The educational research services industry in Europe encompasses a spectrum of companies focused on enhancing learning and educational outcomes. This includes tech startups creating innovative tools, traditional educational publishers, and bespoke consulting firms that provide tailored solutions for institutions. Tapping into advancements like artificial intelligence, many players are adapting to changing educational needs, especially in online and hybrid settings. With education technology increasingly in demand, the sector is predicted to grow further, fueled by ongoing research into learning methodologies and a push for technology-driven learning solutions, making it a vibrant hub for innovation.


The list features a mix of corporate and venture capital investors located across Europe, predominantly in the UK and France. Founded between the late 20th and early 21st century, the investors range in size from small, agile firms to larger institutions supporting innovation. Each investor plays a crucial role in shaping the educational research services sector, with a notable 2024 deal count showcasing their commitment to funding and fostering educational initiatives. Their investments reveal a strong interest in diverse educational technologies aimed at boosting learning effectiveness and accessibility.


Top 15 Educational Research Services Investors in Europe


1. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital investor based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2015. As a public entity and financial institution, Bpifrance supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through various services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. The organization aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has made significant investments in the educational sector, including a Series A investment in Nomad Education, a Seed Round investment in SchoolMouv, and participation in funding rounds for Kartable, an EduTech startup. These transactions highlight Bpifrance's active role in promoting educational research services and technology, reinforcing its relevance in this sector.


2. SBRI Healthcare

  • Website: sbrihealthcare.co.uk
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Twickenham, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2009
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: sbri-healthcare

SBRI Healthcare is a not-for-profit healthcare innovation program based in Twickenham, England, founded in 2009. The organization provides funding and support to innovators and entrepreneurs who are addressing unmet health and care needs within the NHS and social care system. SBRI Healthcare accelerates the development of innovative technologies and solutions, improving patient care and increasing efficiencies in healthcare delivery. Notably, SBRI Healthcare has been involved in several significant transactions with educational institutions, including grants to University College London, University of Manchester, University of Sheffield, Anglia Ruskin University, and St George's, University of London. These grants, which total over $5 million, demonstrate SBRI Healthcare's commitment to supporting educational research that can lead to advancements in healthcare practices and training.


3. Agoranov

  • Website: agoranov.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 2000
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 42
  • LinkedIn: agoranov

Agoranov is a startup incubator based in Paris, Île-De-France, founded in 2000. They specialize in supporting technology and science startups through personalized assistance, fully equipped facilities, and acceleration programs. With 42 investments in 2024 alone, Agoranov has a strong track record of nurturing early-stage startups. Notably, they have invested in Lalilo, a company that develops educational tools aimed at improving literacy skills, showcasing their engagement in the educational research services sector. Other investments include Anthropolinks, Mediamento, and Geosubsight, which, while not directly related to education, reflect Agoranov's broad focus on innovative startups. Their approach to fostering growth in diverse sectors positions them as a significant contributor to the educational landscape.


4. Crowdcube

  • Website: crowdcube.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: crowdcube-limited

Crowdcube is a London-based crowdfunding platform founded in 2010 that enables businesses to raise capital through equity investments. It connects startups and SMEs with potential investors, facilitating the funding process. Crowdcube has a focus on promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services to its clients. Notably, Crowdcube has been involved in several transactions within the educational research services sector, including funding for Earwig Academic Reporting, which raised a total of $608,688 across two crowdfunding rounds in 2014 and 2015. Additionally, Bedrock Learning, an online learning resource creator, successfully raised £155,400 in 2017 to expand its services and reach more schools internationally. These investments highlight Crowdcube's commitment to supporting educational initiatives and resources.


5. European Innovation Council (EIC)


The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, established to support innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe. Founded in 1958, the EIC offers a range of funding programs, including the EIC Accelerator and EIC Pathfinder, aimed at helping startups and SMEs develop and scale their technologies. In 2024, the EIC has been particularly active, with 57 investments, including significant grants to educational institutions. For instance, it provided $4,320,480 to King's College London and $4,326,181 to the National University of Ireland, Maynooth, both in the form of grants. Additionally, the EIC has supported innovative educational technology companies like Robo Wunderkind, which received funding through grants and venture rounds. These activities highlight the EIC's role in fostering innovation within the educational sector, making it a key player in educational research services.


6. Mercia Asset Management PLC

  • Website: mercia.co.uk
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Henley-In-Arden, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1982
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 41
  • LinkedIn: mercia-asset-management

Mercia Asset Management PLC is an investment management firm based in Henley-In-Arden, England, specializing in venture capital, private equity, and debt financing to support the growth of UK businesses. Founded in 1982, Mercia focuses on ambitious startups and established companies, particularly in technology and innovation sectors. Notably, they have invested in educational technology companies such as Tutorful, which raised £3m to enhance its edtech platform, and Graide, an AI-based platform for educators that secured £1.65 million for expansion. Other relevant investments include Hero Wellbeing, which received seed funding to develop its digital wellbeing software, and Gorilla In The Room, which focuses on VR and AR products for market research. These transactions highlight Mercia's commitment to fostering innovation in the educational sector, making them a significant player in the educational research services landscape.


7. Kima Ventures

  • Website: kimaventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 50
  • LinkedIn: kima-ventures

Kima Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage startups across various sectors, backing two startups per week with financial support and mentorship to help them navigate their initial challenges. Among their notable investments are educational startups such as SchoolMouv, which raised $1,118,521 in a seed round in June 2016, and Lalilo, which secured $1,800,000 in a seed round in October 2017. These investments highlight Kima Ventures' active role in the educational research services sector, alongside their broader investment strategy.


8. Scottish Enterprise


Scottish Enterprise is a public entity established in 1991, focused on economic development in Scotland. It provides a range of services including funding, business development advice, and support for innovation and exports. With a significant presence in the investment landscape, Scottish Enterprise has made 55 investments in 2024 alone. Notably, they have engaged in several transactions relevant to the educational research services sector. For example, they provided a Smart:Scotland grant to 448 Studio, an EdTech company aiming to create a hybrid learning platform for higher education. Additionally, they have supported the University of Dundee with a substantial grant, further emphasizing their role in fostering educational initiatives. Their involvement in various funding rounds, including grants for educational projects, positions them as a key player in enhancing Scotland's educational landscape.


9. Almi

  • Website: almi.se
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: almi-ab

Almi AB is a financial services company based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. It specializes in providing loans, risk capital, and business development support to small and medium-sized enterprises. Almi aims to enhance the growth and competitiveness of these businesses by offering tailored financial solutions and guidance. Notably, Almi has invested in several companies within the educational sector, including Studybee, which raised funds in multiple rounds (2017 and 2019) to develop its educational technology platform. Additionally, Almi's investment in Strawbees, a company that promotes creative learning through building and coding, further emphasizes their focus on educational innovation. These transactions highlight Almi's commitment to fostering growth in the educational research services industry.


10. Index Ventures

  • Website: indexventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 67
  • LinkedIn: index-ventures

Index Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 1996, based in London, England. The firm specializes in investing in innovative startups across various sectors, including technology and healthcare. They provide capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs, fostering long-term partnerships to drive business success. Among their notable investments in the educational sector, Index Ventures led a seed funding round for Class Companion, an AI platform that empowers teachers to provide personalized feedback to students. They also participated in the Series A funding for Juni Learning, an online education platform aimed at enhancing children's learning experiences. These transactions highlight Index Ventures' active role in supporting educational initiatives, showcasing their commitment to advancing educational research services.


11. LocalGlobe

  • Website: localglobe.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2019
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 15
  • LinkedIn: localglobe

LocalGlobe is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2019. The firm partners with exceptional founders and companies at various stages of growth, from pre-seed to scale-up and public markets. LocalGlobe provides venture capital funding and investment management services, focusing on supporting startups in navigating their growth challenges. Notably, LocalGlobe has invested in several companies within the educational technology sector, including FoondaMate, which raised $2 million in a Seed round to enhance educational access, and uLesson, which raised $7.5 million in Series A funding to improve learning experiences in Africa. Additionally, LocalGlobe led a $6.5 million growth round for Kinnu, an AI edtech startup, further showcasing its commitment to the educational research services space. These transactions highlight LocalGlobe's active role in fostering innovation in education.


12. EQT Group

  • Website: eqtgroup.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 30
  • LinkedIn: eqt-partners

EQT Group is a prominent investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, specializing in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. Founded in 1994, EQT serves institutional investors by providing expertise in managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. Among their notable transactions in the educational research services sector, EQT acquired Academedia AB, a leading education provider in Sweden, and invested in Studienkreis, a tutoring service in Germany. Additionally, they supported the growth of Dukes Education Group through credit facilities, further emphasizing their commitment to the education sector. Their acquisition of Springer Science+Business Media also highlights their involvement in educational publishing, showcasing their broad engagement in educational research and services.


13. SoftBank Investment Advisers


SoftBank Investment Advisers, also known as the SoftBank Vision Fund, is a venture capital fund based in London, England, founded in 2017. The fund specializes in investing in technology-focused companies, particularly those innovating in artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies. With a diverse portfolio, SoftBank has made significant investments in the educational technology sector, including notable transactions such as Unacademy, which raised $440 million in Series H funding in August 2021, and Riiid, a South Korean test-prep startup that secured $175 million in a Series E round in May 2021. Additionally, they invested $400 million in Zhangmen in October 2020 and participated in a $270 million Series D funding round for Paper, a software provider of academic support, in February 2022. These investments reflect SoftBank's commitment to fostering technological advancements in education and supporting companies that aim to democratize access to learning resources.


14. Bgf

  • Website: bgf.co.uk
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 53
  • LinkedIn: bgfinvestments

BGF Investment Management Limited is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses across the UK and Ireland. BGF addresses the funding gap in the market through minority investments and extensive support services. Notably, BGF has invested in Operam Education Group, providing £5 million in funding to support their acquisition strategy in the educational sector. This includes a commitment of £2.5 million for the acquisition of First for Education, highlighting BGF's focus on enhancing educational services. Additionally, BGF's investment in The Insights Family, a leader in market intelligence for kids and families, further demonstrates their engagement in the educational research services space. These transactions reflect BGF's strategy of supporting businesses that contribute to the educational landscape.


15. Seedcamp

  • Website: seedcamp.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2007
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 40
  • LinkedIn: seedcamp_2

Seedcamp is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2007. It specializes in investing in early-stage startups across Europe, providing financial backing and support to founders in areas such as product-market fit and sales. Seedcamp has a strong focus on technology-driven companies looking to innovate and grow. Notably, they have participated in funding rounds for educational startups like MarcoPolo Learning, which focuses on early childhood education, and Manara, an engineering education platform for women in the Middle East. These investments highlight Seedcamp's engagement in the educational sector, particularly in enhancing learning experiences and accessibility through technology.



Educational Research Services Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
SBRI HealthcareTwickenham, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-5020093
AgoranovParis, Île-De-France, France11-50200042
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
Mercia Asset Management PLCHenley-In-Arden, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200198241
Kima VenturesParis, Île-De-France, France1-10201050
Scottish EnterpriseGlasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)1001-5000199155
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
Index VenturesLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200199667
LocalGlobeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-50201915
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
SoftBank Investment AdvisersLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-500201714
BgfLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200201153
SeedcampLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-50200740


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