As we approach 2025, a group of edTech influencers is already making waves as key players in the industry. These trailblazers are not merely adapting to technological advancements—they are reshaping the entire education landscape, driving innovation, and influencing how the sector operates. Their impact extends beyond individual initiatives, contributing to the transformation of educational systems globally and setting new standards for the future.
NU Advisory Partners is spotlighting 10 trailblazers who are transforming the education sector. These innovators are driving change with their forward-thinking approaches and shaping the future of edTech. Their leadership and impact make them essential figures to watch as they continue to redefine education.
Top edTech Influencers You Need to Know
This edTech influencers list showcases the leaders shaping the future of education.
Tom Costin, Managing Director at Owl Ventures
Tom Costin, Managing Director at Owl Ventures, has been one of the driving forces behind the firm’s rise as the largest venture capital firm in education technology, with over $2 billion in assets under management. His leadership and vision have helped scale transformative companies across the education spectrum, from PreK-12 to higher education and workforce development.
Tom’s hands-on approach to guiding entrepreneurs through the complexities of edTech has been transformative. His leadership has helped Owl’s portfolio companies impact over 525 million people across 230 countries, creating educational access and job opportunities worldwide.
Steve Daly, CEO at Instructure
Steve Daly, CEO of Instructure, has transformed the company into a leading force in edTech, driving profitability to nearly 40% EBITDA margins and doubling revenue in just three years. Known for his strategic vision, Daly previously led Ivanti through ten consecutive years of growth, increasing revenue by 16% annually and growing profit 30-fold. In July, KKR announced its intention to acquire Instructure and take the company private in a deal valued at approximately $4.8 billion.
Daly’s focus on building a comprehensive “learning ecosystem” reflects a forward-thinking vision that resonates across the education sector. His ability to translate long-term strategies into actionable plans helps shape how technology is used in education globally.
Jean Eddy, President & CEO at American Student Assistance
Jean Eddy, President and CEO of American Student Assistance (ASA), has redefined the organization’s mission, shifting its focus from student loan management to early career exploration and readiness, providing students with tools and resources that empower them to make informed choices about their futures. Eddy has spearheaded ASA’s efforts to provide digital resources that promote financial literacy, career discovery, and college planning, aligning the organization with key trends in education and technology.
Eddy’s vision and commitment to student success have propelled ASA’s continued evolution, impacting thousands of students nationwide and preparing them for future opportunities. She is a forward-thinking leader in the edTech space, committed to creating equitable access to education and career pathways.
Hardeep Gulati, CEO at PowerSchool
Hardeep Gulati, CEO of PowerSchool, has transformed the company into one of North America’s leading K-12 education software providers, serving over 55 million students across 90 countries. Under Gulati’s leadership, PowerSchool has grown through strategic acquisitions and expanded its product suite, evolving into a global, unified platform. The company enables schools to harness the power of data and technology, ensuring educators can personalize learning and streamline administrative tasks, thereby driving greater efficiency and student success.
This strong growth trajectory, product innovation, and market leadership positioned PowerSchool as a valuable acquisition target for Bain Capital, which announced its intention to take the company private in a $5.6 billion deal.
Hardeep’s commitment to using technology to unlock student potential has helped shape the future of K-12 education. With over two decades of experience, including as CEO of SumTotal Systems, Hardeep is known for his leadership and innovation in the edTech sector.
Ben Kornell, Managing Partner at Common Sense Growth Fund
Ben Kornell is a Managing Partner at the Common Sense Growth Fund, a social impact investment fund advancing the mission of Common Sense Media by supporting companies that positively impact kids and families. With over 20 years of experience as an educator, entrepreneur, and investor, Kornell co-founded EdTech Insiders, the world’s largest edtech podcast, newsletter, and community.
Kornell has created a platform that drives key discussions on innovation and trends in education technology. His influence spans across multiple domains, as he helps shape the future of edTech by bridging social impact investing with education-focused technology solutions.
Scott Pulsipher, President at WGU
Scott Pulsipher is President of Western Governors University (WGU), a leading online university that has pioneered competency-based education. Under his leadership, WGU has expanded its reach and impact, offering affordable, flexible, and personalized education to over 140,000 students.
Pulsipher’s focus on using technology and data to enhance learning outcomes, reduce costs, and increase accessibility has positioned WGU as a model for how higher education can evolve in the digital age. His commitment to making education more scalable and outcomes-driven has made him a transformative figure in edTech, shaping the future of online learning and workforce development.
Deborah Quazzo, Managing Partner at GSV Ventures
As a Managing Director at GSV Ventures and Co-Founder of ASU+GSV Summit, Deborah Quazzo has been instrumental in driving transformative change across the global education landscape, fostering collaboration among innovators, entrepreneurs, and educators. The ASU+GSV Summit is one of the largest global gatherings where leaders from education, technology, and investment converge to discuss and shape the future of learning and workforce development.
Quazzo’s deep expertise in scaling edTech businesses and her commitment to transforming learning outcomes through technology make her a central figure in driving the future of education. She has been named to Insider’s Top 100 Seed Investors list three times. Through GSV Ventures and her service on multiple education-focused boards, Quazzo has supported the growth of numerous pioneering edTech companies, amplifying her impact across the sector.
Rajen Sheth, CEO & Co-Founder at Kyron Learning
Rajen Sheth co-founded Kyron Learning with a mission to leverage AI to provide equitable access to personalized, high-quality education. Prior to founding Kyron, Sheth spent 17 years at Google, where he was pivotal in the development of Google Workspace and later led Google Cloud’s AI and Industry Solutions division.
At Kyron, Rajen is driving innovation by leveraging AI to provide equitable access to one-on-one, personalized education, aiming to level the playing field for students globally. His leadership is transforming how AI enhances educational experiences.
Julia Stiglitz, CEO & Co-Founder at Uplimit
Julia Stiglitz, CEO and Co-Founder of Uplimit, is an influential leader in the edTech sector driving innovation through her next-generation online learning platform. Stiglitz has made a significant impact through her work at companies like Coursera, as a Partner at GSV Ventures, and as a Board Member at Rocketship Public Schools.
Now at Uplimit, Stiglitz is focused on creating high-quality, career-focused learning experiences. The company is leveraging AI to scale enterprise learning programs. It addresses the growing demand for reskilling in a rapidly changing job market, especially as companies prepare for an AI-driven future. Stiglitz’s leadership in making education accessible and relevant to modern learners has positioned her as a key figure in the industry.
Jane Swift, President at Education at Work
Jane Swift is the President of Education at Work, a nonprofit dedicated to providing work-based learning opportunities for college students through industry-education partnerships. As the former governor of Massachusetts, Swift prioritized education initiatives, and as CEO of LearnLaunch Institute, an edTech accelerator, she has driven innovation by supporting startups that improve learning outcomes.
Swift is known for her commitment to expanding access to quality education through technology, addressing systemic challenges, and fostering public-private partnerships that elevate student success and educational equity. Her influence shapes how technology and policy intersect in modern education.
NU Advisory Partners is an AI and tech-led retained executive search and advisory firm focused on senior executive, operating, and board positions. If you’re interested in learning more, get in touch here.