Although “Record Levels of Edtech Funding” has been a recurring headline, there hasn’t been a focus on the role of philanthropy as the majority of funding is coming from the private sector. From our front line view as an active edtech seed investor, we see the need for diverse forms of capital to realize the full potential of technology to differentiate instruction and drive improved learning outcomes.
With their long view of the market and a focus on student achievement, foundations are uniquely positioned to fill existing gaps in edtech funding. For example, additional sources of capital are needed to provide high quality technology tools for students with specialized needs and underserved backgrounds.
So what is preventing foundations from funding edtech? How much money have foundations recently contributed to edtech? Which foundations are leading the way and what innovative approaches are they taking? Find out in Philanthropy’s Essential Role in K-12 Edtech and Strategies for Impact, an analysis of the current state of major foundations and K-12 edtech funding.
We hope foundations will use this research to find ways to support the K-12 edtech ecosystem given their mission and capacity.
Thank you to collaborators Dan Runcie, Vivian Wu, and Chian Gong. Thanks also to Diana Barthauer for support with graphic design.
A possible framework for how to think about one's desired impact in education technology, relative to the various entities in the space -- and some basic career advice. Shared with Berkeley Haas MBAs in Nov. 2013.
If you are an entrepreneur eager to revolutionise education, figuring out how to make money is a daunting task. In this workshop, in conjunction with Education Entrepreneurs and Startup Weekend EDU, we explore the market opportunity for edtech startups in Asia, as well as different business models in education, the advantages and disadvantages of each, and some inspiring examples of start ups that have found success thus far.
3 Ingredients for an Ed Tech EcosystemAllison Baum
What has to happen for an ed tech ecosystem to thrive? Why have we seen so much innovation in education in the US over the past 5 years and how can that be replicated globally?
Ed Tech in Asia: Key Trends and OpportunitiesAllison Baum
What are the key dynamics, trends, and opportunities for education technology in Asia? From consumer, to mobile, to language learning, Asia is one of the most exciting places in the world to be an education investor, entrepreneur, or stakeholder. Here are slides from my recent keynote at New Zealand's Edtech for Export conference.
Blog entry with links here: http://www.reachcap.com/blog/post/2016-edtech-outlook
It’s hard to believe it’s been three years since we published our first ReimaginED report. When we first drafted ReimaginED, we set out to expose systemic challenges in our nation’s K-12 education system and to highlight some of the innovative solutions edtech entrepreneurs were developing to address these challenges. In last year’s report, we showcased ways technology could help our school system become an escalator to opportunity for all.
A lot has changed in three years, including our spinout from NewSchools to Reach Capital. Edtech investment has hit an all time high with a variety of new funders entering the space. As the market begins to mature, global edtech brands are emerging with solutions that are improving educational outcomes and serving millions of students, teachers, and families.
Even with these changes, however, a lot remains the same. The escalator to social mobility remains broken with unequal access to quality education. Meeting individual student needs is still a challenge and grows more pressing as children in US public schools are more diverse than ever. Moreover, our education system is not designed to prepare children for the demands of today's knowledge economy. We're still stuck in a system that is largely manufacturing-based, which falls short on important skills such as coding, creativity, and synthesis. All these challenges and more have led to increasing demands on teachers as both their role and their responsibilities evolve, with little to no support in the transition.
This year’s publication, rebranded as “Reach Capital’s 2016 Edtech Outlook”, touches on these persisting challenges, while also highlighting key drivers that make us optimistic about the potential of technology to improve access and opportunity for kids. This year, our publication is not a roundup of everything in K-12 edtech, but rather our perspective on the challenges,opportunities and promising solutions in the space that we find most compelling. If you're looking for a full report on the state of K-12 edtech, our friends at Edsurge in partnership with AT&T Aspire have recently published a state of edtech report and we encourage you to check it out.
Given our unique vantage point, we also provide a peek “around the corner” into emerging solutions that align with our mission. We continue to see a need for more innovations in critical areas like English Language Learner instruction and Social Emotional Learning. We look forward to finding and supporting talented, mission-driven entrepreneurs innovating in these and other areas that will improve access and opportunity for kids.
Thank you to co-authors Chian Gong, Aditya Kaddu, and Jennifer Wu as well as the entire Reach team for their guidance and feedback.
Impactful Edtech: The role of evidence in education businessesSimon Breakspear
Edtech entrepreneurs need to focus on building a successful business AND improving student learning. This deck will help edtech entrepreneurs learn how to differentiate from the competition by proving their impact on positive learning outcomes.
A possible framework for how to think about one's desired impact in education technology, relative to the various entities in the space -- and some basic career advice. Shared with Berkeley Haas MBAs in Nov. 2013.
If you are an entrepreneur eager to revolutionise education, figuring out how to make money is a daunting task. In this workshop, in conjunction with Education Entrepreneurs and Startup Weekend EDU, we explore the market opportunity for edtech startups in Asia, as well as different business models in education, the advantages and disadvantages of each, and some inspiring examples of start ups that have found success thus far.
3 Ingredients for an Ed Tech EcosystemAllison Baum
What has to happen for an ed tech ecosystem to thrive? Why have we seen so much innovation in education in the US over the past 5 years and how can that be replicated globally?
Ed Tech in Asia: Key Trends and OpportunitiesAllison Baum
What are the key dynamics, trends, and opportunities for education technology in Asia? From consumer, to mobile, to language learning, Asia is one of the most exciting places in the world to be an education investor, entrepreneur, or stakeholder. Here are slides from my recent keynote at New Zealand's Edtech for Export conference.
Blog entry with links here: http://www.reachcap.com/blog/post/2016-edtech-outlook
It’s hard to believe it’s been three years since we published our first ReimaginED report. When we first drafted ReimaginED, we set out to expose systemic challenges in our nation’s K-12 education system and to highlight some of the innovative solutions edtech entrepreneurs were developing to address these challenges. In last year’s report, we showcased ways technology could help our school system become an escalator to opportunity for all.
A lot has changed in three years, including our spinout from NewSchools to Reach Capital. Edtech investment has hit an all time high with a variety of new funders entering the space. As the market begins to mature, global edtech brands are emerging with solutions that are improving educational outcomes and serving millions of students, teachers, and families.
Even with these changes, however, a lot remains the same. The escalator to social mobility remains broken with unequal access to quality education. Meeting individual student needs is still a challenge and grows more pressing as children in US public schools are more diverse than ever. Moreover, our education system is not designed to prepare children for the demands of today's knowledge economy. We're still stuck in a system that is largely manufacturing-based, which falls short on important skills such as coding, creativity, and synthesis. All these challenges and more have led to increasing demands on teachers as both their role and their responsibilities evolve, with little to no support in the transition.
This year’s publication, rebranded as “Reach Capital’s 2016 Edtech Outlook”, touches on these persisting challenges, while also highlighting key drivers that make us optimistic about the potential of technology to improve access and opportunity for kids. This year, our publication is not a roundup of everything in K-12 edtech, but rather our perspective on the challenges,opportunities and promising solutions in the space that we find most compelling. If you're looking for a full report on the state of K-12 edtech, our friends at Edsurge in partnership with AT&T Aspire have recently published a state of edtech report and we encourage you to check it out.
Given our unique vantage point, we also provide a peek “around the corner” into emerging solutions that align with our mission. We continue to see a need for more innovations in critical areas like English Language Learner instruction and Social Emotional Learning. We look forward to finding and supporting talented, mission-driven entrepreneurs innovating in these and other areas that will improve access and opportunity for kids.
Thank you to co-authors Chian Gong, Aditya Kaddu, and Jennifer Wu as well as the entire Reach team for their guidance and feedback.
Impactful Edtech: The role of evidence in education businessesSimon Breakspear
Edtech entrepreneurs need to focus on building a successful business AND improving student learning. This deck will help edtech entrepreneurs learn how to differentiate from the competition by proving their impact on positive learning outcomes.
An education entrepreneur is a mission-driven person who designs, builds, grows and sustains solutions to some of the world's most intractable education problems. This presentation affords some 'free' advice on how and where. The why, when and who come from you.
Today NewSchools Ignite is releasing “Promising Developments in Science Edtech,” a summary report of our findings and the lessons learned from the Science Learning Challenge market research and cohort experience. The report compiles the key insights we’ve gleaned, and presents them in three sections: why science education matters, challenges facing K-12 science learning, and opportunities for edtech to support science learning.
What are the opportunities in Edtech?
Data Science.
Machine Learning.
Big Data.
Programming.
Business Analytics.
Project Management.
Web Design.
DevOps and Cloud computing.
Early Stage Edtech Investment Thesis (Sept 2016)Earnest Sweat
Here is an example of a personal investment thesis that I created to share with venture capital firms. In this example, I provide my personal perspective on the edtech sector. For details on how I build this thesis check out my blog (https://goo.gl/CU4Qid).
Note: Some of the confidential information has been redacted for privacy.
2019-07-09 Quality and Future of Open Education and MOOCs - Keynote at IEC201...Christian M. Stracke
2019-07-09 Quality and Future of Open Education and MOOCs - Invited Keynote at 10th International E-Learning Conference 2019 in Bangkok by Christian M. Stracke, OUNL
Educational Technology is becoming increasingly important in the higher education sector as innovative educators are using technology to improve pedagogy and student learning. This is not limited to academic institutions as corporate trainers also seek to leverage their people development resources to improve the operating performance of their organizations.
As a result the field of EdTech has been growing rapidly over the past decade as entrepreneurs see the opportunities to use technology to improve the speed and depth of learning. The drive ultimately stems from the transition to a knowledge economy where information is the vital fuel and improved learning can provide breakthrough insights that have substantial public or private value.
This presentation will look at the trends impacting and being impacted by EdTech, student and faculty perceptions, economics, adoption success, factors, investment patterns and the major technologies that are being used in higher educational institutions.
Business Plan for an Education based Start UpManavKaul
Created a rough business plan for an enterprise which gives a platform to all students looking for coaching and a chance to compare and pick the best choice for them
Seminar - Disruptive innovation, what if... - Maria SpiesLearningandTeaching
In this seminar, the concept of ‘disruptive innovation’ is explored by Maria Spies. Some predict that disruption is imminent in the global education sector and and talk covers current trends in global education, along with possible future ‘disrupted’ scenarios. What is the future if disruption occurs? How is our business placed in these scenarios? What can we do to plan for such scenarios?
WTF - Why the Future Is Up to Us - pptx versionTim O'Reilly
This is the talk I gave January 12, 2017 at the G20/OECD Conference on the Digital Future in Berlin. I talk about fitness landscapes as applied to technology and business, the role of unchecked financialization in the state of our politics and economy, and why technology really wants to create jobs, not destroy them. (There is a separate PDF version, but some readers said the notes were too fuzzy to read.)
An education entrepreneur is a mission-driven person who designs, builds, grows and sustains solutions to some of the world's most intractable education problems. This presentation affords some 'free' advice on how and where. The why, when and who come from you.
Today NewSchools Ignite is releasing “Promising Developments in Science Edtech,” a summary report of our findings and the lessons learned from the Science Learning Challenge market research and cohort experience. The report compiles the key insights we’ve gleaned, and presents them in three sections: why science education matters, challenges facing K-12 science learning, and opportunities for edtech to support science learning.
What are the opportunities in Edtech?
Data Science.
Machine Learning.
Big Data.
Programming.
Business Analytics.
Project Management.
Web Design.
DevOps and Cloud computing.
Early Stage Edtech Investment Thesis (Sept 2016)Earnest Sweat
Here is an example of a personal investment thesis that I created to share with venture capital firms. In this example, I provide my personal perspective on the edtech sector. For details on how I build this thesis check out my blog (https://goo.gl/CU4Qid).
Note: Some of the confidential information has been redacted for privacy.
2019-07-09 Quality and Future of Open Education and MOOCs - Keynote at IEC201...Christian M. Stracke
2019-07-09 Quality and Future of Open Education and MOOCs - Invited Keynote at 10th International E-Learning Conference 2019 in Bangkok by Christian M. Stracke, OUNL
Educational Technology is becoming increasingly important in the higher education sector as innovative educators are using technology to improve pedagogy and student learning. This is not limited to academic institutions as corporate trainers also seek to leverage their people development resources to improve the operating performance of their organizations.
As a result the field of EdTech has been growing rapidly over the past decade as entrepreneurs see the opportunities to use technology to improve the speed and depth of learning. The drive ultimately stems from the transition to a knowledge economy where information is the vital fuel and improved learning can provide breakthrough insights that have substantial public or private value.
This presentation will look at the trends impacting and being impacted by EdTech, student and faculty perceptions, economics, adoption success, factors, investment patterns and the major technologies that are being used in higher educational institutions.
Business Plan for an Education based Start UpManavKaul
Created a rough business plan for an enterprise which gives a platform to all students looking for coaching and a chance to compare and pick the best choice for them
Seminar - Disruptive innovation, what if... - Maria SpiesLearningandTeaching
In this seminar, the concept of ‘disruptive innovation’ is explored by Maria Spies. Some predict that disruption is imminent in the global education sector and and talk covers current trends in global education, along with possible future ‘disrupted’ scenarios. What is the future if disruption occurs? How is our business placed in these scenarios? What can we do to plan for such scenarios?
WTF - Why the Future Is Up to Us - pptx versionTim O'Reilly
This is the talk I gave January 12, 2017 at the G20/OECD Conference on the Digital Future in Berlin. I talk about fitness landscapes as applied to technology and business, the role of unchecked financialization in the state of our politics and economy, and why technology really wants to create jobs, not destroy them. (There is a separate PDF version, but some readers said the notes were too fuzzy to read.)
Mobile-First SEO - The Marketers Edition #3XEDigitalAleyda Solís
How to target your SEO process to a reality of more people searching on mobile devices than desktop and an upcoming mobile first Google index? Check it out.
3 Things Every Sales Team Needs to Be Thinking About in 2017Drift
Thinking about your sales team's goals for 2017? Drift's VP of Sales shares 3 things you can do to improve conversion rates and drive more revenue.
Read the full story on the Drift blog here: http://blog.drift.com/sales-team-tips
How to Become a Thought Leader in Your NicheLeslie Samuel
Are bloggers thought leaders? Here are some tips on how you can become one. Provide great value, put awesome content out there on a regular basis, and help others.
NewSchools’ Expanded Definition of Student Success Ed Tech Challenge was our most competitive to-date, yielding 192 applicants. This analysis offers a holistic perspective on the unique approaches, challenges, and opportunities of the current landscape of ed tech solutions supporting an expanded definition of student success. For funders and purchasers, this resource provides a detailed overview of the state of the entrepreneurial field and the options available. For ed tech innovators, it offers a window into the challenges and opportunities of this nascent space.
CVG - Education Technology Software - Second Thursday Event - July 2014 Paige Rasid
As our educational system evolves new and improved software and innovative technologies become ever more necessary to allow teachers and administrators to continue to deliver quality education amidst budget constraints and increasing measurement requirements. At July's Second Thursday event, Trends in Educational Technology, entrepreneurs and experts presented their models, ideas, and thoughts on the rapidly evolving use of technology in all facets of education.
In recent years, the education sector has witnessed a remarkable transformation, thanks to the emergence of EdTech startups. These innovative companies are leveraging technology to revolutionize traditional learning methods, making education more accessible, engaging, and effective than ever before.
Technology Grants For Students To Help Them Learn More Productively And Effec...Americas Got Grants
There are indeed technology grants available for children that can help fund classroom improvements, particularly in situations where school districts may not have sufficient resources. These grants aim to support educational institutions in enhancing their technological infrastructure and providing students with access to advanced learning tools.
This instrument was developed from our Focus Group Consultation. It is a new survey tool, with important differences observed between stakeholders (employer, DkIT Staff, DkIT Students, DkIT Graduates). Please review each and you are welcome to modify and use for your own surveys at your own institution.
EDA Projects: From Development to Award
Cindy Edwards, Area Director, US Economic Development Administration, Denver, CO
Steve Castaner, Economic Development Representative, US Economic Development Administration, Denver, CO
Slides prepared for presentation at EdSurge Fusion 2019. Description: This talk will help school leaders understand what “counts” as evidence of efficacy from an edtech company and which types of evidence can be leveraged to gain access to federal funding.
After listening to this lightning talk, attendees will be able to:
1) Understand the different forms of evidence provided by EdTech companies
2) Organize evidence types in terms of rigor
3) Understand which forms of evidence can be used to leverage federal funding
This is the Powerpoint from the Information Session held on 20th July 2012, providing information about the latest funding under the National VET E-learning Strategy. It also contains hints and tips about writing a strong application.
How can we design better technologies with research in mind? This paper summarizes decades of research for those who are interested in designing or investing in technology supported products that focus on social emotional learning, school culture and school culture.
The purpose of this report is to provide a research synthesis about the expanded definition of student success that can be leveraged by EdTech developers, investors, and enthusiasts to support research-aligned product development and adoption. Although research on EdTech lags significantly behind the current interests and needs of the market, there is much relevant research about social emotional development and school climate and culture that is applicable to the design of EdTech tools. Drawing on over 100 publications, this report introduces 6 levers for supporting student success, each with 2 critical research-based findings.
Suggested Citation: Zielezinski, M.; Franz, P.; Thibodeau A. (2020). Optimizing EdTech for an Expanded Definition of Student Success: A Research Review for EdTech Developers. MBZ Labs.
Only have a minute? Head to pages 5-6 for a snapshot of the findings.
Acetabularia Information For Class 9 .docxvaibhavrinwa19
Acetabularia acetabulum is a single-celled green alga that in its vegetative state is morphologically differentiated into a basal rhizoid and an axially elongated stalk, which bears whorls of branching hairs. The single diploid nucleus resides in the rhizoid.
Francesca Gottschalk - How can education support child empowerment.pptxEduSkills OECD
Francesca Gottschalk from the OECD’s Centre for Educational Research and Innovation presents at the Ask an Expert Webinar: How can education support child empowerment?
2024.06.01 Introducing a competency framework for languag learning materials ...Sandy Millin
http://sandymillin.wordpress.com/iateflwebinar2024
Published classroom materials form the basis of syllabuses, drive teacher professional development, and have a potentially huge influence on learners, teachers and education systems. All teachers also create their own materials, whether a few sentences on a blackboard, a highly-structured fully-realised online course, or anything in between. Despite this, the knowledge and skills needed to create effective language learning materials are rarely part of teacher training, and are mostly learnt by trial and error.
Knowledge and skills frameworks, generally called competency frameworks, for ELT teachers, trainers and managers have existed for a few years now. However, until I created one for my MA dissertation, there wasn’t one drawing together what we need to know and do to be able to effectively produce language learning materials.
This webinar will introduce you to my framework, highlighting the key competencies I identified from my research. It will also show how anybody involved in language teaching (any language, not just English!), teacher training, managing schools or developing language learning materials can benefit from using the framework.
Palestine last event orientationfvgnh .pptxRaedMohamed3
An EFL lesson about the current events in Palestine. It is intended to be for intermediate students who wish to increase their listening skills through a short lesson in power point.
The Roman Empire A Historical Colossus.pdfkaushalkr1407
The Roman Empire, a vast and enduring power, stands as one of history's most remarkable civilizations, leaving an indelible imprint on the world. It emerged from the Roman Republic, transitioning into an imperial powerhouse under the leadership of Augustus Caesar in 27 BCE. This transformation marked the beginning of an era defined by unprecedented territorial expansion, architectural marvels, and profound cultural influence.
The empire's roots lie in the city of Rome, founded, according to legend, by Romulus in 753 BCE. Over centuries, Rome evolved from a small settlement to a formidable republic, characterized by a complex political system with elected officials and checks on power. However, internal strife, class conflicts, and military ambitions paved the way for the end of the Republic. Julius Caesar’s dictatorship and subsequent assassination in 44 BCE created a power vacuum, leading to a civil war. Octavian, later Augustus, emerged victorious, heralding the Roman Empire’s birth.
Under Augustus, the empire experienced the Pax Romana, a 200-year period of relative peace and stability. Augustus reformed the military, established efficient administrative systems, and initiated grand construction projects. The empire's borders expanded, encompassing territories from Britain to Egypt and from Spain to the Euphrates. Roman legions, renowned for their discipline and engineering prowess, secured and maintained these vast territories, building roads, fortifications, and cities that facilitated control and integration.
The Roman Empire’s society was hierarchical, with a rigid class system. At the top were the patricians, wealthy elites who held significant political power. Below them were the plebeians, free citizens with limited political influence, and the vast numbers of slaves who formed the backbone of the economy. The family unit was central, governed by the paterfamilias, the male head who held absolute authority.
Culturally, the Romans were eclectic, absorbing and adapting elements from the civilizations they encountered, particularly the Greeks. Roman art, literature, and philosophy reflected this synthesis, creating a rich cultural tapestry. Latin, the Roman language, became the lingua franca of the Western world, influencing numerous modern languages.
Roman architecture and engineering achievements were monumental. They perfected the arch, vault, and dome, constructing enduring structures like the Colosseum, Pantheon, and aqueducts. These engineering marvels not only showcased Roman ingenuity but also served practical purposes, from public entertainment to water supply.
Biological screening of herbal drugs: Introduction and Need for
Phyto-Pharmacological Screening, New Strategies for evaluating
Natural Products, In vitro evaluation techniques for Antioxidants, Antimicrobial and Anticancer drugs. In vivo evaluation techniques
for Anti-inflammatory, Antiulcer, Anticancer, Wound healing, Antidiabetic, Hepatoprotective, Cardio protective, Diuretics and
Antifertility, Toxicity studies as per OECD guidelines
Embracing GenAI - A Strategic ImperativePeter Windle
Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies such as Generative AI, Image Generators and Large Language Models have had a dramatic impact on teaching, learning and assessment over the past 18 months. The most immediate threat AI posed was to Academic Integrity with Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) focusing their efforts on combating the use of GenAI in assessment. Guidelines were developed for staff and students, policies put in place too. Innovative educators have forged paths in the use of Generative AI for teaching, learning and assessments leading to pockets of transformation springing up across HEIs, often with little or no top-down guidance, support or direction.
This Gasta posits a strategic approach to integrating AI into HEIs to prepare staff, students and the curriculum for an evolving world and workplace. We will highlight the advantages of working with these technologies beyond the realm of teaching, learning and assessment by considering prompt engineering skills, industry impact, curriculum changes, and the need for staff upskilling. In contrast, not engaging strategically with Generative AI poses risks, including falling behind peers, missed opportunities and failing to ensure our graduates remain employable. The rapid evolution of AI technologies necessitates a proactive and strategic approach if we are to remain relevant.
The French Revolution, which began in 1789, was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France. It marked the decline of absolute monarchies, the rise of secular and democratic republics, and the eventual rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. This revolutionary period is crucial in understanding the transition from feudalism to modernity in Europe.
For more information, visit-www.vavaclasses.com
Honest Reviews of Tim Han LMA Course Program.pptxtimhan337
Personal development courses are widely available today, with each one promising life-changing outcomes. Tim Han’s Life Mastery Achievers (LMA) Course has drawn a lot of interest. In addition to offering my frank assessment of Success Insider’s LMA Course, this piece examines the course’s effects via a variety of Tim Han LMA course reviews and Success Insider comments.
2. Technology is
Technology is enabling the
shift from one-size-fits-all to individualized instruction
Technology helps teachers do more by creating
new learning environments that leverage teacher talent
of teachers agree that technology use in the
classroom can enhance student learning
Sources: http://gettingsmart.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Digital-Learning-Deeper-Learning-Full-White-Paper.pdf
and BrightBytes Survey
3. Majority of Edtech Funding is from
Traditional Investors, but gaps exist
Private capital accounts for of K-12
edtech funding. It is concentrated at the early stages.
Funding gaps exist at the later stages, within
specialized markets, and for school solutions.
Source: h"p://www.newschools.org/blog/closer-‐look-‐2013
4. Philanthropic capital is needed to
realize the full potential of edtech
Traditional investors are unlikely to provide
sufficient funding for high quality tools for
Special needs and underserved students.
With their focus on impact and long view of
the market, foundations are uniquely
positioned to fill edtech funding gaps.
5. Executive Summary
of K-12 edtech ?
How can Foundations increase Their Support
• Limited expertise in for-profit investing
• Belief that VCs are better equipped
• Preference to fund non-profit orgs.
• Restrictions and challenges with
investing vehicles
• Lack of alignment with mission/strategy
• Invest through intermediaries
• Target underfunded areas
• Conduct RFPs/Challenges
• Fund research and efficacy studies
• Develop an accelerator partnership
• Fund districts for specific edtech usage
6. AGENDA
Funding landscape
of foundations and K-12
edtech since 2013
Barriers
to foundations funding
edtech
Next Steps
for foundations interested in
edtech
Potential Solutions
to address edtech funding
barriers
7. Majority of Foundation edtech funding has been
to Non-Profits and in the form of grants
51% of investments are in Non-profits
80% of invested dollars are in the form of grants
Source: Publicly available data from grants databases of various foundations: http://bit.ly/1s2hsD1
Note: Does not include LP positions in for-profit edtech funds
1. Funding Landscape
8. Largest category of Foundation edtech funding
is School Operations
$5M
$0.5 M
$4M
1. Funding Landscape
$8M
$21M
$4M
$1M
$6M
Curriculum Products
Teacher Needs
School Operations
Sites and Resources
Resource Discovery, Curation
& Lesson Planning
Games
College and Career
Intermediary
Source: Publicly available data from grants databases of various foundations: http://bit.ly/1s2hsD1
Note: Intermediary category does not include LP positions in for-profit edtech funds
Categories based on EdSurge Index- https://www.edsurge.com/products/
9. Foundations Have Varying levels of interest and
activity in funding K-12 edtech
Trailblazers
Enthusiasts
Up-And-Comers
Thinkers
No Interest**
My foundation is an active investor in
K-12 edtech and it’s part of our
strategy
4+
2-3
1-2
0
0
I am interested in K-12 edtech and am
finding ways to align it with my
foundation’s overall strategy
My foundation has made a few one-off
investments in K-12 edtech, but it
is not core to our strategy
I have heard that other foundations
invest in K-12 edtech, but I do not
know where to start
I am interested in supporting
education, but not K-12 edtech
*Since 2013
**Foundations with “No interest” were not included in this research
1. Funding Landscape
11. Trailblazers & Enthusiasts have Funded edtech
through a variety of channels
Grant
Request for
Proposal
Mission
Related
Investment
Program
Related
Investment
Research/
Efficacy Study
Limited
Partner
Investment
Bill and Melinda
Gates Foundation
˜
˜
˜
˜
˜
˜
Michael and Susan
Dell Foundation
˜
˜
ECMC Foundation
˜
˜
˜
Joyce Foundation
˜
˜
W.K. Kellogg
Foundation
˜
˜
˜
1. Funding Landscape
12. AGENDA
Funding landscape
of foundations and K-12
edtech since 2013
Barriers
to foundations funding
edtech
Next Steps
for foundations interested in
edtech
Potential Solutions
to address edtech funding
barriers
13. We asked Foundations what
prevents them from funding
edtech and this is what we
2. Barriers
heard…
14. Limited expertise in for-profit
investing
Foundations want scalable and
sustainable solutions [in edtech], but have
a lack of knowledge on how to do it.
2. Barriers
15. Belief that traditional investors are
better equipped
VCs start out with much more money dedicated to this area, so
it doesn’t make sense for foundations to give small
amounts and ask companies to pitch them.
2. Barriers
What impact can a foundation have on such
a large market with relatively small
philanthropic investments?
16. Preference to fund non-profit
organizations
Markets direct for-profit edtech companies
away from their focus on impact.
Foundations don’t want to be perceived as
making returns off of schools/teachers/
students.
2. Barriers
17. Restrictions And Challenges with
investing vehicles
Studies show that organizations are more
successful when they receive general operating
support, but grants are restricted for a
particular purpose.
A PRI IS a hassle and requires that a foundation bring in lawyers.
2. Barriers
18. Lack of mission & Strategy Alignment
Many edtech investments help
the education sector at-large, but
few investments are
targeted at a foundation’s
specific region and/or
populations.
2. Barriers
19. AGENDA
Funding landscape
of foundations and K-12
edtech since 2013
Barriers
to foundations funding
edtech
Next Steps
for foundations interested in
edtech
Potential Solutions
to address edtech funding
barriers
20. Investing through intermediaries allows
foundations to learn how to invest in edtech
Can leverage existing expertise
Can “sit at the table” and learn the
investing process
1- Nellie Mae is an LP in Rethink Education
2- ECMC is an LP in New Markets Venture Partners and Rethink Education
3- MSDF, Gates Foundation, Sobrato Family Foundation, and J.A. and
Kathryn Albertson Foundation have funded the NewSchools Seed Fund
3. solutions
Not building in-house capacity
Investments not as tightly aligned to
strategy and metrics
21. Targeting underfunded areas addresses needs
unlikely to be met by traditional investors
Less overlap with VCs as special
populations written off as too niche
Opportunity to focus edtech on
specific populations and go deeper
Can signal market opportunities
1- Michael and Susan Dell Foundation gave a grant to Ellevation to adapt
their English Language Learner product for Texas standards/regulatory processes
2- Stuart Foundation gave a grant to Goalbook to improve the educational
opportunities for students in foster care
3. solutions
Overcapitalization early on could
lead to unsustainable business
models
22. Conducting RFPs/challenges is a great way to
Identify and select Mission Aligned solutions
Defined goal of intended impact
Selection
of
best
solutions
Surface
unknown
opportunities
1- Gates Foundation launched the Literacy Courseware Challenge for the
creation and development of web-based literacy courseware
2- Robin Hood Foundation launched the College Success Challenge to fund
the development of solutions to address remedial graduation rates
3. solutions
Limited
only
to
applicants
Could force early stage startups to
expend all resources on the challenge
Requires
expertise
in
crafting
challenges and capacity to run them
23. Funding Research and efficacy studies provides
objective metrics and benefits the entire sector
Studies benefit entire field
Can align study to mission and
strategy
Noyce Foundation funded a controlled experiment to determine if Motion Math
improves a child’s fractions knowledge and attitudes
3. solutions
Unintended
results
from
study
Requires different methods like
Developmental Evaluation
May not have applicability/scalability
to other regions or populations
24. Developing Accelerator partnerships leverages
expertise and builds edtech network
Selection of best applicants
Partners typically complementary
1- Zynga.org partnered with NewSchools to launch Co.lab, an accelerator for
startups using the power of games to transform education
2- Foundations have supported edtech accelerators like Imagine K-12,
LearnLaunchX, 4.0 Schools and Kaplan TechStars
3. solutions
Risk of brand image with partnership
Cost of physical space/resources
Needs to be targeted or may not
provide enough value to startups
25. Funding districts for specific edtech usage
allows for targeted impact in A region
Can fund a targeted region or district
of interest
Can influence districts to improve
procurement processes
More tangible student outcomes
J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation funded a statewide pilot of Khan
Academy in Idaho
3. solutions
Only expands existing edtech vs.
driving new innovation
Can
distort demand and alter edtech
product design
May not be sustainable since funding
has to be renewed
26. AGENDA
Funding landscape
of foundations and K-12
edtech since 2013
Barriers
to foundations funding
edtech
Next Steps
for foundations interested in
edtech
Potential Solutions
to address edtech funding
barriers
27. Foundations at all interest levels can take
steps to accelerate edtech innovation
1 - Identify barriers specific to your foundation and determine solutions which are
most suitable given your mission and capacity
2 - Build knowledge of impact investing vehicles: PRI, MRI, Expenditure Responsibility
http://www.forbes.com/sites/ashoka/2013/02/21/why-program-related-investments-are-not-risky-business/
http://www.nafoa.org/pdf/Mission-Related-Investing.pdf
http://www.irs.gov/Charities-&-Non-Profits/Private-Foundations/Grants-by-Private-Foundations:-Expenditure-Responsibility
3 - Work with other funders to develop investment frameworks for broader
publication/implementation: Mission Investors Exchange- https://www.missioninvestors.org/
4 - Stay on top of trends in edtech:
https://www.edsurge.com/
http://www.edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2013/06/2013-honor-roll-edtechs-must-read-k-12-it-blogs
http://patricklowenthal.com/2013/11/educational-technology-related-education-conferences/
5 - SIGN UP to learn more and connect with foundations interested in funding edtech:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1481dz_5DsJM0aaZISqW8ceAHXhVx4vqYOnVfNqd6HNE/viewform?usp=send_form
4. Next Steps
28. Recent Articles
How Foundations Can Engage the Startup Community to Accelerate Impact-https://
www.facebook.com/1776dc/posts/343575895796196
Boosting Impact: Why Foundations Should Invest in Education Venture
Funds- http://cdno.gettingsmart.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Boosting-Impact-Final.pdf
A Tale of Different Deals: Diving into Early Stage Edtech Investments-https://
www.edsurge.com/n/2014-05-05-a-tale-of-different-deals-diving-into-early-stage-edtech-investments
The Re-Emerging Art of Funding Innovation-http://
www.ssireview.org/articles/entry/the_re_emerging_art_of_funding_innovation
4. Next Steps
29. Thank you to the following leaders who took
the time to make this research possible
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation: Kai Kung, Stacey Childress
Michael & Susan Dell Foundation: Micah Sagebiel
The Joyce Foundation: Matt Muench
Nellie Mae Education Foundation: Nick Donahue
ECMC Foundation: Josh Susser
V3 Consulting: Victor Vuchic
31. The Gates Foundation has led the field in
approaches to edtech funding
Interview Insights:
RFPs are an investment vehicle for the impact that a foundation wants to
see and create.
PRIs and MRIs are often misunderstood in the foundation field.
New Venture Fund
$12.6M grant
Pacific Charter
School
Development
$4M grant
Summit Public
Schools
$500k grant
Appendix
BloomBoard
$3M PRI
BrightBytes
$330k RFP grant
LearnZillion
$1.7M grant
32. MSDF has made several edtech grants and
made its first PRI in 2011
Interview Insights:
One area of focus is on promising Series A companies that might use a PRI to attract
traditional investors. MSDF seeks opportunities to serve as a market signal for quality
of potential student outcomes and strong business opportunity.
As MSDF launched its U.S. PRI use in 2011, it decided not to build out a dedicated PRI
team, but to integrate the practice into existing program officers’ tool kit.
Urban Teacher
Center
$1M grant
Philadelphia School
Partnership
$4.5M grant
Digital Promise
$300k grant
Appendix
NewSchools
Venture Seed Fund
$3M grant
Schoolzilla
$250k grant
Mastery Connect
$1.5M Series A- PRI
$1M Series A1- PRI
33. ECMC has made edtech investments through the endowment
to support its mission and generate return
Interview Insights:
Intermediaries are a good way to invest endowment dollars.
PRIs can be used to invest at earlier stages (seed) and MRIs used for later stages.
California Student
Aid Commission
$98M grant
Appendix
Rethink Education
LP position
New Markets
Venture Partners
LP position
Quad Learning
Series B
34. The Joyce Foundation has funded a few edtech
companies and is developing an overall strategy
Interview Insights:
It’s unclear whether PRIs can be an efficient investment vehicle if you’re not building a
full portfolio.
Absent an approach to direct investing in companies providing products/services,
supporting the ecosystem through funding research and infrastructure organizations
(like Digital Promise) can have broad impact.
Intermediaries and traditional investors are better equipped to do diligence than
building that capacity in-house.
WestEd
$1.2M grant
Advance Illinois
$1M grant
Appendix
EdSurge
$165k research
grant
SRI
$1.1M efficacy
study
35. Nellie Mae Education Foundation’s Approach is to
invest as an LP in education venture funds
Interview Insights:
When investing as an LP in an education fund, there may be more risk
on profit, but there is better alignment with the foundation’s mission.
Department of
Education
$230k grant
Appendix
Rethink Education
LP Position