As the education sector continues to evolve, key investors, founders, and operators are shaping where it goes next.
Last year, in our EdTech Influencers to Watch piece, we highlighted leaders like Tom Costin of Owl Ventures, Ben Kornell of Common Sense Growth Fund, and Deborah Quazzo of GSV Ventures—figures who continue to push the industry forward and expand access to learning.
This year, NU Advisory Partners is expanding our list of investors to watch, those who are fueling edtech’s growth in 2025 and beyond. From venture capital to private equity and strategic investment, these individuals are backing founders and companies changing the face of education (early education, K-12, higher education) and workforce development. But their impact goes well beyond capital; they’re industry connectors, thought leaders, and partners in innovation.
Jason Brein, Partner at Francisco Partners
Jason Brein is a driving force in edtech investment, spearheading Francisco Partners’ most transformative deals in the sector. He led the firm’s award-winning sale of Discovery Education and played a pivotal role in the equity recapitalization of Renaissance Learning.
His investments span market leaders like Follett School Solutions, MyFitnessPal, and Civitas Learning—companies redefining personalized learning and educational access. With a track record of scaling high-impact businesses, he backs visionary founders who leverage technology to enhance learning outcomes and drive operational excellence.
Jennifer Carolan, Co-Founder & General Partner at Reach Capital
Jennifer Carolan has spent her career championing innovative solutions in education, first as a teacher and now as a leading edtech investor. As Co-Founder of Reach Capital, she’s been instrumental in scaling companies like Outschool, Seesaw, and BookNook—ventures that are shaping personalized and technology-driven learning experiences.
With a foundation in teaching and a deep understanding of education’s systemic challenges, Jennifer leverages capital as a catalyst for impact. Her strategic investments empower visionary founders who are transforming how students learn, enabling equitable access to high-quality education at scale.
Susan Cates, Managing Partner at Leeds Illuminate
Susan Cates is a leading investor and operator in the education and workforce development sectors, bringing over two decades of experience in scaling high-impact learning platforms. As Managing Partner at Leeds Illuminate, she invests in companies at the intersection of education and work, supporting founders who are expanding access to quality learning and career development. Prior to her investment career, Susan was an operator in both the private sector and at universities. Her work continues to drive innovation in education.
Matt Greenfield, Founder & Managing Partner at Rethink Education
Matt Greenfield invests in companies that reimagine how people learn, creating more engaging and accessible education solutions. As Founder and Managing Partner at Rethink Education, he has backed high-impact ventures like Ignite! Reading, NoRedInk, Amira, and CareAcademy, helping them scale and drive change.
A former English professor, Matt brings a deep understanding of learning and pedagogy to his investment philosophy. He also co-founded Rethink First, which serves over three million neurodivergent learners annually.
Mark Grovic, Co-Founder & General Partner at New Markets Venture Partners
Mark Grovic has spent three decades investing in high-growth education and workforce companies, backing transformative solutions that drive economic mobility. As Co-Founder of New Markets Venture Partners, he’s led investments in companies like Graduation Alliance, PresenceLearning, and Climb Credit, ventures that improve learning outcomes and expand access to career pathways.
With a background in venture capital, academia, and entrepreneurship, Mark takes a mission-driven approach to investing. He focuses on scaling companies that use data-driven strategies to create lasting impact in education and workforce development.
Jean Hammond, General Partner at LearnLaunch Accelerator
Jean Hammond has spent her career at the intersection of entrepreneurship and education, investing in and mentoring the next generation of edtech innovators. As a General Partner at LearnLaunch Accelerator, she has played a pivotal role in shaping early-stage startups, providing not just capital but the strategic insight and connections needed to scale.
A serial entrepreneur herself, Jean has co-founded multiple companies, has been an angel investor, and has been a driving force behind Boston’s edtech ecosystem. Her work is rooted in a deep belief that technology, when thoughtfully applied, can expand access to high-quality education and transform learning at scale.
Rob Hutter, Founder & Managing Partner at Learn Capital
Rob Hutter has been a driving force behind some of the most transformative companies in edtech. As Founder and Managing Partner of Learn Capital, he’s backed Coursera, Udemy, and Photomath, platforms that have opened access to learning for millions worldwide.
Rob works closely with founders to scale solutions that improve educational outcomes. As Chairman of Emergence.AI, he is also advancing AI’s role in learning. His impact extends across the sector, helping to shape how technology drives education and workforce development.
Geo Kane, General Manager, Education Ventures at Emerson Collective
Geo Kane has spent his career advancing the role of technology in education, working at the intersection of investment, strategy, and product innovation. As General Manager of Education Ventures at Emerson Collective, he partners with edtech companies to expand their reach and deepen their impact, ensuring technology serves both learners and educators.
With prior leadership roles at Apple, Pearson, and Blackboard, Geo has helped shape the modern digital learning landscape. His ability to identify transformative ideas and guide them to scale has made him a key voice in the future of education.
Alice Li, Principal at Veritas Capital
Alice Li is a driving force behind Veritas Capital’s investments in edtech, helping scale companies that enhance learning and operational efficiency in the sector. She plays a key role in guiding companies like Cambium Learning Group, Finalsite, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, and Anthology, helping them remain at the forefront of innovation.
With a background in private equity and investment banking at Crestview Partners and Morgan Stanley, Alice brings a sharp analytical approach to identifying and growing transformative edtech businesses.
Mora Segal, Managing Director at A-Street
Mora Segal is dedicated to transforming PreK-12 education through investment and leadership. As Managing Director at A-Street, she backs companies that drive measurable improvements in teaching and learning, with a focus on coherence, equity, and effectiveness. She also co-founded Leading Now, an initiative that helps superintendents navigate political complexity to advance student-centered change.
Previously, Mora served as CEO of Achievement Network (ANet), scaling its impact to support hundreds of thousands of students with data-driven instruction. Her career reflects a deep commitment to expanding educational access and improving outcomes at scale.
James Tieng, Co-Founder & Managing Partner at Lumos Capital Group
James Tieng is an influential investor in education and workforce development, helping scale companies that transform how people learn and build careers. As Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Lumos Capital Group, he’s led over $1.7 billion in investments, backing companies that enhance access and outcomes in education, such as Learning.com, Podium Education, BookNook, and Instructure.
His investments have propelled the growth of market leaders, strengthening the link between education and employment. With a focus on long-term impact, he supports companies that are equipping learners with the skills needed to succeed in an evolving global economy.
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