The educational publishing industry in the US provides resources and materials aimed at fostering learning across various levels, from K-12 to higher education. Companies in this sector typically produce textbooks, digital content, and adaptive learning tools tailored to different educational environments. Recently, there's been a shift toward technology-driven solutions, emphasizing online accessibility and personalized learning experiences. The rise of ed-tech startups and innovative platforms signifies a growing trend of integrating digital participation into traditional curricula, reflecting the changing needs of students and educators.


The 16 investors listed here represent a mix of venture capital and corporate entities, mostly headquartered in California, focusing on educational publishing initiatives. Ranging from organizations founded in 1977 to those established as recently as 2015, their sizes vary drastically, with several employing over 10,000 professionals. Collectively, they executed 2024 deals totaling significant investments in companies that are reshaping the educational landscape through technology and resources.


Top 16 Educational Publishing 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 the context of educational publishing, the Government of Canada has been involved in several significant transactions, including grants to organizations such as the Commonwealth of Learning, which raised over $5.4 million for educational initiatives, and the Brandon Literacy Council and Academics Educational Systems, both of which received undisclosed amounts in grants. These transactions highlight the government's active role in promoting literacy and educational resources, making it a relevant investor in the educational publishing industry.


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 helps entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses. Y Combinator has successfully launched over 4,000 startups, establishing itself as a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Among its notable investments in the educational publishing sector are Mystery Science, which raised $2 million in a seed round in 2017, and EduRev, which raised funds in both seed and pre-seed rounds in 2020 and 2022. Additionally, Y Combinator invested in Scribd, a digital library and e-book subscription service, in its early stages, further demonstrating its engagement in the educational content space.


3. 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 funding, mentorship, and resources to help founders scale their businesses. In the educational publishing context, 500 Global has made significant investments in companies such as Epic, which raised funds in both a Series D round in 2020 and a Seed round in 2014, and Mystery Science, which secured funding in Seed rounds in 2014 and 2017. These investments demonstrate 500 Global's commitment to supporting innovative educational solutions that enhance learning experiences for children, making them a notable player in the educational publishing sector.


4. NewSchools Venture Fund


NewSchools Venture Fund is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1998, based in Oakland, California, that focuses on improving education through funding and support for innovative educational ventures. They collaborate with educators, school districts, and technology developers to enhance learning outcomes and address challenges in the education sector. Notably, NewSchools has invested in several key educational publishing initiatives, including ReadWorks, which received $100K in funding to support its mission of providing free reading resources, and Newsela, which has raised significant funding to expand its content offerings for teachers. Their investments in these organizations highlight their commitment to enhancing educational resources and improving access to quality content for students and educators alike.


5. 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 focuses on early-stage startups in the learning, health, and work sectors, providing funding, resources, and support to empower entrepreneurs. Notably, Reach Capital has invested in several key players in the educational publishing space, including Epic, which offers an on-demand digital library for children and is utilized by a significant percentage of K-5 schools in the U.S. They also participated in funding rounds for Newsela, a platform that enhances K-12 education through digital-first instructional materials. Additionally, Reach Capital has invested in EdSurge and Mystery Science, further solidifying their presence in the educational publishing industry. Their strategic investments reflect a commitment to fostering innovative solutions that address significant challenges in education.


6. 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 in the technology and education sectors. Learn has been involved in several notable transactions in the educational publishing space, including a seed investment in LearnZillion, which raised $2.4 million in 2012 to support its educational platform. Additionally, Learn participated in multiple funding rounds for Amplify Education, a publisher of next-generation curriculum and assessment programs, including a $215 million venture round in 2021 and a Series C funding round in 2023 aimed at expanding their K-12 product portfolio. Learn also invested in EdSurge, which raised $2.8 million in a Series A round in 2015, further solidifying their commitment to enhancing educational resources and technology.


7. 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. They are known for hosting the ASU+GSV Summit, which connects leaders in education technology. GSV Ventures has been involved in several notable transactions in the educational sector, including a Series B funding round for ThinkCERCA, which raised $10.1 million to enhance academic writing tools and launch new lessons for students. They also participated in Nearpod's funding rounds, which raised significant capital to develop proprietary digital content for educational use. Additionally, GSV Ventures has invested in Tynker, a creative computing platform for kids, which aims to expand its product development into schools. These transactions highlight GSV Ventures' active role in supporting innovative educational solutions, making them a key player in the educational publishing landscape.


8. 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 funding, strategic guidance, and mentorship aimed at improving learning outcomes for students and educators. Notable transactions include their participation in multiple funding rounds for Newsela, a publishing platform that raised significant capital to enhance its digital-first instructional materials for K-12 education. Owl Ventures also invested in LearnZillion, a curriculum solution provider, and DreamBox Learning, which utilizes machine learning to personalize educational experiences. These investments highlight Owl Ventures' focus on supporting companies that are transforming educational publishing and technology.


9. Goodwater Capital

  • Website: goodwatercap.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Burlingame, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2014
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 41
  • LinkedIn: goodwater-capital

Goodwater Capital is a venture capital firm based in Burlingame, California, founded in 2014. The firm specializes in consumer technology and supports seed-stage entrepreneurs by providing investment, resources, and a community to help them grow. Goodwater Capital has a diverse investment portfolio that spans various sectors, including healthcare and financial services, with a mission to improve access to technology solutions for underserved communities. In the educational publishing context, Goodwater has made notable investments in companies such as Kidato, a Kenya-based ed-tech startup focused on K-12 education, which raised $1.4 million in seed funding. They also invested in Marathon Education, which raised $5.1 million in a seed round, and OckyPocky, an English learning startup. These transactions highlight Goodwater's commitment to enhancing educational access and innovation through technology.


10. Rethink Capital Partners

  • Website: rethink.vc
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: White Plains, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: rethink-capital-partners

Rethink Capital Partners is an investment firm based in White Plains, New York, specializing in impact investing within the real estate and venture capital sectors. Founded in 2012, the firm focuses on developing and managing properties while also supporting early-stage investments in various sectors, including education, food, and healthcare. Notably, Rethink Capital Partners has been involved in several significant transactions in the educational technology space. They participated in funding rounds for Engrade, an edtech company that raised a total of $8 million across multiple rounds, including Series A and B funding, aimed at expanding its product development and nationwide reach. Additionally, Rethink Capital Partners invested in Flocabulary, a company that creates educational hip hop videos, providing $1.5 million in a convertible note to support its growth and expansion. Their investment in EVERFI, which raised $40 million in Series C funding, further underscores their commitment to enhancing educational resources. Rethink Capital Partners aims to align financial returns with positive societal impact, making them a notable player in the educational investment landscape.


11. Pearson Online & Blended Learning


Pearson Online & Blended Learning, a division of Pearson PLC, is an established corporate investor in the educational services sector, founded in 1998 and based in Columbia, Maryland. The company specializes in online learning solutions, academic support programs, and educational assessments, primarily serving K-12 schools and students. With over 20 years of experience in online education, Pearson partners with educational institutions to deliver flexible and personalized learning options. Notable transactions include the acquisition of STARK Verlag, which expanded its educational publishing portfolio, and the acquisition of HarperCollins College, which significantly increased its presence in the US education publishing market. Additionally, Pearson's investment in Knewton, a learning startup, highlights its interest in innovative educational technologies. The acquisition of Smart Sparrow further emphasizes Pearson's commitment to enhancing adaptive learning capabilities and digital infrastructure, making it a key player in the educational publishing landscape.


12. SV Angel

  • Website: svangel.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2009
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 44
  • LinkedIn: sv-angel

SV Angel is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2009. The firm specializes in early-stage and growth-stage investments, primarily in the technology sector. SV Angel provides financial backing, strategic advice, and access to a vast network of industry experts to help startups navigate business development challenges. Notably, SV Angel has participated in significant transactions within the educational publishing context, including a $15 million Series A financing round for Course Hero, a platform that offers high-quality educational content and tools to help students achieve their academic goals. Additionally, they have invested in Learneo, which raised $15 million in a Series A round, and the Learner-Centered Collaborative, which focuses on educational initiatives. These investments highlight SV Angel's engagement in the educational sector, particularly in companies that enhance learning and academic success.


13. Google

  • Website: google.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Mountain View, California, United States (USA)
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 32
  • LinkedIn: google

Google, a corporate investor based in Mountain View, California, is known for its diverse portfolio and significant presence in the technology sector. In the educational publishing context, Google has been actively involved in several notable transactions. They acquired Socratic, a New York-based educational content developer, which has been relaunched as an AI-powered mobile learning app, showcasing their interest in innovative educational solutions. Additionally, Google has provided grants to organizations such as CommonLit and Quill, which focus on improving literacy and educational resources. Furthermore, Google participated in a funding round for Adda247, a government test preparation platform, indicating their engagement in educational technology. Overall, Google's investments reflect a strategic interest in enhancing educational tools and resources.


14. Kapor Capital

  • Website: kaporcapital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Oakland, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 6
  • LinkedIn: kapor-capital

Kapor Capital is a venture capital firm based in Oakland, California, founded in 1999. The firm specializes in early-stage investments aimed at closing gaps of access and economic opportunity, particularly for underrepresented communities. Kapor Capital has participated in several notable transactions in the educational publishing space, including investments in Engrade, an edtech company that raised $5 million in Series B funding, and Newsela, a publishing platform that has raised multiple rounds of funding, including a seed round and Series A and B rounds. These investments reflect Kapor Capital's focus on supporting innovative educational solutions that enhance learning and accessibility for diverse communities.


15. Insight Partners

  • Website: insightpartners.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 64
  • LinkedIn: insight--partners

Insight Partners is a venture capital firm based in New York, specializing in providing investment and advisory services to high-growth technology and software companies. Founded in 1995, the firm manages over $75 billion in assets and has a team of 201-500 professionals dedicated to supporting portfolio companies through capital investment and operational expertise. Notably, Insight Partners has made significant investments in the educational publishing sector, including multiple funding rounds for Chegg, a leading textbook and educational resource platform, where they invested a total of $100 million across various rounds from 2009 to 2012. They also invested in OverDrive, a digital content distribution company, which plays a role in educational publishing by providing access to eBooks and audiobooks. Furthermore, their investment in Instructure, which raised $40 million in a Series E round, highlights their commitment to educational technology. These transactions demonstrate Insight Partners' active engagement in the educational publishing industry, particularly in companies that enhance learning through technology.


16. 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 educational technology companies such as Vidyakul, which raised $500,000 in a Seed Round in April 2021, and Nearpeer.org, which also secured funding in a Seed Round in June 2022. These investments highlight SOSV's engagement in the educational sector, particularly in platforms that enhance learning and educational access.



Educational Publishing Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Government of CanadaCanada, Kentucky, United States (USA)10001+1999137
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
500 GlobalSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)201-500201098
NewSchools Venture FundOakland, California, United States (USA)11-5019980
Reach CapitalSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)11-50201517
LearnAustin, Texas, United States (USA)11-5020094
GSV VenturesSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)11-5020169
Owl VenturesSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)11-5020147
Goodwater CapitalBurlingame, California, United States (USA)51-200201441
Rethink Capital PartnersWhite Plains, New York, United States (USA)11-5020123
Pearson Online & Blended LearningColumbia, Maryland, United States (USA)1001-500019980
SV AngelSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)1-10200944
GoogleMountain View, California, United States (USA)10001+32
Kapor CapitalOakland, California, United States (USA)1-1019996
Insight PartnersNew York, New York, United States (USA)201-500199564
SosvUnited States (USA)51-2001995170


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