Top 12 Educational Research Services Investors in the US
Top 12 Educational Research Services Investors in the US
The educational research services industry in the US encompasses a variety of organizations focused on improving learning outcomes. This sector is marked by a mix of universities, think tanks, and technology firms that produce data-driven solutions to enhance education. Companies work on projects like curriculum development, assessments, and analytical tools to support educators and students alike. Recently, there's been a surge in tech-driven solutions to bridge gaps in learning, reflecting a broader trend toward personalized and accessible education. Attention to digital learning has increased, driven by shifting educational needs and innovations encouraging lifelong learning.
In 2024, a total of 12 noteworthy investors emerged in the educational research services sector, showcasing varied investor types such as corporate entities and venture capitalists. Concentrated primarily in San Francisco and Washington, D.C., most operate with sizable teams. Founded between 1998 and 2023, these investors engaged in numerous transactions, with the pinnacle being Y Combinator's impressive 802 investments. Collectively, they have played a pivotal role in elevating educational initiatives and technologies, showcasing their financial commitment to evolving educational paradigms.
Top 12 Educational Research Services Investors in the US
1. Government of Canada
- Website: canada.ca
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Canada, Kentucky, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1999
- Headcount: 10001+
- Number of deals in 2024: 137
- LinkedIn: government-of-canada
The Government of Canada is a public entity that provides a wide range of services and information to Canadian citizens and residents, addressing various needs including employment, immigration, health care, and taxation. Founded in 1999, it operates through multiple departments and agencies to ensure access to essential services and support for individuals and businesses across the country. In 2023, the Government of Canada has been involved in several significant transactions in the educational sector, providing grants to institutions such as the University of Toronto, which raised $199 million, and McGill University, which received $165 million. Other notable grants include $560,000 to the University of Alberta and $798,500 to the Canadian Teachers’ Federation. These transactions highlight the government's role in supporting educational research and development, making it a relevant investor in this field.
2. Y Combinator
- Website: ycombinator.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2005
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 802
- LinkedIn: y-combinator
Y Combinator is a prominent startup accelerator and venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2005. It provides funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies through a structured program that includes resources like the Startup School and co-founder matching services. Y Combinator has successfully launched over 4,000 startups, making it a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Among its notable investments in the educational research services sector are Panorama Education, which raised $12 million in Series A funding and focuses on improving educational outcomes through data analytics, and Mystery Science, which raised $2 million in a Seed Round to enhance science education for elementary students. Other relevant investments include Our World In Data and College Pulse, both of which contribute to educational research and data collection. These transactions highlight Y Combinator's active role in supporting innovative educational solutions.
3. U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
- Website: energy.gov
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1977
- Headcount: 10001+
- Number of deals in 2024: 597
- LinkedIn: u-s--department-of-energy
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is a public entity established in 1977, located in Washington, D.C. It oversees national energy policy, energy production, and nuclear power research, serving various stakeholders including government entities and the public. The DOE provides guidance on energy efficiency, funding opportunities, and conducts research to address energy challenges. Notably, the DOE has been involved in several significant transactions in the educational research services sector, providing grants to institutions such as RTI International, the University of Washington, Duke University, and UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School. These grants, which range from $200,000 to over $10 million, demonstrate the DOE's commitment to supporting educational research initiatives that contribute to advancements in energy efficiency and related fields.
4. 500 Global
- Website: 500.co
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2010
- Headcount: 201-500
- Number of deals in 2024: 98
- LinkedIn: 500-startups
500 Global is a venture capital firm and startup accelerator based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies, providing not only funding but also mentorship and resources to help founders scale their businesses. Among their notable investments in the educational research services sector are Noodle, which raised $4 million in a seed round in 2016, and Mystery Science, which received $2 million in a seed round in 2017, as well as an earlier investment of $500,000 in 2014. Additionally, they invested in WorkAmerica, which focuses on workforce development and education, further showcasing their engagement in the educational landscape. 500 Global operates globally, focusing on innovative startups that require support in navigating the challenges of growth and market entry, particularly in the education technology space.
5. NewSchools Venture Fund
- Website: newschools.org
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Oakland, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1998
- Headcount: 11-50
- LinkedIn: newschools-venture-fund
NewSchools Venture Fund is a not-for-profit venture capital organization based in Oakland, California, founded in 1998. The organization is dedicated to improving education by funding and supporting innovative educational ventures. They collaborate with educators, school districts, and technology developers to enhance learning outcomes and address challenges in the education sector. Notable transactions include investments in EdSurge, which raised $1.5 million in Series A funding in 2014 and $400,000 in a Seed Round in 2012, both of which focus on educational technology and research. They also invested $5,956,174 in Newsela in 2014, a platform that provides educational content and resources. Additionally, they supported the Edcamp Foundation with a $100,000 Seed Round in 2014, promoting innovative educational practices. Their involvement in these transactions highlights their active role in the educational research services landscape.
6. Reach Capital
- Website: reachcapital.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2015
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 17
- LinkedIn: reach-capital
Reach Capital is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage startups across the learning, health, and work sectors, with a strong emphasis on empowering entrepreneurs to tackle significant challenges through innovative solutions. Notably, Reach Capital has made impactful investments in the educational sector, including EdSurge, which raised $2.8 million in Series A funding, and BetterLesson, a provider of professional development products for educators that secured $10 million in Series B funding with Reach Capital's participation. Additionally, they have invested in Newsela, a platform that enhances K-12 education through digital-first instructional materials, showcasing their commitment to advancing educational research services and resources.
7. Learn
- Website: learn.vc
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Austin, Texas, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2009
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 4
- LinkedIn: learn-capital
Learn is a venture capital firm based in Austin, Texas, founded in 2009. The firm specializes in providing capital and capabilities to entrepreneurs, particularly those focused on human-centric companies. Learn has a strong emphasis on technology and education, helping startups scale and tackle significant societal challenges. Notably, Learn has been involved in several key transactions in the educational sector, including investments in EdSurge, which raised $2.8 million in Series A funding in December 2015 and $1.5 million in February 2014. Additionally, Learn participated in funding rounds for Amplify Education, a publisher of next-generation curriculum and assessment programs, which raised $215 million in a venture round in October 2021 and $50 million in a Series C round in May 2023. Learn also invested in Brainly, which raised $80 million in Series D funding in December 2020. These transactions highlight Learn's active role in supporting innovative ventures that promote educational advancement and research.
8. GSV Ventures
- Website: gsv.ventures
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2016
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 9
- LinkedIn: gsvventures
GSV Ventures is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2016. The firm specializes in investing in education technology companies, providing insights and analysis on the digital learning landscape. GSV Ventures has been involved in several notable transactions in the educational research services context, including a $10.1 million Series B investment in ThinkCERCA, which focuses on enhancing academic writing tools for students. They also participated in the Seed Round for College Pulse, which aims to gather insights from college students. Additionally, GSV Ventures invested $4.1 million in Doowii in 2024, further demonstrating their commitment to supporting innovative educational solutions. Their involvement in these transactions highlights their strategic focus on companies that contribute to educational research and technology.
9. Sosv
- Website: sosv.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1995
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 170
- LinkedIn: sosv
SOSV is a venture capital firm founded in 1995, specializing in funding and supporting deep tech startups through its development programs. With a global reach, SOSV connects innovative companies with investors, providing not only venture capital investment but also resources to help startups grow and succeed. Among their notable transactions, they have invested in Snapask, a platform that offers educational support and tutoring services, indicating their engagement in the educational technology sector. Other investments include DuKorp Studio and HITCH Tech Inc, which, while not directly related to educational research services, showcase SOSV's diverse portfolio in supporting early-stage companies across various industries. Their active investment strategy, with 170 investments in 2024 alone, highlights their commitment to fostering innovation, including in the educational research services space.
10. Owl Ventures
- Website: owlvc.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2014
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 7
- LinkedIn: owl-ventures-lp
Owl Ventures is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2014. The firm specializes in education technology, investing in innovative EdTech startups to provide them with funding, strategic guidance, and mentorship. Their portfolio includes notable companies such as Newsela and Panorama Education, which focus on improving learning outcomes for students and educators. For instance, Owl Ventures participated in multiple funding rounds for Newsela, including a $100 million Series D investment aimed at enhancing its digital instructional materials for K-12 education. Additionally, they were involved in Panorama Education's funding rounds, including a $60 million Series C round, which supports product development and partnerships with educational districts. These transactions underscore Owl Ventures' commitment to advancing educational research services and technology.
11. Google
- Website: google.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Mountain View, California, United States (USA)
- Headcount: 10001+
- Number of deals in 2024: 32
- LinkedIn: google
Google, based in Mountain View, California, is a corporate investor with a significant presence in the technology sector. They have been involved in various transactions related to educational research services, including grants to institutions like the University of Washington and the University of Chicago, which support educational initiatives. Notably, Google acquired Socratic, an AI-powered mobile learning app, enhancing their portfolio in educational technology. Additionally, they have contributed to the construction of educational facilities, showcasing their commitment to advancing education through both financial support and technological innovation.
12. Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)
- Website: av.vc
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2023
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 258
- LinkedIn: deep-tech-fund-av-focused-fund
The Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund) is a venture capital firm based in Manchester, New Hampshire, founded in 2023. It provides accredited investors and institutions with access to professionally-managed, diversified venture portfolios, leveraging a network of over 10,000 investors to connect them with high-quality investment opportunities in the startup ecosystem. The fund has been active in various sectors, including educational technology. Notably, it invested in Panorama Education, which raised $550,001 in a venture round in July 2019, focusing on improving educational outcomes through data-driven insights. Additionally, the fund has invested in Consensus, an AI-powered search engine for scientific research, which raised significant funding in 2023 and 2024. These investments highlight the fund's engagement in the educational research services space, supporting innovations that enhance educational and research capabilities.
Educational Research Services Insights: Key Investors in the US
| Investor | Headquarter | Size | Founded | Deals 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Government of Canada | Canada, Kentucky, United States (USA) | 10001+ | 1999 | 137 |
| Y Combinator | San Francisco, California, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 2005 | 802 |
| U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) | Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA) | 10001+ | 1977 | 597 |
| 500 Global | San Francisco, California, United States (USA) | 201-500 | 2010 | 98 |
| NewSchools Venture Fund | Oakland, California, United States (USA) | 11-50 | 1998 | 0 |
| Reach Capital | San Francisco, California, United States (USA) | 11-50 | 2015 | 17 |
| Learn | Austin, Texas, United States (USA) | 11-50 | 2009 | 4 |
| GSV Ventures | San Francisco, California, United States (USA) | 11-50 | 2016 | 9 |
| Sosv | United States (USA) | 51-200 | 1995 | 170 |
| Owl Ventures | San Francisco, California, United States (USA) | 11-50 | 2014 | 7 |
| Mountain View, California, United States (USA) | 10001+ | 32 | ||
| Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund) | Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 2023 | 258 |
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