$250K Investment Pledged for Winners
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$250K Investment Pledged for Winners 〰️
SHARK TANKS @ EDTECH WEEK
APPLICATIONS
ARE CLOSING
SOON
October 20-21 2025 | New York City
Apply to pitch your venture at EDTECH WEEK. Shark Tanks feature selected companies representing every global startup ecosystem and “Sharks” — top early stage EdTech investors and operators.
Select Sharks are actively seeking to invest and pledged up to $250,000 in investment and non-dilutive prizes to 2025 Shark Tank Finalists. Learn more about our judges, attending investors and FAQs below.
– Applications for 2025 Shark Tanks Close on September 2, 2025 –
2025 Entry Categories
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Today’s K–12 ecosystem is navigating urgent challenges — from staffing shortages and student disengagement to declining test scores and widening equity gaps. At the same time, innovators are unlocking powerful new ways to personalize instruction, support teachers, and make learning relevant for a new generation of digital-native students. This Shark Tank showcases entrepreneurs reimagining how, where, and what students learn — and how schools adapt and thrive in the process.
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Math remains a persistent barrier to student success — yet it’s also a gateway to critical thinking, STEM careers, and economic opportunity. This Shark Tank spotlights innovators transforming how math is taught, learned, and applied from kindergarten through college. Expect bold approaches to mastery, engagement, and equity — and a redefinition of what it means to be “math-ready” in today’s world.
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As technology evolves and labor markets shift, the very definition of work is being rewritten. From AI to automation to new models of credentialing, learners and workers alike are demanding faster, cheaper, more relevant pathways to economic mobility. This Shark Tank highlights startups designing the systems, tools, and platforms that equip today’s workforce — and tomorrow’s — with the skills, networks, and opportunities they need to thrive.
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AI is reshaping the education landscape — not in the future, but right now. From personalized learning to productivity tools to next-gen tutoring, AI is unlocking new possibilities for educators, students, and institutions at every level. This Shark Tank features the boldest entrepreneurs deploying AI responsibly to improve outcomes, boost efficiency, and close equity gaps across the learning journey.
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Experience live pitches from top global innovators leveraging cutting-edge AI technologies to redefine career navigation and professional success. As AI is projected to contribute up to $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030—exceeding the current GDP of China and India combined (PwC, 2023)—understanding its impact and potential is crucial. Gain actionable insights into the emerging AI landscape, market dynamics, and current fundraising trends from our panel of "Sharks"—leading investors with deep expertise in career-focused innovation.
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Series A is a defining milestone — where vision meets traction, and founders must prove they can scale. This Shark Tank showcases companies that have moved well beyond MVPs and pilots, demonstrating product-market fit, revenue growth, and a clear plan to dominate their category. Get a front-row seat to the inflection point where early-stage EdTech startups become high-growth ventures — and where investors decide who’s ready for the next big leap.
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In a world where opportunity is unevenly distributed, entrepreneurs are building pathways that connect learning to real economic outcomes. This Shark Tank features bold, mission-driven companies addressing the structural barriers to upward mobility — with scalable models that improve access, affordability, and outcomes for underserved populations. From K–12 to workforce to adult learning, these solutions are turning promise into progress.
LAST YEAR’S FINALISTS
Hand-picked from hundreds of applications, 20 companies took the stage at EDTECH WEEK to pitch to a panel of “Sharks.” Congratulations to our 2024 Shark Tank Winners: Hardskills, Cartedo, Highfive Schools, and College Contact. We can't wait to see the impact you continue to make!
Winner: Designing the Future of Work
Winner: AI in Education
Winner: K-12 Innovations
Winner: Navigating Career Pathways
MEET THE 2025 SHARKS
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Alison Pendergast
Gates Foundation
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Ana Maria Aristizabal
Potencia Ventures
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Atin Batra
ECMC
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Bridget Duru
Rethink
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Claire Zau
GSV
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Claudio Erba
Gresilent Holdings
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Elad Granot
iAngels
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Eleanor Laurans
Workshop Ventures
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Gemma Lenowitz
Samvid Ventures
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George Kane
Emerson Collective
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Graham Forman
Edovate Capital
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Greg Boone
Walk West
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Hailey Carter
Owl Venture
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Harris Goodman
BrainPop
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Ian Chiu
Owl Ventures
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Jessica Milston
Copper Wire Ventures
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Joe Alalou
Daring Ventures
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Joshua Elder
Siegel Family Foundation
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Kelly Bryan
Village Capital
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Mark Grovic
New Markets Venture Partners
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Matt Barry
Learn Capital
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Matt Greenfield
Rethink Education
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Matt Tower
Whiteboard Advisors
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Megan O'Connor
Chegg
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MICHAEL LEVINE
Kapor Capital
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Michele Leardo
Walton Family Foundation
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Michelle Rhee
EO Ventures
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Miriam Altman-Reyes
Brass Ring Ventures
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Prasanjeet Dutta Baruah
Ex Meta
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Sandro Olivieri
Diffusion Venture Studio
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Stephen Jull
Emerge Ventures | Teach for All
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Steve Kupfer
Reach Capital
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Wayee Chu
Reach Capital
INVESTORS WHO ATTEND EDTECH WEEK
shark tank faQ
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Since 2015, this series of Shark Tanks has featured EdTech “Sharks” - top early stage EdTech investors - and companies representing every global startup ecosystem.
Apply to be selected to present in New York City, and compete for a spot in our finale and investment for finalist(s). -
Industry-wide visibility for your company, the potential for investment, and the option to get strategic guidance from an elite network of education investors and operators who want you to succeed.
Stay tuned for our announcement on prizes for finalists — including direct investment from StartEd, credits, and other non-financial prizes.
The top companies invited to present at EdTech Week receive complimentary access to the EdTech Week Expo on October 20, and discounted access ($400 value) to EdTech Week 2025, Oct 20-22.
EdTech founders have the option but not obligation to use full registration fee as a subsidy towards joining the StartEd network: www.started.com -
For-profit and not-for-profit companies using technology to address problems in Early Childhood, K-12, HigherEd, Workforce, and Adult Learning, from anywhere in the world, with less than $10 million in funding or annual revenue.
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Take 15-30 minutes to apply before the deadline(s).
Early deadline: July 15, 2025 (midnight ET)
Final deadline: August 15, 2025 (midnight ET)
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Criteria for selecting companies in descending order of importance are as follows:
Diverse-minded teams or solo founders with passion for education
Problem sets/markets with the opportunity to build companies $100 million+ in value
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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Take 15-30 minutes to apply before the deadline(s).
Early deadline: July 15, 2025 (midnight ET)
Final deadline: September 2, 2025 (midnight ET)
Deadline for semi-finalists and waitlisted companies to secure their spot: September 15, 2025 (midnight ET)
Contact us with any questions.
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EdTech Week reviews applications through August 15 to select the top companies presenting in semi-finals on October 20.
EdTech “Sharks” - top early stage EdTech investors - featured on the application page vote to select finalists on October 20. Finalists are notified same day, and present on the main stage on October 21. -
Semi-finalists are made offers on a rolling basis, up to August 29, 2025.
Deadline for semi-finalists and waitlisted companies to secure their spot: August 29, 2025 (midnight ET)Finalists are notified immediately after their respective semi-final on October 20, and present on the main stage on October 21.
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No, EdTech Week does not reimburse travel or accommodation.
Visit our travel and accommodation guide at www.edtechweek.com to access discounted accommodations.The top companies invited to present at EdTech Week receive complimentary access to the EdTech Week Expo on October 20, and discounted access ($400 value) to EdTech Week 2025, Oct 20-22.
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Yes, you are welcome to apply as a returning applicant or presenter. In fact, companies have applied multiple times before a successful application.
Previous finalists at EdTech Shark Tanks are not eligible to present.
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Select Shark Tanks are sponsored by EdTech investors, were indicated. By selecting sponsored Shark Tanks, your application may be shared with sponsoring investors aiming to identify companies to make investments in.
Got Questions?