🗣️ 1.8 Billion Language Learners. Nordic Baltic EdTech 50

Happy Monday 👋

Language learners, the world's largest cohort of learners, are in focus as we explore the rise of D2C digital language learning models. This week, we feature the Nordic Baltic region's most promising EdTech startups. Don't forget to check out the 2024 Global Education Outlook, and sign up for our new Daily Newsletters Chart of the Day and Impact Capital Markets. For unlimited access to over one million charts, request a demo.

This Week's Topics

• 💬 Language Learning. Mapping 200+ companies across 9 categories
• 📈 K12 Digital Transformation Survey. Participate in our survey
• 🏆 Nordic Baltic EdTech 50. The most promising learning, teaching, and upskilling startups in the region
• 📖 2024 Education Outlook. 180+ pages of trends, insight, and data
• 💰 Education Deals of the Week. Funding and M&A

💬 Language Learning

With 1 in 4 people on earth being active language learners, they are arguably the world's largest cohort of learners, driven by aspirations for work, international study, or personal enjoyment. Mastering foreign languages is perceived to not only open doors to better job prospects but also foster geographic mobility and higher earning potential.

Language learners are opting for gamified self-learning apps where they can take charge of their learning journey, and where AI and speech recognition technology allow practice and instant feedback. Traditional technologies like video courses allow asynchronous learning, while advanced technologies like robots and XR enable more immersive and interactive language learning experiences. Peer learning platforms allow language learners to virtually connect with native speakers and other learners around the world for a more social, culturally immersive language learning experience. Some learners still prefer human-led instruction, either in-person or online, with language instructors who can hold learners accountable and provide 1:1 coaching.

As multilingualism leads to expanded opportunities, language learning will remain a tool for professional development, which will continue evolving alongside advancements in technology, pedagogy, and global connectivity.

💬 Language Learning - Market Map

🗣️ Participate in HolonIQ's annual 'K12 Digital Transformation' survey

Join us for HolonIQ's second annual K12 Digital Transformation Survey We're mapping how schools worldwide approach digital transformation - from systems to products, people, and processes. Participate in the 2024 K12 Digital Transformation Survey.

🏆 Nordic Baltic EdTech 50

Each year, HolonIQ identifies the 1000 most promising EdTech startups globally. Region by region we build a picture of each market and how technology is being used in education, from PreK to Lifelong Upskilling. Drawing on the HolonIQ Platform, along with perspectives from market experts in each region, analysts from our Education Intelligence Unit consider which segments are in demand, where capital is flowing, the products and models gaining traction and characteristics of the leadership team. This week, we are featuring the most promising EdTech startups in the Nordic Baltic region.

📖 2024 Global Education Outlook

We recently launched the 2024 Global Education Outlook, HolonIQ's annual analysis of the global education economy, presenting over 180 pages of detailed market data, investment & analysis, strategic shifts and trends in education. Download the extract or purchase the full report. You may also be interested in our Global Economic Outlook, Global Climate Tech Outlook and Global Health Tech Outlook.

💰 Education Deals of the Week

HolonIQ actively monitors and tracks capital flow in the Education market, spanning across all regions and transaction categories. Subscribe to our Daily Capital Markets newsletter to see the top deals daily.

Funding

🎓 Empowerly, a California-based provider of college counseling and career guidance services, secured $15M in Series A funding, which the company will use to build out its AI products and develop its first mobile app.

🗨️ Loora, an Israel-based generative AI English language learning company raised $12M in Series A funding led by QP Ventures. This funding comes eight months after the startup raised $9.2M in seed funding.

💡 GreenFig, an upskilling and microlearning platform that partners with universities, raised $6.4M in Series A funding led by Jackson Square Ventures and rebranded as Ziplines Education.

🚼 Mirza, a SaaS platform that assists hourly workers in understanding government childcare subsidies, secured $3.3M in funding.

👩‍⚕️ Virohan, an India-based healthcare EdTech startup, raised $1.8M in an extended pre-Series B round led by Blume Ventures.

✍️ UAE-based Thiqa Tutoring received a $300,000 investment from Hope Ventures.

M&A

🧑‍💼 US-based OPM provider, Podium Education, acquired Untapped, an early career talent platform, linking over 1M undergraduate students from Podium's 60+ partner universities with early career job and internship opportunities.

🎒 Unleashed Brands, a Texas-based operator of a youth enrichment platform, acquired K12 tutoring franchise, Sylvan Learning.

📚 Software Circle, a software investment firm, acquired ARC Technology, a company specializing in software for managing practice-based learning in higher education institutions.

🗂️ National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE) acquired SkillPointe, a website for skills training and job placement.

🌟 Bright Stars Education, a tutoring company, acquired Barnkids Nurseries, a group of four day nursery settings across Surrey and Hampshire.

🚼 iStep Learning, a group of day nurseries across the South of England, acquired a trio of nurseries, Three Muddy Boots.

🌼 Kids Planet Day Nurseries acquired three Kingfisher Day Nurseries.

Thank you for reading. Have a great week ahead!
Have some feedback or want to sponsor this newsletter? Let us know at hello@holoniq.com