Edtech VCLink News

Lingawa (Formerly TopSet), a Techstars-backed edtech startup, has raised $1.1 million in pre-seed funding to launch a gamified language learning app tailored for the African diaspora. With plans to expand its offerings to languages like Swahili and Arabic, and a framework to support native tutors, the initiative seeks to preserve indigenous languages and empower educators. Backed by investors such as Voltron Capital, Zrosk Investment Management, and Kaleo Ventures, Lingawa demonstrates a commitment to preserving African cultural heritage. https://lnkd.in/eTkTsauC #EdTech

BrookieKids, an Nanyang Technological University Singapore startup, has launched an AI-powered interactive storytelling platform to help young children practice their mother tongue through engaging verbal conversations. The platform, supported by NTU Innovation and Entrepreneurship (NTU I&E) and developed in collaboration with the Confucius Institute at NTU, offers over 50 Mandarin stories and plans to scale to other languages. https://lnkd.in/ewP4ipu2 #EdTech

Outsmart College, co-founded by former Duolingo execs, has raised $13M in seed funding led by Khosla Ventures to tackle affordability in higher education. The company is still in stealth mode but has notable backers, including Karman Ventures, Latitud, and Lightspeed. Jorge Mazal, co-founder and CEO, shared his personal struggle with student debt that inspired him to launch the venture. Lauren Forristal | TechCrunch https://lnkd.in/dBcRK2sZ #EdTech

Chennai-based startup, The Pallikoodam, is transforming the way performing arts, like vocal music and acting, are taught online. With instructors like award-winning actor Lakshmipriyaa Chandramouli and seasoned musician Ranjith Govind, it blends technology with expertise to offer an engaging learning experience. Abha Warrier | YourStory Media https://lnkd.in/g-zffNiE #EdTech

Leland has successfully raised $12 million in Series A funding led by Forerunner Ventures with GSV Ventures. This funding will be used to enhance Leland's coaching platform and expand its enterprise offerings. John Koelliker highlights the importance of organic growth and AI-powered tools for coaches, while Eurie Kim at Forerunner Ventures underscores the opportunity for career advancement through personalized coaching. Ivan Mehta | TechCrunch https://lnkd.in/dBpUx-Jh #EdTech

Edtech startup Bhanzu raised $16.5 million in a round led by Epiq Capital to fuel its expansion into the US market and further invest in generative AI. Other notable investors include Z3Partners, Lightspeed, and Eight Roads. Bhanzu has experienced 8x growth since its 2022 round and is currently cash flow positive while aiming for Rs 100-120 crore revenue this year. https://lnkd.in/emcvEYfV #EdTech

Turing College, backed by Y Combinator, has secured €2.5 million in funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC). The funds will go towards building AI solutions that democratize education and personalize the learning experience, using technologies such as large language models to tailor material to students’ needs in real-time. Sanjana Gupta | AIM https://lnkd.in/dNB6kFPS #EdTech

London-based VC firm Emerge has raised ￡56m for its second fund, targeting startups working on AI-powered education and the future of work. Emerge's portfolio includes innovative companies like AI video platform Colossyan, AI recruitment tool Popp AI, and children’s learning startup Edurino | We are hiring!. https://lnkd.in/eFFHfPPV #EdTech

Crimson Education has raised NZ$67 million in a Series D round, increasing its valuation by almost 40%. The funding was led by Movac, with contributions from HEAL Partners, Icehouse Ventures, and Five Sigma, among others. Crimson's founder Jamie Beaton shared the company’s vision to expand their role in a child's education journey, with HEAL partner Martin Dalgleish praising the company's growth and impact. Simon Thomsen | Startup Daily https://lnkd.in/egwBMzzg #EdTech

LINGO, an edtech company founded by Aisha Bowe, secured a $2.25M seed round led by Pinnacle Private Ventures, furthering LINGO’s mission to expand access to STEM education. This investment, supported by firms like 1863? Ventures and Sequoia Capital via the Scout program, underscores the growing importance of diverse founders in shaping the future of technology. https://lnkd.in/gfR534N3 #WomenInVC