Edtech, or educational technology, is a rapidly growing industry that uses technology to enhance and support teaching and learning. There are many edtech startups around the world that are making significant contributions to the field. These companies use a variety of technologies such as online learning platforms, mobile apps, and virtual reality to create innovative and effective learning experiences for students of all ages. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the top edtech startups in the world and explore the unique solutions they are bringing to the education market.
Table of Contents
Top Edtech Startups in the World
In 2019, the market size of Global Education Technology was around 75 billion dollars which will exceed 318 billion dollars by 2027 with an increasing rate of 20% every year. Edtech industry is constantly changing as new companies are formed and existing companies grow and evolve. The ranking also varies depending on the source and criteria used. However, I can provide you some examples of popular and well-established edtech startups around the world:
Coursera
Formed in 2012 by Andrew Ng and Daphne Koller, Coursera is a leading online learning platform that partners with universities and organizations worldwide to offer online courses in a variety of subject areas. They offer access to over 4,000 courses and specializations, with revenues generated through course fees and partnerships with universities and organizations.
Coursera is an American online learning platform founded in 2012 by two computer science professors at Stanford University, Andrew Ng and Daphne Koller. The platform offers massive open online courses (MOOCs) and on-demand video lectures, as well as interactive quizzes and peer-graded assessments.
Coursera partners with universities and organizations around the world to offer a wide range of courses, from computer science and engineering to business and humanities. The platform has over 62 million registered users and offers over 4,000 courses in various languages.
One of the unique features of Coursera is its focus on offering courses from top universities and institutions. The platform has partnerships with over 200 universities and organizations, including Ivy League institutions such as Princeton, Yale, and Penn, as well as international universities like the University of London and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.
In addition to individual courses, Coursera also offers a variety of degree and certificate programs, including a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Illinois, a Master of Computer Science from the University of London, and a Global MBA from the University of Illinois.
Coursera also offers a feature called “Guided Projects” which allows learners to work on real-world projects and earn a certificate of completion. These projects are designed to help learners develop practical skills that are in demand in today’s job market.
Coursera also offers a feature called “Coursera for Business” which allows companies and organizations to provide their employees with access to Coursera’s learning content, as well as track their progress and measure the impact of their learning.
Udemy
Formed in 2010 by Eren Bali, Oktay Caglar, and Gagan Biyani, Udemy is an online learning platform that offers courses in a wide range of subjects. They have more than 130,000 courses, and the revenues generated through course fees and subscriptions.
Udemy is an online learning platform that offers a wide range of courses to students around the world. The platform was founded in 2010 by Eren Bali, Oktay Caglar, and Gagan Biyani, and is headquartered in San Francisco, California. Udemy is considered one of the top edtech startups in the world and has raised over $173 million in funding.
Udemy offers over 130,000 courses in various subjects such as business, technology, design, and personal development. The platform has a diverse range of instructors, including industry experts, professors, and self-employed professionals. Udemy’s courses are designed to be interactive and engaging, with video lectures, quizzes, and hands-on projects.
One of the unique features of Udemy is its emphasis on user-generated content. Instructors can create and publish their own courses on the platform, which allows for a wide range of perspectives and expertise. Udemy also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for all courses, ensuring that students are satisfied with their purchase.
Udemy is available on various platforms including web, iOS, and Android, and students can access the courses on any device with an internet connection. The platform also offers a mobile app, which allows students to learn on-the-go.
Udemy has a massive student base and has reached over 50 million students worldwide. The platform is widely used by professionals looking to upskill or acquire new knowledge, and by individuals looking to learn new skills. Udemy has also partnered with various organizations and companies to provide training and education to their employees.
It is a leading online learning platform that offers a wide range of courses to students around the world. Its user-generated content approach, interactive courses, and 30-day money-back guarantee, make it a popular choice for individuals and professionals looking to upskill or acquire new knowledge. With its massive student base and partnerships with various organizations, Udemy is a significant player in the edtech industry.
Duolingo:
Formed in 2011 by Luis von Ahn and Severin Hacker, Duolingo is a popular language-learning app that offers bite-sized lessons and gamified exercises to help users learn new languages. They generate revenues through in-app purchases, subscriptions, and partnerships with organizations.
Duolingo is a popular language-learning platform and mobile application that is available on both iOS and Android devices. The company was founded in 2011 by Luis von Ahn, a computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon University, and Severin Hacker, a software engineer. The platform offers language courses in over 30 different languages, including Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese, and Japanese.
Duolingo’s approach to language learning is based on gamification, which means that the platform uses elements of gaming to make the learning experience more engaging and interactive. Users can earn points and badges for completing tasks, and the platform also features a leaderboard where users can compete with other learners.
One of the key features of Duolingo is its adaptive learning algorithm, which adjusts the difficulty of the lessons based on the user’s progress and performance. This ensures that users are challenged but not overwhelmed. The platform also offers a variety of interactive exercises, including multiple-choice questions, fill-in-the-blank exercises, and listening and speaking exercises.
Duolingo is free to use, but users can also purchase a subscription for additional features, such as offline access to lessons and progress tracking. The company has also partnered with several institutions, including schools and universities, to provide access to its platform for students.
Duolingo has been widely praised for its approach to language learning and has been downloaded over 500 million times. The company has also been recognized as one of the most innovative companies in education by Fast Company and one of the best mobile apps by Google Play.
Khan Academy:
Formed in 2006 by Salman Khan, Khan Academy is a non-profit organization that offers free online education in a variety of subject areas, with a focus on math and science. They generate revenues through donations and grants.
Khan Academy is a non-profit educational organization that was founded in 2008 by Salman Khan. The organization’s mission is to provide a free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere. The platform offers a wide range of online educational resources, including video lessons, practice exercises, and assessments.
The Khan Academy website and mobile apps offer a vast library of educational content that covers a wide range of subjects, including math, science, history, economics, and more. The content is designed for students of all ages and skill levels, from kindergarten to college. The platform also offers resources for teachers, including lesson plans and classroom management tools.
One of the unique features of Khan Academy is its use of adaptive learning technology. The platform uses a student’s performance data to personalize the learning experience and adjust the content to the student’s needs. This approach helps students learn at their own pace and ensures that they are not held back or overwhelmed by the material.
Khan Academy has been widely recognized for its impact on education. The organization has received numerous awards and accolades, including being named one of the world’s 50 most innovative companies by Fast Company. The platform has also been praised for its ability to reach students in under-served communities and for its ability to supplement traditional classroom instruction.
In addition to its free educational resources, Khan Academy also offers paid services, such as coaching and tutoring. These services are designed to provide additional support and guidance to students who need extra help to succeed.
Overall, Khan Academy is a valuable resource for students, educators, and lifelong learners. The platform’s commitment to providing a free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere has helped millions of people access high-quality education and improve their learning outcomes.
Khan Academy is a non-profit organization, it is completely free for everyone, and it relies on donations from generous individuals and foundations to support its mission.
Byju’s
Formed in 2011 by Byju Raveendran, Byju’s is a leading edtech company in India that offers online education and tutoring services, primarily in the areas of math and science. They generate revenues through subscriptions and partnerships with schools and organizations.
It is an Indian edtech company that provides online educational content and tutoring services. Founded in 2011 by Byju Raveendran, the company is headquartered in Bengaluru, India and has become one of the most popular and successful edtech startups in the country.
It offers a wide range of online learning programs for students in classes 4-12, as well as competitive exams like JEE, NEET, CAT, and IAS. The company’s learning app, which is available on both iOS and Android platforms, offers interactive video lessons, quizzes, and personalized learning plans.
The company has raised over $1 billion in funding from investors such as Sequoia Capital, Lightspeed Venture Partners, and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. As of 2021, Byju’s has over 50 million registered students and 4 million annual paid subscribers.
In addition to its online learning programs, Byju’s also offers teacher training programs, mentorship for teachers, and a range of educational resources for schools. The company has also expanded internationally, with its learning app now available in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and the United States.
Overall, Byju’s is a successful and rapidly growing edtech company that is revolutionizing the way students in India and around the world access education. With its innovative approach to learning and its commitment to providing high-quality educational resources, Byju’s is poised for continued success in the future.
Querium:
Formed in 2014 by Algebrator, Querium is an edtech startup that offers adaptive learning software to help students learn math more effectively. They generate revenues through subscriptions and partnerships with schools and organizations.
OpenClassrooms
Formed in 2013 by Mathieu Nebra, Pierre Dubuc, OpenClassrooms is a French edtech start-up that provides an online education platform, which offers thousands of online courses and micro-credentials, and generates revenues through subscriptions and partnerships with organizations.
Codecademy:
Formed in 2011 by Zach Sims and Ryan Bubinski, Codecademy is an online learning platform that offers interactive coding courses and tutorials. They generate revenues through subscriptions and partnerships with organizations.
FutureLearn:
Formed in 2013 by The Open University, FutureLearn is a British social learning platform that offers a diverse range of free online courses and micro-credentials from top universities and cultural institutions around the world. They generate revenues through subscriptions and partnerships with organizations.
Pluralsight:
Formed in 2004 by Aaron Skonnard, Keith Brown, Fritz Onion, and Bill Williams, Pluralsight is an online learning platform that offers a wide range of technology and creative skills courses, they generate revenues through subscriptions and partnerships with organizations.
Smart Sparrow:
Formed in 2011 by Dror Ben-Naim, Smart Sparrow is an Australian edtech startup that offers adaptive learning software for higher education institutions. They generate revenues through partnerships and licensing agreements with universities and colleges.
Knewton:
Formed in 2008 by Jose Ferreira, Knewton is an American edtech startup that offers adaptive learning technology and personalized learning solutions for K-12 and higher education. They generate revenues through partnerships and licensing agreements with schools and colleges.
EdX:
Formed in 2012 by Anant Agarwal and Harvard University, edX is a non-profit online learning platform that offers free and low-cost online courses from top universities and institutions around the world. They generate revenues through course fees, grants, and partnerships.
CogBooks:
Formed in 2008 by Dr. Neil Lawrence, CogBooks is a UK-based edtech startup that offers adaptive learning software for higher education institutions. They generate revenues through partnerships and licensing agreements with universities and colleges.
Dreambox Learning:
Formed in 2006 by Jessie Woolley-Wilson, Dreambox Learning is an American edtech startup that offers adaptive learning software for K-8 students. They generate revenues through partnerships and licensing agreements with schools and districts.
ALEKS:
Formed in 2006 by Dr. Jean-Marie Burkhardt, ALEKS is an American edtech startup that offers adaptive learning technology and personalized learning solutions for higher education. They generate revenues through partnerships and licensing agreements with colleges and universities.
Learnster:
Formed in 2012 by Thomas De Witte, Learnster is a Belgium-based edtech startup that offers adaptive and personalized learning solutions for K-12 students. They generate revenues through partnerships and licensing agreements with schools and districts.
Carnegie Learning:
Formed in 1998 by Dr. Mark Stehlik, Carnegie Learning is an American edtech startup that offers adaptive learning software and personalized learning solutions for K-12 students. They generate revenues through partnerships and licensing agreements with schools and districts.
Knowre:
Formed in 2010 by Min-Sung Sean Khang, Knowre is a South Korean edtech startup that offers adaptive learning software and personalized learning solutions for K-12 students. They generate revenues through partnerships and licensing agreements with schools and districts.
Edmentum:
Formed in 1998 by John Campbell, Edmentum is an American edtech startup that offers adaptive learning software and personalized learning solutions for K-12 students. They generate revenues through partnerships and licensing agreements with schools and districts.
Please note that this list is not exhaustive and the ranking is not based on any particular criteria, this is just a sample of popular and well-established edtech startups around the world and the information provided are based on 2021, their revenues, platforms, and entrepreneurs might have changed.
History of Edtech
The history of EdTech can be traced back to the early days of computers and technology in education. However, it wasn’t until the 20th century that technology began to have a significant impact on education.
In the 1920s and 1930s, the use of radio and film for distance learning started to gain popularity. The 1950s saw the introduction of the first computer-based instruction systems, and the 1960s saw the advent of interactive computer-assisted instruction.
In the 1970s and 1980s, personal computers and computer-based learning tools became more widely available, leading to the development of educational software and multimedia educational materials.
The 1990s marked the beginning of the digital age and the widespread use of the internet in education. This led to the development of online learning platforms, such as MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses), and the use of technology in classrooms.
In the early 2000s, mobile technology and the rise of smartphones and tablets led to the development of mobile learning and educational apps.
Today, EdTech continues to evolve and expand, with the use of artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality, and gamification becoming more prevalent in education.
Overall, the history of EdTech has been marked by a steady progression of innovation and advancement, with each new technology opening up new possibilities for enhancing the learning experience for students and educators.
Here are some important dates in the history of EdTech:
- 1961: The first computer-assisted instruction (CAI) system, PLATO, was developed at the University of Illinois. This system was used to teach subjects like mathematics and science.
- 1972: The first interactive educational television program, “The Electric Company,” was broadcast on PBS.
- 1983: The first computer-based training (CBT) program was developed, allowing students to learn at their own pace using a computer.
- 1995: The first online university, the University of Phoenix Online, was founded.
- 2002: The first massive open online course (MOOC) was offered by the University of Manitoba in Canada.
- 2007: The first tablet computer, the Apple iPad, was introduced. This paved the way for the development of mobile learning apps and platforms.
- 2012: Khan Academy, one of the most popular and well-known MOOC providers, was founded.
- 2015: The first virtual reality classroom was established at the University of Sussex in the UK.
- 2018: The first AI-powered virtual teacher, “AI Class,” was launched in Japan.
- 2019: The first 5G-enabled classroom was established in South Korea.
These are some of the major milestones in the history of EdTech, and it’s clear that technology has played a significant role in the evolution of education. With the fast-paced advancement of technology, the EdTech industry continues to grow
Final Note
In conclusion, the edtech industry is rapidly growing with many startups emerging to disrupt the traditional education system. These startups are using technology to provide innovative solutions to improve the learning experience for students and educators. Some of the top edtech startups in the world include Coursera, Udemy, Khan Academy, and Duolingo. These startups have been able to attract millions of users and have raised significant funding to continue developing their products. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more exciting developments in the edtech industry in the future.
Leave a Reply