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 access to EDTECH WEEK.

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

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 1, 2024 | Selected companies notified.

August 15, 2024 | Until this date, non-selected companies have the option to purchase discounted festival tickets.

Everyone that applies, wins.

meet the 2023 SHARKS:

2024’s “Sharks” announced in May

  • Miriam Altman-Reyes

    Miriam Altman-Reyes

    Founder & CEO at Brass Ring Impact

  • Ana Maria Aristizabal

    Managing Partner at Winnipeg Ventures

  • Kate Ballinger

    Kate Ballinger

    Investor at Firework Ventures

  • Tanya Beja

    Tanya Beja

    Managing Partner at AlleyCorp

  • Kermit Cook

    Kermit Cook

    Chief Operating Officer at Cengage Group

  • Omar Darwazah

    General Partner at AAF Management

  • Robb Doub

    Robb Doub

    General Partner at New Markets Venture Partners

  • Bridget Duru

    Bridget Duru

    Investor at Rethink Education

  • Rita Ferrandino

    Founding Partner at Arc Capital Development

  • Emily Foote

    Emily Foote

    Partner at Osage Venture Partners

  • Graham Forman

    Graham Forman

    Managing Director and Founder at Edovate Capital

  • Vivian Gao

    Vice President of Corporate Development at Scholastic

  • Vicky Guo

    Vicky Guo

    Ventures & Partnerships at Pearson

  • Lynn Hoffman

    Lynn Hoffman

    Sr. Innovation Manager at Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas

  • Jeffrey Mathews

    Jeffrey Mathews

    EVP, Corporate Development and Investor Relations at Scholastic

  • Andrew Matorin

    Andrew Matorin

    Head of Corporate Development at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

  • Amy McIntosh

    Amy McIntosh

    Investor at HBS NY Alumni Angels | CMO at NYU School of Professional Studies

  • Jessica Millstone

    Jessica Millstone

    Managing Director at Copper Wire Ventures

  • Ifeanyi Oteh

    Ifeanyi Oteh

    Sr Manager M&A and Business Development at ITHAKA

  • Daniel Pianko

    Daniel Pianko

    Managing Director at Achieve Partners

  • Liam Pisano

    Liam Pisano

    Managing Partner at EduLab Capital Partners

  • Sabari Raja

    Sabari Raja

    Managing Partner at JFF Ventures

  • Dustin Ramsdell

    Dustin Ramsdell

    Creator & Host at The Higher Ed Geek

  • Eileen Rudden

    Eileen Rudden

    General Partner at Learn Launch

  • Sally Sorte

    Sally Sorte

    Principal at EduLab Capital Partners

  • Hayley Spira-Bauer

    Hayley Spira-Bauer

    COO at iTutor.com

  • Enki Toto

    Enki Toto

    Investor at Salesforce Ventures

  • Matthew Tower

    Matthew Tower

    Founder at ETCH

  • Rohan Wadhwa

    Rohan Wadhwa

    Managing Director at Lumos Capital Group

  • Tony Wan

    Tony Wan

    Head of Platform at Reach Capital

  • Joseph Watt

    Joseph Watt

    VP, Impact Investing at ECMC Group

  • Daniel Jhin Yoo

    Daniel Jhin Yoo

    Founder at Long Term Impact

  • Jason Young

    Jason Young

    General Partner at Long Term Impact

  • Adam Zalisk

    Adam Zalisk

    Executive Vice President at Amplify

  • Claire Zau

    Claire Zau

    Vice President at GSV Ventures | ASU+GSV Summit

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 booth in New York - a branded presence for organic and scheduled connections with senior thought leaders, investors, and customers at EDTECH WEEK.

Get your booth >

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

5 winners

The Sharks chose a winner across each category and subsequently voted to select 5 finalists. Meet the Past Winners below!

faQ

  • 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 August 1, 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!)

  • 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

  • July 10, 2024: Early deadline to apply for the EdTech Shark Tanks, and get access to significantly discounted registration.

    July 31, 2024: Final Deadline to apply. Apply after Sep 6 to join the waitlist.

    Sep 1, 2024: Final decisions on acceptance to Finals in New York

    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.

  • Participants are selected by members of the StartEd Network of mentors.

  • We release decisions on a rolling basis through August 31, 2024. Apply early to be considered for participation in your preferred Shark Tank and receive pitch feedback and guidance from StartEd.

  • 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.

  • Yes, absolutely!

  • 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.