edtech shark tanks
Join us to learn from leading experts and connect with peers to explore the latest technologies, strategies, and best practices in the education sector.
About
EdTech Shark Tanks are an opportunity for companies to present to and connect directly with industry leaders, educators, investors, and entrepreneurs — and get better, and FREE, access to EDTECH WEEK.
Selected applicants receive a complimentary EDTECH WEEK ticket ($750 value). All applicants, including those not selected to present, access discounted registration to EDTECH WEEK 2024.
SHARK TANKS @ EDTECH WEEK
In October 2024, a series of Shark Tanks will feature EdTech “Sharks” - global early stage EdTech investors - and companies representing every global startup ecosystem. Apply to be invited to present in New York!
Applicants have the option to join a learning and networking community of the most promising global companies to hone pitches and share networks.
See FAQs at the bottom of the page for details.
DEADLINES
June 15, 2024 | Apply early to receive an additional free registration ($750 value) for your team, if selected.
July 15, 2024 | Until this date, apply for multiple Shark Tanks scheduled on Oct 8-9 to improve your chances. Apply after this date to join a waitlist.
August 15, 2024 | Selected companies notified.
September 1, 2024 | Until this date, non-selected companies have the option to purchase discounted festival tickets.
Everyone that applies, wins.
meet the 2024 SHARKS:
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ATIN BATRA
Director, Impact Investing at ECMC GROUP
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BRAD BERNATEK
Managing Director, Accelerator at WGU Labs
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Claire Zau
Vice President at GSV Ventures | ASU+GSV Summit
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Daniel Jhin Yoo
Founder at Long Term Impact
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Graham Forman
Managing Director and Founder at Edovate Capital
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GEORGE KANE
General Manager Education Ventures at Emerson Collective
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Kate Ballinger
Principal at Firework Ventures
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Liam Pisano
Managing Partner at EduLab Capital Partners
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Robb Doub
Co-Founder and General Partner at New Markets Venture Partners
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Sabari Raja
Managing Partner at JFF Ventures
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STEVE KUPFER
Partner at Reach Capital
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Vicky Guo
Senior Director, Ventures at Pearson
Other Investors attending in 2024
More investors to come…
pitch in New york City
Finalists will present to a network of "Sharks" — the most active EdTech-focused network in the world – live in New York City.
Instant peer network
Every entrepreneur who applies is invited to join a learning and networking community of the most promising EdTech companies across the globe + access StartEd’s Masterclasses on fundraising and growth.
galery of innovation
Get ‘first dibs’ on a free booth in New York - a branded presence for organic and scheduled connections with senior thought leaders, investors, and customers at EDTECH WEEK.
1K
Register
StartEd vets applications from applicants registered to attend
151
Invited
1K companies apply for EdTech Week each year
2023 applicant demographics
The majority of applicants had less than $5MM in revenue or funding.
Industry focuses across Early Childhood, K-12, HigherEd, Workforce & Adult Learning.
Applications vetted were 50% female-founded, 50% based outside the US, and 50% underrepresented founders.
59
StartEd selected
Companies
30
to present to
Sharks
8
across
Shark Tanks
PAST winners
The Sharks chose a winner across each category and subsequently voted to select Finalists. Meet the Past Winners below!
faQ
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The Shark Tanks are open to U.S. based and international organizations in the education and workforce learning technology sector across PreK, K-12, HigherEd, Workforce and Adult Learning.
For-profit and not-for-profit organizations that have less than $5 million in annual revenue or total funding by Jul, 15 2024 are eligible to apply. -
Applicants may register for EdTech Week 2024, for in-person participation, to receive instructions to apply.
A written application answering basic questions about your startup including a 1-2 minute pitch video. The video should feature the founder(s) of the company. Videos should be submitted via YouTube link (make sure it is set to public/unlisted - not private!)
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Our criteria for selecting companies in descending order of importance are as follows:
Diverse-minded teams or solo founders with a demonstrated passion for education
Clearly articulated pain points and markets that involve making an impact on stakeholders at scale
Evidence that you’re solving a real problem (e.g., users, revenue, partnerships, LOIs, RCT research, efficacy studies)
A scalable, eventually defensible tech-based product that the world needs
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June 15, 2024: Apply early to receive an additional free registration ($750 value) for your team, if selected.
July 15, 2024: Until this date, apply for multiple Shark Tanks scheduled on Oct 8-9 to improve your chances. Apply after this date to join a waitlist.
August 15, 2024 : Selected companies notified.
September 1, 2024 | Until this date, non-selected companies have the option to purchase discounted festival tickets.
Sep 11-29, 2024: Virtual Masterclasses for all applicants and Private pitch coaching for Finalists in Shark Tanks
Oct 7-10, 2024 @ EdTech Week: The EdTech Shark Tanks: Finalists present at EdTech Week.
Oct 9, 2024 @ EdTech Week: Winner(s) announced.
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Participants are selected by members of the StartEd Network of mentors.
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We release decisions on a rolling basis through August 15, 2024. Apply early to be considered for participation in your preferred Shark Tank and receive pitch feedback and guidance from StartEd.
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We do not reimburse travel and accommodation for finalists, and there are no discounted ticket registrations for applicants or finalists. Make your own travel arrangements as a participant at EDTECH WEEK 2024. Contact us via this form for guidance.
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Yes, absolutely!
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2024 Sponsors (specifically for Shark Tanks or general sponsors) are yet to be announced. Sponsors interested in participating can contact the organizing team via this form.