technologies that empower communities to illuminate their narratives in immersive realities by geolocation in environments throughout the world, in order to inspire transformative new understandings of our collective histories; improve our education system; inform new approaches to environmental stewardship; and reframe a more equitable and just future.
Outline It
Pre Seed Round in 2022
Outline is an interactive writing platform designed to assist students and educators in producing better-structured essays more efficiently. The platform aims to alleviate writer's block, organize thoughts effectively, and enhance the pre-writing process, providing educators with valuable insights into their students' work. By streamlining the writing experience, Outline not only aids in the academic success of college and graduate school students but also supports their admission into higher education institutions and advancement in their careers. This tool emphasizes the importance of clear and concise writing, positioning itself as a vital resource in the educational landscape.
Tutored by Teachers
Series A in 2022
Tutored by Teachers is an e-learning platform that connects students with certified teachers to provide customized online education. The platform aims to close the opportunity gap and promote equity in education by offering evidence-based, teacher-led virtual learning. It partners directly with schools to deliver supplemental, small-group instruction to high-need, underserved students. This approach not only enhances educational outcomes for students but also ensures fair compensation for teachers while creating pathways for them to advance into educational management roles. Through its national tutoring program, Tutored by Teachers seeks to improve access to quality education, particularly for disadvantaged communities, thereby contributing to the reduction of the achievement gap.
TECA
Grant in 2019
TECA is a non-profit organization dedicated to the support of educators of color in Tennessee. Diarese George, a former classroom teacher in the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System, founded the Tennessee Educators of Color Alliance in the fall of 2016 to provide a platform to amplify the voice and presence of educators of color.
Educators for Excellence
Grant in 2019
Educators for Excellence is a non-profit dedicated to giving teachers a voice in policies that affect their students and profession. The company was founded in 2012 by Sydney Morris and Evan Stone.
Purpose Project
Grant in 2019
Purpose Project helps both children and adults in developing skills such as self-awareness, self-direction, and community impact. The company is a non-profit organization based in San Francisco that is supported by Plussed and IDEO.
Move This World
Grant in 2019
Move This World is a mental health platform focused on promoting social-emotional learning for students, educators, and families in PreK-12 settings. The platform offers interactive, evidence-based programs that utilize multimedia experiences to foster social-emotional development and strengthen school communities. By creating a common language around mental health, Move This World aims to enhance learning environments and support the well-being of students and staff. Its programs have reached over 4 million students across 45 states and 9 countries, leveraging creative arts therapy and positive psychology to empower communities in navigating contemporary challenges.
GiveThx
Grant in 2019
GiveThx is a digital program that strengthens student wellbeing and social-emotional skills using gratitude science. Students and staff use digital thank you notes to recognize and reinforce positive behaviors that nurture relationships and build self-esteem. GiveThx is a powerful social-emotional learning system that schools can use on a daily basis, leveraging technology to create safe and inclusive communities. GiveThx is a nonprofit based in Oakland, CA with a mission to increase belonging and emotional wellbeing for all students.
Centervention
Grant in 2019
Centervention specializes in developing game-based online programs aimed at enhancing social and emotional skills for elementary and middle school students. These interactive games not only engage students but also automatically collect data, allowing educators to monitor individual progress effectively. The programs include supplemental lessons that reinforce the learning experience, catering to the unique needs of each student. Centervention also features an intelligent social tutoring system that assesses behavioral readiness, creating personalized avatars for children. These avatars guide students through a series of simulated social scenarios, enabling them to practice and improve their social and emotional competencies in a fun and effective manner.
EduMotion
Grant in 2019
EduMotion offers transformative school programs, including SEL Journeys, a digital platform that connects students all over the world to cultural dance lessons and Social-Emotional Learning activities.
Mursion
Series A in 2019
Mursion, Inc. is a company that specializes in a virtual reality platform designed to enhance the interpersonal skills of professionals across various sectors, including healthcare, education, hospitality, and finance. By combining artificial intelligence with live actors, Mursion creates personalized simulations that replicate challenging workplace scenarios, allowing users to engage in immersive practice and take risks to improve their performance. The platform aims to provide authentic environments where individuals can develop essential skills necessary for navigating complex interpersonal exchanges in their careers. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, Mursion was previously known as AMITIES, INC. and rebranded in May 2015.
Beloved Community
Grant in 2019
Beloved Community creates regional coalitions with common goals for economic equity, sustainability, and equitable population distribution as a result of diverse schools and communities. They provide industry cohorts, equity assessments, facilitations, DEI training, consulting, and online courses.
Teton Science Schools
Grant in 2018
Teton Science School is a learning organization that uses a place-based methodology to increase participation, education, and community impact. They provide programs consisting of field education, classroom education, and educator development.
NexusEdge
Seed Round in 2018
NexusEdge is a career development platform designed to support lifelong learning for community college students through the use of artificial intelligence. Established in 2016 and headquartered in Los Angeles, the platform offers various resources, including a mentor network, digital badges, free classes from Lynda.com, and a jobs board tailored for entry-level positions. By facilitating video chat interactions with industry professionals, NexusEdge helps students gain insights into potential career paths and fill existing skills gaps. The company also focuses on collaborating with local corporations in Kansas City to provide employees with micro-credential badges, further enhancing workforce preparedness. Overall, NexusEdge aims to connect learners with the appropriate educational resources and career opportunities to align with their talents and aspirations.
ClassWallet
Seed Round in 2018
ClassWallet, founded in 2014 and based in Hollywood, Florida, offers a comprehensive funds management and tracking platform tailored for educational institutions and government agencies. The platform streamlines the management of public funds by minimizing paperwork and administrative tasks, allowing users to efficiently track classroom stipends, grants, donations, and other financial activities. ClassWallet's patented digital wallet technology ensures that funds are appropriately allocated and utilized, enhancing compliance while reducing costs and time associated with traditional methods. Serving clients across 32 states, ClassWallet has facilitated the effective use of over $2.7 billion in public funds. Its integrated marketplace includes partnerships with leading retailers, providing educators with access to essential resources. In 2023, ClassWallet was recognized on the Inc. 5000 list as one of the fastest-growing private companies in the U.S. and ranked highly among software companies by Deloitte's Technology Fast 500.
RaiseMe
Grant in 2018
RaiseMe is a financial aid information and networking platform aimed at improving access to higher education by providing scholarship opportunities. The platform allows students to earn "micro-Scholarships" throughout their high school years, based on individual achievements both in and outside the classroom. This approach addresses the limitations of traditional financial aid systems, which typically award assistance at the end of high school, often too late to influence students' college decisions. By enabling students to accumulate financial aid early, RaiseMe has facilitated the earning of over $2 billion in micro-scholarships from its university partners. This innovative model seeks to enhance educational pathways and support students in their academic pursuits.
Strive for College
Grant in 2018
Strive for College connects aspiring college students with free, one-on-one, online mentoring through the entire college admissions and financial aid application process. Strive for College recruits and trains volunteer mentors throughout the country. Mentors work with high school students interested in attending college and provide one-on-one virtual mentoring to help them access and pay for college. From the spring semester of junior year until application deadlines are complete, Strive mentors and mentees meet for about one hour each week online. Mentoring pairs work through the year-long Strive for College curriculum, developed with college deans and admissions administrators, to cover every aspect of researching, applying to and paying for a student’s best-fit, four-year college.
Spotlight
Grant in 2018
Spotlight is a business intelligence company based in Davis, California, that specializes in the education sector. The company has developed proprietary software that transforms educational data into natural language, producing narrative text-based reports and personalized videos for everyday users. This innovative approach aims to make complex data more accessible and actionable. Spotlight has established paid partnerships with prominent organizations in education, including ETS, the College Board, and NWEA, as well as significant school districts such as Oakland Unified, Long Beach Unified, and Green Dot Public Schools. Through its online education data analytics platform, Spotlight enables users to gain insights and enhance their educational experiences.
Weird Enough Productions
Grant in 2018
Weird Enough Productions is a multimedia production company focused on creating original content that addresses media misrepresentation and promotes media literacy education. By utilizing creativity and collaboration, the company develops content that highlights the complexities of the human experience from perspectives frequently overlooked by mainstream media. In addition to producing engaging narratives, Weird Enough Productions aims to empower children by teaching them how to access, analyze, evaluate, and create media content. This approach not only enhances their media literacy skills but also contributes to improved traditional literacy and standardized test performance.
Peekapak
Grant in 2017
Peekapak Inc. is a Toronto-based company that specializes in a digital language arts program focused on character education for children. Founded in 2013, Peekapak provides an engaging learning platform that combines digital stories and lessons with interactive games to teach essential social-emotional skills, such as empathy, teamwork, and self-regulation. The program is designed for both classroom and at-home use, enabling educators and parents to foster essential character traits in children. Developed by education experts, Peekapak's resources are standards-aligned and research-based, making it easier for teachers to integrate social-emotional learning into their literacy curriculum. The company has received backing from prominent educational organizations and has garnered attention in various media outlets, highlighting its innovative approach to nurturing compassionate and empathetic citizens.
Teachley
Grant in 2017
Teachley, LLC is an educational technology company based in New York that specializes in developing math applications grounded in cognitive science research. The company's offerings include Addimal Adventure, an iPad app designed for students in grades K-2 that focuses on single-digit addition, and Mt. Multiplis, which teaches complex multiplication strategies to students in grades three to five. In addition to its educational applications, Teachley provides Teachley Analytics, a tool that helps schools assess student progress against Common Core standards, identify at-risk students, and customize classroom instruction. By focusing on foundational math concepts, Teachley aims to enhance students' conceptual understanding, fluency, and problem-solving skills, thereby promoting overall student achievement.
Reasoning Mind
Grant in 2017
Reasoning Mind, Inc. is a nonprofit organization based in Houston, Texas, dedicated to providing high-quality math education solutions for every child. Founded in 2000, the organization develops blended learning mathematics programs tailored for elementary and middle school students. These programs combine internet-based learning environments with classroom instruction and resources, aiming to enhance student understanding and engagement in mathematics. Reasoning Mind collaborates with schools across the United States to implement these educational programs, ensuring that effective math education is accessible to diverse learners. As a subsidiary of Imagine Learning, Inc., Reasoning Mind continues to focus on its mission of improving math education outcomes through innovative teaching methods.
WriteReader
Grant in 2017
WriteReader is a learning platform focused on enhancing children's reading and writing skills through the creation of digital books. The platform allows children to take pictures of their surroundings, including family and friends, and write about these images at their appropriate language level. WriteReader translates the child's text into conventional writing, facilitating the publishing of these stories in a global online library. This approach not only fosters creativity but also encourages literacy by enabling children to engage in storytelling while they learn to read and write.
Brightwheel
Grant in 2017
Brightwheel is a software platform designed to support early education providers such as preschools, childcare centers, camps, and afterschool programs. It facilitates teachers' daily management tasks and enhances communication with parents, providing them with detailed insights into their children's educational progress. Additionally, the platform automates administrative operations, streamlining processes for administrators. This comprehensive solution aims to create a seamless and personalized learning experience while keeping parents actively involved in their child's education.
Kaymbu
Grant in 2017
Kaymbu Inc. is a cloud-based documentation and media management solution designed for early education centers, facilitating connections among teachers, families, and administrators. The company provides an iPad-based application that enables educators to capture and document classroom activities through photos and videos, fostering secure communication with families. Teachers and administrators can access this content via web and mobile devices, allowing for the addition of contextual notes and alignment with various assessment frameworks or accreditation criteria. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Kaymbu aims to make learning visible and strengthen the relationships between home and school through its innovative platform.
Cognitive ToyBox
Grant in 2017
Cognitive ToyBox, Inc. is dedicated to enhancing early childhood education by creating evidence-based games and applications that assess kindergarten readiness in children. Founded by Tammy Kwan and Dr. Brenden Lake in 2014 and based in Brooklyn, New York, the company develops mobile solutions for both Android and iOS platforms. Its technology combines observational methods with game-based learning, allowing educators to collect real-time data on children's cognitive skills and progress. Supported by organizations such as the National Science Foundation and the Robin Hood Foundation, Cognitive ToyBox aims to ensure that all children are well-prepared for the challenges of kindergarten through innovative assessment tools and engaging educational experiences.
Learning Genie
Grant in 2017
Learning Genie is a company that specializes in a parent-teacher engagement platform designed to enhance communication and collaboration between educators and families. Its tools facilitate the observation, documentation, and assessment of child development, making it especially beneficial for state and federally funded programs that need to comply with educational reporting requirements. The platform allows teachers to create evidence-based assessments, generate analytical reports, and develop personalized lesson plans. Learning Genie also features an interactive daily reporting system that goes beyond simple photo sharing, actively involving parents in their children's early learning experiences. By providing access to educational content such as eBooks, songs, and parenting tips, the platform fosters a stronger bond between parents and children, ultimately aiming to improve the quality of early education and enhance learning outcomes.
Waterford.org
Grant in 2017
Waterford.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to achieving universal literacy for children by promoting equity, access, and family empowerment in early education. The organization develops innovative educational tools that create adaptive, individualized learning paths, fostering fluent reading and lifelong learning. By empowering parents as primary educators and equipping teachers with the necessary resources, Waterford.org enhances the educational experience for students. The organization currently serves over 300,000 children annually across the United States. Waterford.org's initiatives have garnered support from various governmental and philanthropic entities, highlighting its commitment to improving educational outcomes through effective teaching models and technology-driven solutions.
AppleTree Institute for Education Innovation
Grant in 2017
AppleTree Institute for Education Innovation is an educational organization based in Washington, D.C., founded in 1996. It operates seven public charter preschool campuses, which serve as models for effective teaching and learning. The institute combines its educational efforts with a research and development component aimed at enhancing instructional quality. AppleTree's innovative program is built on four core components: a focus on instructional quality, a standards-based curriculum, quality classroom environments, and a commitment to utilizing data to inform practices. This holistic approach aims to improve early childhood education and foster positive outcomes for young learners.
MIND Research Institute
Grant in 2017
The MIND Research Institute enables elementary and primary students to reach their full academic and career potential through developing and deploying math instructional software and systems - working closely with community leaders, school administrators and educators, and civic leaders and donors. As non-profit organization, MIND also conducts basic neuro-scientific, mathematics, and education research to improve math education and advance scientific understanding.
Family Engagement Lab
Grant in 2017
Family Engagement Lab, LLC is dedicated to enhancing student outcomes in low-income communities by fostering family engagement through its online platform. Founded in 2016 and based in San Francisco, the organization offers FASTalk, a text-based program designed to facilitate communication between teachers and families. This program provides curriculum-aligned activities that promote the development of students' social, emotional, and academic skills. Additionally, the platform equips families with strategies to support learning, focusing on building essential academic skills, cultivating positive learning mindsets and habits, and enhancing social and emotional competencies. By collaborating with partners, Family Engagement Lab seeks to identify barriers to family engagement and create respectful, inclusive solutions that honor the diversity of families and communities.
codeSpark
Grant in 2017
codeSpark is an educational technology company that creates engaging learning games focused on computer science concepts for children aged five to eight. Founded in 2014 and based in Pasadena, California, the company offers a platform known as codeSpark Academy, featuring The Foos, which combines structured challenges with creative play. This platform caters to various learning styles, enabling millions of children in 201 countries to learn programming and critical thinking skills. Through codeSpark Academy, children master fundamental computer science principles and apply their knowledge by designing, coding, and sharing their own video games. The company's mission emphasizes inclusivity and creativity, allowing young learners to explore and express their ideas freely.
Mawi
Grant in 2017
Mawi Learning was founded by Mawi Asgedom, an Ethiopian refugee who persevered against all odds to successfully graduate from Harvard. Mawi chronicled his family’s journey in his best-selling autobiography Of Beetles and Angels and in speeches to over a million students and teachers worldwide.
Sparkler
Grant in 2017
Sparkler is a learning and development mobile application designed for parents, pediatricians, teachers, and children, focusing on early childhood development. The app offers tools and resources for education organizations and other employers that engage with parents of young children. By harnessing the science of early child and brain development, Sparkler helps caregivers, including parents and grandparents, optimize the early years of a child's life. The platform measures child development and provides personalized content and coaching to improve child outcomes. Sparkler collaborates with various education, healthcare, and social service organizations to equip families with the necessary tools to foster healthy child development and prepare children for future learning and life experiences.
PowerMyLearning
Grant in 2017
PowerMyLearning is a national non-profit that leverages technology to strengthen the learning relationships among students, teachers, and families so that all students can succeed. Our work fosters growth in teachers as instructional leaders; in families as support partners; and in students as learners who can meet the challenge of high academic standards.
Majorwise
Pre Seed Round in 2017
Majorwise’s mission is to revolutionize how students find jobs out of high school. Majorwise was started by Peter Silverman and Max Robbins in December of 2015. Peter and Max were college roommates at the University of Vermont, and both were having trouble finding local jobs for the summer related to their major. Peter ended up getting a digital marketing internship in Boston, and Max was a waiter in Cape Cod. Neither of us could believe there were no local jobs we could find. So, we started investigating where all these jobs are. It turned out, most of the companies in Vermont are small, as in less than 10 employees. These businesses don’t normally hire students for internships because internships are often too big of commitments. They do need help executing marketing strategies, making graphics, and communicating with customers, but they can’t afford that for 30 hours a week. Figuring this out, Peter and Max created a simple job board called BeaconVT to help Vermont students find local jobs, internships, projects, and gigs.
Timocco
Grant in 2017
Timocco is a developer of an online virtual-motion gaming platform tailored for children, particularly those with special needs. The platform utilizes motion-based technology to create engaging games that promote the development of essential skills. By incorporating a variety of fine-tuning options, it effectively targets motor, cognitive, communication, and therapy-related skills. This innovative approach allows physical therapists and parents to support children in improving their abilities while participating in a fun, safe, and non-violent gaming environment.
Enuma
Grant in 2017
Enuma, Inc. is a developer of accessible, game-based learning applications aimed at helping children, including those with special needs, learn independently. Founded in 2012 and based in Berkeley, California, Enuma offers a range of products, such as Todo Math, which focuses on foundational math skills for pre-K through 2nd grade, and Todo Telling Time, designed to teach children about time-telling through engaging mini-games. The company also provides Kid in Story, a visual storytelling app that supports early literacy and social modeling, along with Todo Number Matrix, which challenges children with various mathematical concepts. Enuma's mission is to empower all children, regardless of their resources, to become confident and independent learners. In recognition of its innovative approach to education, Enuma won the Global Learning XPRIZE competition in 2019 for achieving significant learning gains in a field test.
Zyrobotics
Grant in 2017
Zyrobotics LLC is an assistive technology company based in Atlanta, Georgia, founded in 2013 as a spin-off from Georgia Tech VentureLab. The company develops educational and accessible play applications aimed at children, focusing on areas within science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education. Zyrobotics' product line includes innovative technologies such as OctoPlus and OctoMinus, which are switch-accessible math apps designed to create an interactive gaming environment. These applications reinforce common core math skills while also enhancing fine motor skills and visual perception. Zyrobotics combines education with therapeutic elements to support children of all abilities in achieving important developmental milestones.
Branching Minds
Grant in 2017
Branching Minds, Inc. offers a web-based platform designed to assist educators in identifying and addressing students' learning challenges. Founded in 2013 and based in New York, the company's tool enables teachers and parents to gather data on students’ observable behaviors through a structured Q&A process, helping to pinpoint cognitive issues and strengths. The platform algorithmically matches students with research-backed learning supports and allows users to track observations, systematize record-keeping, and generate reports. By integrating learning sciences with artificial intelligence technology, Branching Minds empowers intervention teams and classroom teachers to effectively understand the root causes of students' difficulties, ultimately enhancing the response to intervention and multi-tier systems of support in educational settings.
ExceptionALLY
Grant in 2017
ExceptionALLY offers tailored solutions to assist parents in navigating the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process for their children. The company focuses on helping parents comprehend, organize, and effectively communicate essential information regarding their child's educational requirements. By providing personalized recommendations for accommodations, modifications, and goals, ExceptionALLY empowers parents to better understand their child's needs within the special education framework. This support aims to enhance the overall educational experience for children requiring specialized assistance.
Kinems
Grant in 2017
Kinems is a movement-based educational platform designed to support special education students in reaching their full potential. Founded in 2013 by Michael Boloudakis and Simos Retalis in New York, the platform combines therapeutic body movements with computer-based learning games aligned with state educational standards. This innovative approach allows therapists and teachers to customize activities to meet the unique learning and developmental needs of each child. Kinems integrates academic content in math and literacy, ensuring that physical therapy and occupational therapy sessions reinforce rather than detract from academic learning. The platform also includes progress monitoring and documentation features, enabling professionals to track improvements in attention, eye-hand coordination, and motor planning skills for children with disabilities.
PhET
Grant in 2017
PhET provides fun, free, interactive, research-based science and mathematics simulations. They extensively test and evaluate each simulation to ensure educational effectiveness. These tests include student interviews and observation of simulation use in classrooms. The simulations are written in Java, Flash or HTML5, and can be run online or downloaded to your computer. All simulations are open source. Multiple sponsors support the PhET project, enabling these resources to be free to all students and teachers.
iTherapy
Grant in 2017
iTherapy specializes in developing innovative technology aimed at enhancing communication skills for students with autism and other special needs. Founded by Matthew Guggemos and Lois Jean Brady, the company utilizes a multi-sensory approach that combines science, technology, and play to create educational tools. These tools incorporate AI-powered language-learning features and video self-modeling, facilitating improved teaching methods and learning experiences for individuals with learning disabilities. By focusing on the unique requirements of this population, iTherapy aims to significantly enhance their quality of life.
VocaliD
Grant in 2017
VocaliD specializes in developing advanced text-to-speech technology that creates custom digital voices for individuals who rely on assistive devices for communication. By utilizing cutting-edge machine learning techniques and proprietary voice blending algorithms, VocaliD can generate high-quality, natural-sounding voices in a matter of hours. The company's innovative approach incorporates a crowdsourced Voicebank, allowing for the creation of unique vocal identities that reflect the personal essence of users. This technology not only enhances the communication experience for disabled individuals but also transforms the interaction with intelligent devices, enabling a more human-like connection in digital communication.
LiftEd
Grant in 2017
LiftEd is a continuous monitoring, intervention, and instructional support platform. It empowers teachers, related service (speech/occupational therapists, behaviorists, psychologists, etc.) and other Special Education professionals to rigorously track progress data, intelligently refine instruction/intervention strategies, and accelerate outcomes for learners with disAbilities or differences ages 3-22.
Education Modified
Grant in 2017
Education Modified LLC is a company that focuses on enhancing educational outcomes for students with diverse needs through its EdMod App. Founded in 2011 and based in Boston, Massachusetts, the application offers educators access to research-based professional development, easy-to-implement strategies, and tools for monitoring student progress. The platform is designed to support teachers by providing critical information on special education, including ADHD and dyslexia professional development, and features that enhance curriculum and standards. Developed by special educators and leveraging artificial intelligence, the EdMod App aims to bridge the gap between compliance and effective classroom practices, fostering collaboration among educators to improve student achievements.
Education Leaders of Color
Venture Round in 2017
Education Leaders of Color is an organization that ensures young people of color have the support they need. They elevate the leadership, voices, and influence of people of color in education and promote more inclusive and sustainable efforts to improve education. They enable them to become critical thinkers, have choices, capitalize on opportunities, and secure continuing economic advancement.
Education Reform Now
Venture Round in 2017
Education Reform Now helps to improve outcomes for students who have been historically prohibited and underserved so that the system accrues benefits for everyone. They provide education policies that empower students and enable them to fulfil their limitless potential.
TCSC
Venture Round in 2017
TCSC is a movement dedicated to effective policy, excellent schools, competent operators, and well-informed communities. The Tennessee Charter School Association and Tennessee Charter School Incubator merged in 2013 to form TCSC, which has a long history of providing comprehensive support to Tennessee's growing charter sector since 1998 and is critical to its continued growth.
CodeHS
Seed Round in 2016
CodeHS, Inc. is a San Francisco-based company that offers a comprehensive platform for teaching computer science in educational settings. Founded in 2012, it provides a web-based curriculum tailored for grades 6 to 12, covering various programming topics such as JavaScript, HTML/CSS, data structures, and game design. The platform equips schools with essential teaching tools, including lesson plans, grading systems, progress tracking, and professional development resources for educators. CodeHS aims to streamline the process of teaching coding and computer science, making it accessible and manageable for both teachers and students. Schools can access a foundational curriculum for free, while additional features and support are available through a paid subscription.
StoryWorld
Grant in 2016
StoryWorld provides language learning through a range of stories. Additionally, they also offer embedded multimodal, multilingual, and multisensory tools that provide encouragement and support for a variety of learning styles.
Talkingpoints
Grant in 2016
TalkingPoints is a messaging platform designed to enhance communication between teachers and parents, aiming to foster meaningful connections that support student learning. The platform utilizes AI-powered translation technology to facilitate conversations, allowing parents to engage in their children's education in their preferred languages. By enabling teachers to communicate effectively with parents, the service helps bridge language barriers, promotes understanding, and encourages active participation in the educational process. Through these efforts, TalkingPoints seeks to empower families from diverse backgrounds to become involved in their children's schooling, ultimately contributing to a supportive learning environment.
Speak Agent
Non Equity Assistance in 2016
Speak Agent, Inc. is an educational technology company based in Rockville, Maryland, that focuses on enhancing vocabulary instruction for English and Spanish language learners. Founded in 2011, the company offers an audiovisual learning platform that allows educators to create and share customized interactive games and activities tailored to the needs of their students. The platform features a bilingual word bank and multimedia library, enabling users to define custom vocabulary sets and develop online games and lessons in English, Spanish, or a bilingual format. Speak Agent aims to address the academic achievement gap for special populations, particularly English Language Learners (ELLs), by providing tools that facilitate effective teaching of academic vocabulary across various subjects. The company has garnered recognition and awards from educational organizations, reflecting its commitment to improving learning outcomes.
Spotlight
Grant in 2016
Spotlight is a business intelligence company based in Davis, California, that specializes in the education sector. The company has developed proprietary software that transforms educational data into natural language, producing narrative text-based reports and personalized videos for everyday users. This innovative approach aims to make complex data more accessible and actionable. Spotlight has established paid partnerships with prominent organizations in education, including ETS, the College Board, and NWEA, as well as significant school districts such as Oakland Unified, Long Beach Unified, and Green Dot Public Schools. Through its online education data analytics platform, Spotlight enables users to gain insights and enhance their educational experiences.
Listenwise
Grant in 2016
Listenwise is a subscription-based e-learning platform that focuses on enhancing literacy and learning through engaging audio content. The company curates a selection of podcasts and public radio stories, transforming them into rigorous academic materials that support diverse classroom instruction. By integrating authentic voices and non-fiction narratives into the educational experience, Listenwise helps students develop essential listening skills while connecting their learning to real-world contexts. This approach not only advances literacy but also provides differentiated instruction tailored to meet the needs of various learners.
Mathalicious
Grant in 2016
The World Is an Interesting Place. Math Class Should Be, Too. At Mathalicious, they think the world is an interesting place full of interesting questions. Do people with small feet pay too much for shoes? Do taller Olympic sprinters have an unfair advantage? How have video game consoles changed over time…and are they building the Matrix? They also think math class is the perfect place for students and teachers to explore questions like these, and that it can be the most interesting part of the day.
Carnegie Learning
Grant in 2016
Carnegie Learning is a publisher specializing in innovative, research-based mathematics curricula tailored for middle school, high school, and post-secondary students. The company provides differentiated instruction aimed at enhancing student success in mathematics, thereby facilitating graduation and equipping learners for the demands of the 21st century. Carnegie Learning develops artificial intelligence and learning software designed for regional schools, offering a comprehensive suite of proven educational resources, including textbooks, professional development, and data analysis services. These resources support conceptual understanding and developmental learning while also incorporating project-based computer science and coding curricula, enabling K-12 and college students to receive adaptive, personalized education and achieve effective learning outcomes.
ThinkCERCA
Grant in 2016
ThinkCERCA operates a personalized literacy platform that focuses on enhancing students' reading, writing, and critical thinking skills through the practice of argumentative writing. The platform supports educators in facilitating collaborative discussions and debates, enabling them to design and assess lessons centered on argumentation. By tracking real-time progress, ThinkCERCA allows teachers to effectively monitor student development. The platform is utilized by educators and students across all 50 states and in 130 countries. ThinkCERCA has gained recognition in the education sector, having partnered with notable organizations and received accolades for its innovative approach to literacy and critical thinking education. The company has also been acknowledged by various educational publications and received grants supporting its mission to improve literacy outcomes.
ZEARN
Grant in 2016
The only curriculum top-rated by EdReports that unites hands-on instruction and immersive digital learning.
CueThink
Grant in 2016
CueThink Inc. is a Boston-based company that provides a peer-to-peer mobile learning platform aimed at enhancing math problem-solving skills for students in grades 4-12. Founded in 2012 and incubated by PayPal, CueThink's platform allows students to develop systematic problem-solving abilities, improve their math language, and engage in collaborative learning by sharing strategies with peers. Teachers benefit from analytics on student growth and can align their instruction with Common Core standards, while parents can monitor their children's progress through portfolios showcasing strategies and feedback. The company's offerings include Quantum, an iPad application designed for grades 4-8, which supports the growing trend of one-to-one technology in classrooms. CueThink's innovative approach addresses the need for deeper learning in mathematics, leveraging students' familiarity with social media and gaming to create an engaging educational experience. The development of its platform was supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation, and it has been successfully piloted in various classrooms.
Motion Math
Grant in 2016
Motion Math Inc. is a developer of movement-based mobile math games aimed at enhancing children's understanding and enjoyment of mathematics. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, the company creates engaging educational games that help students master challenging K-6 math standards through interactive visuals and an innovative learning model. The games focus on building math fluency and conceptual understanding, utilizing a growth mindset approach to foster a love for intellectual challenges. Motion Math's products enable learners to perceive and estimate various representations of fractions, such as numerators, denominators, percents, decimals, and pie charts, by connecting these concepts to their positions on a number line. As of November 2017, Motion Math operates as a subsidiary of Curriculum Associates LLC.
Kaizena
Seed Round in 2015
Kaizena operates a student assessment platform designed to enhance the feedback process in educational settings. The platform enables students to request feedback from teachers and peers on their work, fostering a continuous learning cycle. Users can provide relevant feedback, record voice comments, and assess students on various skills demonstrated in their assignments. By facilitating productive feedback, Kaizena supports learners in their pursuit of improvement across different disciplines, making the feedback process an integral part of their educational experience.
ClassWallet
Seed Round in 2015
ClassWallet, founded in 2014 and based in Hollywood, Florida, offers a comprehensive funds management and tracking platform tailored for educational institutions and government agencies. The platform streamlines the management of public funds by minimizing paperwork and administrative tasks, allowing users to efficiently track classroom stipends, grants, donations, and other financial activities. ClassWallet's patented digital wallet technology ensures that funds are appropriately allocated and utilized, enhancing compliance while reducing costs and time associated with traditional methods. Serving clients across 32 states, ClassWallet has facilitated the effective use of over $2.7 billion in public funds. Its integrated marketplace includes partnerships with leading retailers, providing educators with access to essential resources. In 2023, ClassWallet was recognized on the Inc. 5000 list as one of the fastest-growing private companies in the U.S. and ranked highly among software companies by Deloitte's Technology Fast 500.
Zaption
Seed Round in 2015
Zaption, Inc. operates an online platform that transforms passive video content into active learning experiences through interactive video tools. Founded in 2012 and based in San Francisco, California, Zaption provides educators—including teachers, trainers, and instructional designers—with intuitive authoring tools to enhance existing online videos from sources like YouTube and Vimeo. Users can easily incorporate images, text, quiz questions, and discussions into these videos, creating customized interactive lessons. These "learning tours" can be shared privately or embedded within various learning management systems. Additionally, Zaption's analytics feature tracks learner engagement, offering educators immediate data to improve instruction and personalize learning experiences. The platform is compatible with all major web browsers and includes a native app for iPhones and iPads. As of June 30, 2016, Zaption operates as a subsidiary of Workday, Inc.
Tales2Go
Series A in 2015
Tales2Go Inc., based in Bethesda, Maryland, offers a subscription-based mobile audiobook service that provides educators, parents, and students with on-demand access to a vast library of audiobook titles. Founded in 2009, the platform streams thousands of audiobooks from leading publishers directly to desktops and mobile devices, making it a valuable resource for classrooms. Recognizing the importance of listening skills in literacy development, Tales2Go supports educational initiatives by enhancing students' reading comprehension and vocabulary through engaging audio content. This innovative approach aligns with contemporary educational standards, which emphasize the integration of audiobooks in literacy programs, particularly for younger students. As schools increasingly adopt technology, Tales2Go serves as an effective solution for modernizing media centers and improving reading outcomes.
CodeHS
Seed Round in 2015
CodeHS, Inc. is a San Francisco-based company that offers a comprehensive platform for teaching computer science in educational settings. Founded in 2012, it provides a web-based curriculum tailored for grades 6 to 12, covering various programming topics such as JavaScript, HTML/CSS, data structures, and game design. The platform equips schools with essential teaching tools, including lesson plans, grading systems, progress tracking, and professional development resources for educators. CodeHS aims to streamline the process of teaching coding and computer science, making it accessible and manageable for both teachers and students. Schools can access a foundational curriculum for free, while additional features and support are available through a paid subscription.
Edcamp Foundation
Seed Round in 2014
A bit of history: back in late 2009, a group of passionate, dedicated Philadelphia area educators – most of whom who had never met in person, but were connected by social media – somehow found themselves together at an unconference called Barcamp Philly. Despite the name, there was no alcohol and no camping (“Occupy” style or otherwise). There was, however, intense excitement as the event began, the day’s conference schedule was created before our eyes, and sessions got underway. By the end of the day, we’d all attended many workshops, led a few of our own, and collectively reached a powerful conclusion:
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.
Newsela
Series A in 2014
Newsela, Inc. is an educational technology company that publishes daily online news articles to support students in developing advanced literacy skills. Founded in 2013 and based in New York, the company transforms real and current content from trusted providers into accessible learning materials. Its platform features news articles across various categories, including war, science, health, law, arts, and sports, presented at five levels of complexity. This approach enables students of different grades to enhance their non-fiction reading fluency and critical thinking skills in an engaging and user-friendly manner.
EdCast
Series A in 2014
EdCast Inc. is a technology company that operates an artificial intelligence-powered knowledge cloud platform designed to enhance personalized learning and knowledge management within enterprises. The company's main offerings include the EdCast Learning Experience Platform (LXP) and the MyGuide Digital Adoption Platform, which together facilitate employee development by providing tailored learning experiences and automating repetitive tasks. EdCast serves a diverse range of industries, including banking, healthcare, hospitality, and technology, helping organizations improve workforce engagement and productivity through effective onboarding, upskilling, and knowledge sharing. The platform aggregates content from various sources, ensuring users receive relevant and contextual information, thus supporting a culture of continuous learning and career mobility. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Mountain View, California, EdCast has garnered recognition as a Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum and supports a wide array of clients, from large multinational corporations to small businesses.
SchoolMint
Seed Round in 2014
SchoolMint is a cloud-based platform designed to streamline student enrollment and school choice for PreK-12 educational institutions globally. Founded in 2013, the company has been adopted by over 6,000 schools, offering solutions for student registration management, application processing, lottery coordination, and digital documentation. The platform is accessible both online and via mobile devices, allowing for seamless integration with leading student information systems. By transforming the enrollment experience, SchoolMint facilitates improved communication between parents and schools throughout the admission process, making it easier for independent, charter, and district schools to manage student admissions effectively.
FreshGrade
Seed Round in 2014
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.
Ellevation
Venture Round in 2014
Ellevation, LLC is a software development company based in Boston, Massachusetts, that specializes in educational technology for English language learners (ELL). It offers a web-based platform designed to support educators in managing and enhancing the educational experience for multilingual students. The Ellevation program organizes essential student data, facilitates critical monitoring and reporting processes, and aids in instructional planning. Additionally, it provides research-based instructional practices and activities to assist teachers in effectively teaching English learners. The company's offerings include Ellevation Math, which helps students access grade-level math content. Ellevation serves a diverse range of clients, including public school districts, EL coordinators, specialists, teachers, principals, and students throughout the United States. Established in 2006, the company was previously known as ESL Innovations, Inc. before rebranding in 2011.
Tuva Labs
Seed Round in 2014
Tuva Labs provides data literacy solutions for K-12 schools, businesses, and organizations working in sustainable development. It offers Tuva, a data literacy platform that enables teachers to use interactive, visual graphing tools and curated datasets to teach problem solving, modeling, evidence-based thinking and other essential skills. The company's Tuva provides a library of modules and lessons that enables participants to learn foundational concepts in data, statistics, and analytics in various languages, such as English, Spanish, and Arabic. Tuva Labs was founded in 2012 and is based in New York.
Mystery Science
Seed Round in 2014
Mystery.org is an educational platform focused on providing multimedia science and STEM lessons specifically designed for K-5 students. The organization aims to foster curiosity and a deeper understanding of scientific concepts by addressing common questions that children have about the world around them. It began by compiling the 150 most frequently asked science questions and creating engaging, ready-to-teach lessons that empower elementary school teachers to deliver effective instruction. By enhancing students' scientific inquisitiveness, Mystery.org helps children investigate their questions and grasp academic concepts in a meaningful way.
ClassWallet
Pre Seed Round in 2014
ClassWallet, founded in 2014 and based in Hollywood, Florida, offers a comprehensive funds management and tracking platform tailored for educational institutions and government agencies. The platform streamlines the management of public funds by minimizing paperwork and administrative tasks, allowing users to efficiently track classroom stipends, grants, donations, and other financial activities. ClassWallet's patented digital wallet technology ensures that funds are appropriately allocated and utilized, enhancing compliance while reducing costs and time associated with traditional methods. Serving clients across 32 states, ClassWallet has facilitated the effective use of over $2.7 billion in public funds. Its integrated marketplace includes partnerships with leading retailers, providing educators with access to essential resources. In 2023, ClassWallet was recognized on the Inc. 5000 list as one of the fastest-growing private companies in the U.S. and ranked highly among software companies by Deloitte's Technology Fast 500.
Mystery Science
Seed Round in 2014
Mystery.org is an educational platform focused on providing multimedia science and STEM lessons specifically designed for K-5 students. The organization aims to foster curiosity and a deeper understanding of scientific concepts by addressing common questions that children have about the world around them. It began by compiling the 150 most frequently asked science questions and creating engaging, ready-to-teach lessons that empower elementary school teachers to deliver effective instruction. By enhancing students' scientific inquisitiveness, Mystery.org helps children investigate their questions and grasp academic concepts in a meaningful way.
Tales2Go
Seed Round in 2014
Tales2Go Inc., based in Bethesda, Maryland, offers a subscription-based mobile audiobook service that provides educators, parents, and students with on-demand access to a vast library of audiobook titles. Founded in 2009, the platform streams thousands of audiobooks from leading publishers directly to desktops and mobile devices, making it a valuable resource for classrooms. Recognizing the importance of listening skills in literacy development, Tales2Go supports educational initiatives by enhancing students' reading comprehension and vocabulary through engaging audio content. This innovative approach aligns with contemporary educational standards, which emphasize the integration of audiobooks in literacy programs, particularly for younger students. As schools increasingly adopt technology, Tales2Go serves as an effective solution for modernizing media centers and improving reading outcomes.
BrightBytes
Series B in 2014
BrightBytes Inc. operates a data analytics platform designed to enhance education by measuring and linking technology use to student learning outcomes. Founded in 2012 and based in San Francisco, California, the company provides a SaaS-based solution that equips educational leaders, including government agencies, school districts, and institutions, with the tools to analyze and improve learning outcomes. Its platform aggregates and cleanses complex data from various systems, offering insights through intuitive infographics, actionable recommendations, and targeted reports. By delivering data-driven insights and prioritizing technology programs and professional development, BrightBytes enables educational stakeholders to effectively manage technology deployment and assess its impact on student achievement. The team comprises data scientists, educational researchers, developers, and data visualization experts dedicated to fostering school-wide improvements through evidence-based frameworks and peer networks.
EdSurge
Series A in 2014
EdSurge, Inc. operates a community focused on innovation in education technology, providing news, insights, and resources for educators, entrepreneurs, and investors. Founded in 2011 and based in Burlingame, California, EdSurge features a product browser that allows users to filter information by subject, audience, and technology platform. The organization is recognized for its comprehensive database of edtech products and companies, as well as its regular reporting on the education technology ecosystem. EdSurge publishes a weekly newsletter, hosts events such as the San Francisco education technology meetup and a series of nationwide summits, and runs the Digital Innovation in Learning Awards. Additionally, it offers a jobs board and the Edtech Concierge service to assist education leaders in selecting appropriate tools. With a mix of technologists, educators, and journalists, EdSurge aims to foster the effective adoption of education technology through impartial reporting and community engagement. The organization has received venture funding and grants from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Kidaptive
Series B in 2013
Kidaptive, Inc. is an educational technology company focused on developing interactive learning content for preschoolers. Founded in 2011 and based in Redwood City, California, Kidaptive offers products such as Leo's Pad, a series of interactive educational applications, and Parent's Pad, an assessment tool designed for parents. The company’s Adaptive Learning Platform (ALP) aggregates observations from diverse learning contexts to create comprehensive profiles of individual learners, enabling personalized educational experiences. By leveraging innovative technology and insights from learning sciences, Kidaptive aims to enhance engagement, optimize learning outcomes, and foster a lifelong love of learning in children. The company's mission emphasizes empowering parents and educators with tools and insights to support early learning effectively.
Securly
Seed Round in 2013
Securly, Inc. is a company that specializes in cloud-based filtering solutions for educational institutions. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in San Jose, California, with additional offices in various locations including Charlotte, North Carolina, India, Mexico, Glasgow, and London, Securly provides In-School Filtering and Take-Home Filtering software. This platform ensures secure access to learning tools for students in classrooms while also promoting their safety online. By utilizing language-sentiment analysis, Securly's technology not only filters inappropriate content but also detects potential incidents of cyberbullying and self-harm. This capability allows teachers and parents to effectively monitor and manage the websites accessed by students, fostering a safer digital environment for learning.
Newsela
Seed Round in 2013
Newsela, Inc. is an educational technology company that publishes daily online news articles to support students in developing advanced literacy skills. Founded in 2013 and based in New York, the company transforms real and current content from trusted providers into accessible learning materials. Its platform features news articles across various categories, including war, science, health, law, arts, and sports, presented at five levels of complexity. This approach enables students of different grades to enhance their non-fiction reading fluency and critical thinking skills in an engaging and user-friendly manner.
Curriculet
Seed Round in 2013
Curriculet is a digital reading platform designed to enhance the educational experience for both teachers and students. It enables educators to create, customize, and share curriculum and lesson materials that align with Common Core standards. Additionally, Curriculet allows school districts to purchase ebooks at reduced costs, thereby expanding their libraries and providing teachers with a broader selection of reading materials. Founded in 2012 and based in San Francisco, California, Curriculet operates as a subsidiary of Waterford Institute Inc. The platform aims to make reading more engaging and accessible for students, emphasizing the importance of effective curricula developed through collaboration among educators.
ReadWorks
Seed Round in 2013
ReadWorks offers free, research-based, classroom-proven lessons and online training to help K-6 teachers explicitly teach the component skills and strategies of reading comprehension, while also supporting the much needed development of background knowledge and vocabulary.
NoRedInk
Seed Round in 2013
NoRedInk is a web-based learning platform focused on enhancing the writing and grammar skills of students in grades 4-12. It offers engaging, adaptive exercises that are tailored to individual interests, such as sports teams and pop culture, which helps make the learning experience more relatable and enjoyable. The platform identifies grammatical errors in students' writing, provides tailored tutorials, and offers follow-up exercises to reinforce learning. Additionally, it delivers actionable performance data to teachers and administrators, enabling them to assess each student's strengths and weaknesses effectively. With its usage in over half of the school districts in the United States, NoRedInk aims to unlock every student’s writing potential through a modern approach to writing education.
Socrative
Seed Round in 2013
Socrative, Inc. is an educational technology company that offers an online student response system designed to enhance classroom engagement through interactive exercises and games. Founded in 2011 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Socrative provides teachers with tools for quick polling, pre-made quizzes, and open response activities that can be accessed via smartphones, laptops, and tablets. The platform tracks student performance in real-time, offering valuable insights that assist teachers, parents, schools, and districts in personalizing and improving the learning experience. In 2018, Socrative became a subsidiary of Showbie Inc., further expanding its reach and capabilities in the educational sector.
Ellevation
Series A in 2013
Ellevation, LLC is a software development company based in Boston, Massachusetts, that specializes in educational technology for English language learners (ELL). It offers a web-based platform designed to support educators in managing and enhancing the educational experience for multilingual students. The Ellevation program organizes essential student data, facilitates critical monitoring and reporting processes, and aids in instructional planning. Additionally, it provides research-based instructional practices and activities to assist teachers in effectively teaching English learners. The company's offerings include Ellevation Math, which helps students access grade-level math content. Ellevation serves a diverse range of clients, including public school districts, EL coordinators, specialists, teachers, principals, and students throughout the United States. Established in 2006, the company was previously known as ESL Innovations, Inc. before rebranding in 2011.
Schoolzilla
Seed Round in 2013
Schoolzilla offers a cloud-based data management and visualization platform designed to assist K-12 district and school leaders in making data-driven decisions. The company's flagship product, Mosaic District Progress Monitoring, facilitates the integration and analysis of data from over 100 commonly used student information systems, assessment tools, and operational software. This configurable solution enables educators to monitor key performance indicators, such as chronic absenteeism, assessment outcomes, and equity gaps. By transforming achievement and operational data into interactive reports, Schoolzilla empowers schools to implement effective interventions, track student progress, and ensure that students are prepared for college and career success.
Mytonomy
Venture Round in 2013
Mytonomy, Inc. is a Bethesda, Maryland-based company that specializes in microlearning software and content solutions for patient education. Founded in 2011, Mytonomy offers cloud-based healthcare solutions that facilitate video-based patient engagement and education. Its platform, known as Mytonomy Cloud for Healthcare, is utilized by over 70 hospitals and 200 clinics, including several top academic medical centers in the United States. The platform is designed to provide a seamless experience for patients throughout their healthcare journey, from pre-treatment and virtual training to post-procedure follow-ups and ongoing education. By integrating with major electronic health record and customer relationship management systems, Mytonomy enhances the quality of care while helping clinicians address misinformation. The company has been recognized for its innovative approach, receiving numerous awards for its clinical education content and being named among the fastest-growing companies in the U.S. for four consecutive years.
LearnZillion
Series A in 2013
LearnZillion, Inc. is an educational technology company based in Washington, D.C., that provides open and cloud-based curriculum resources to schools, particularly focusing on mathematics and English literacy. Founded in 2011, the company offers a platform that includes video lessons, practice problems, and instructional materials tailored to new educational standards. Its solutions are designed to support teachers in their instruction, allowing them to track student performance and address individual learning needs. Additionally, LearnZillion provides task-implementation guides that facilitate interactive learning between students and educators. The company also offers a mobile application to enhance accessibility and engagement. As of January 2020, LearnZillion operates as a subsidiary of Weld North Education, LLC.
Tynker
Venture Round in 2013
Tynker is a creative computing platform where millions of kids have learned to program and built games, apps and more. Tynker's mission is to provide every child with solid foundations in Computer Science, programming, and critical thinking skills to prepare them to become better architects of their future world. Tynker offers self-paced online courses for children to learn coding at home, as well as an engaging programming curriculum for schools. Tynker’s intuitive visual programming language enables kids to build web and mobile apps, design RPG and platformer games, control robots, program drones, and even modify Minecraft worlds.
Nearpod
Seed Round in 2013
Nearpod Inc. is a cloud-based educational platform focused on enhancing the learning experience in both traditional classrooms and distance learning environments. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Aventura, Florida, Nearpod enables educators to create interactive multimedia presentations that engage students and facilitate real-time assessment. The platform supports the synchronized use of mobile devices, allowing teachers to convert existing presentations into mobile-friendly content that promotes active participation. It features a variety of interactive tools, such as polls, quizzes, and drawing activities, that provide instant feedback on student performance. Additionally, Nearpod offers a certified educator community that provides webinars, lessons, and training materials, as well as a comprehensive lesson library covering topics like digital citizenship, social-emotional learning, and career exploration.
BrightBytes
Seed Round in 2013
BrightBytes Inc. operates a data analytics platform designed to enhance education by measuring and linking technology use to student learning outcomes. Founded in 2012 and based in San Francisco, California, the company provides a SaaS-based solution that equips educational leaders, including government agencies, school districts, and institutions, with the tools to analyze and improve learning outcomes. Its platform aggregates and cleanses complex data from various systems, offering insights through intuitive infographics, actionable recommendations, and targeted reports. By delivering data-driven insights and prioritizing technology programs and professional development, BrightBytes enables educational stakeholders to effectively manage technology deployment and assess its impact on student achievement. The team comprises data scientists, educational researchers, developers, and data visualization experts dedicated to fostering school-wide improvements through evidence-based frameworks and peer networks.
Mytonomy
Seed Round in 2013
Mytonomy, Inc. is a Bethesda, Maryland-based company that specializes in microlearning software and content solutions for patient education. Founded in 2011, Mytonomy offers cloud-based healthcare solutions that facilitate video-based patient engagement and education. Its platform, known as Mytonomy Cloud for Healthcare, is utilized by over 70 hospitals and 200 clinics, including several top academic medical centers in the United States. The platform is designed to provide a seamless experience for patients throughout their healthcare journey, from pre-treatment and virtual training to post-procedure follow-ups and ongoing education. By integrating with major electronic health record and customer relationship management systems, Mytonomy enhances the quality of care while helping clinicians address misinformation. The company has been recognized for its innovative approach, receiving numerous awards for its clinical education content and being named among the fastest-growing companies in the U.S. for four consecutive years.
Ellevation
Venture Round in 2013
Ellevation, LLC is a software development company based in Boston, Massachusetts, that specializes in educational technology for English language learners (ELL). It offers a web-based platform designed to support educators in managing and enhancing the educational experience for multilingual students. The Ellevation program organizes essential student data, facilitates critical monitoring and reporting processes, and aids in instructional planning. Additionally, it provides research-based instructional practices and activities to assist teachers in effectively teaching English learners. The company's offerings include Ellevation Math, which helps students access grade-level math content. Ellevation serves a diverse range of clients, including public school districts, EL coordinators, specialists, teachers, principals, and students throughout the United States. Established in 2006, the company was previously known as ESL Innovations, Inc. before rebranding in 2011.
Goalbook
Seed Round in 2012
Goalbook is a provider of a professional learning platform aimed at assisting educators in identifying learning barriers and developing effective instructional strategies. The platform features the Goalbook Toolkit and Goalbook Pathways, which offer instructional support and facilitate the design of multiple learning pathways. By integrating research-based strategies and model exemplars, Goalbook equips educators with the necessary tools and training to create specialized instruction tailored to meet the diverse needs of students. Through its services, Goalbook promotes universal design for learning, enabling educators to enhance the learning experience for all students.
eSpark
Series A in 2012
eSpark, Inc. specializes in developing educational applications for iPad, aimed primarily at elementary school students. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Chicago, with an additional office in San Francisco, the company offers tools such as Frontier, which engages students in writing, and eSpark, which provides differentiated instruction in math and English Language Arts (ELA). eSpark's mission focuses on creating a student-centered learning environment, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to achieve their academic goals, regardless of their background or circumstances.
EdSurge
Seed Round in 2012
EdSurge, Inc. operates a community focused on innovation in education technology, providing news, insights, and resources for educators, entrepreneurs, and investors. Founded in 2011 and based in Burlingame, California, EdSurge features a product browser that allows users to filter information by subject, audience, and technology platform. The organization is recognized for its comprehensive database of edtech products and companies, as well as its regular reporting on the education technology ecosystem. EdSurge publishes a weekly newsletter, hosts events such as the San Francisco education technology meetup and a series of nationwide summits, and runs the Digital Innovation in Learning Awards. Additionally, it offers a jobs board and the Edtech Concierge service to assist education leaders in selecting appropriate tools. With a mix of technologists, educators, and journalists, EdSurge aims to foster the effective adoption of education technology through impartial reporting and community engagement. The organization has received venture funding and grants from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
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