Octopus Ventures, part of Octopus Group and one of the largest VCs in Europe, has exited its investment in education and talent technology startup BridgeU.
BridgeU has been acquired by Kaplan, a global, diversified education provider offering students and businesses and university partners an array of services: higher and professional education, test preparation, online learning and assessments, international student recruitment and university pathways, and language training. Kaplan, Inc. is the largest subsidiary of the Graham Holdings Company, a diversified education and media company.
Over the last six years, BridgeU has become the leading provider of university and careers guidance services for global and international schools. Today, BridgeU partners with counselors and advisors at secondary schools in 120 countries, supporting students in making more informed post-secondary plans and decisions. BridgeU also works with leading universities, helping them to access and connect with the largest community of international schools available on one platform.
As guidance matures within schools and as covid-19 accelerates adoption of education technologies within learning institutions across the globe, BridgeU is focused on helping counselors and teachers at BridgeU schools to manage their guidance programs in more dynamic and powerful ways than ever before. As universities adjust to their own ‘new normal’ and explore ways to engage students and counselors from a distance, BridgeU is also evolving to meet a growing market need by becoming a connector of meaningful relationships between schools and universities.
Lucy Stonehill, Founder & CEO of BridgeU, said:
“We’ve spent many months reflecting on our vision and considering the next phase of BridgeU’s growth. As part of that next phase, we were seeking a long-term strategic partner to help us accelerate our vision, and earlier in the year I’m thrilled to share that we found that partner in Kaplan. Kaplan’s extensive global infrastructure will allow us to hire the best local talent in key regional hubs to be closer to our customers. And, Kaplan’s strong customer relationships will help accelerate our school and university partnerships globally.”
Zoe Chambers, Principal at Octopus Ventures, commented:
“The education sector has rapidly evolved over the past decade, with edtech playing a pivotal role in this process. We have entered a period of greater change due to covid-19, which has accelerated global demand for solutions that allow for remote provision of educational services. We at Octopus Ventures are confident that BridgeU will build on its impressive growth over the past six years as part of the Kaplan network, and continue to deliver quality services for students, secondary schools and universities alike.”
Andrew Thick, Senior Vice President of Kaplan, added:
“Kaplan’s mission is to help individuals to achieve their career and education goals. We are excited to welcome BridgeU, a company with an incredible global footprint and an ambitious and talented team, to the Kaplan family. BridgeU’s unique operating model, partnering with schools in the design and delivery of world class university and careers guidance services, means that it can impact students at a truly unique scale.”
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For journalists in their professional capacity only. Personal opinions may change and should not be seen as advice or a recommendation. We do not offer investment or tax advice. Issued by Octopus Investments. Octopus Ventures is part of Octopus Investments Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered office: 33 Holborn, London, EC1N 2HT. Registered in England and Wales No. 03942880. Issued: September 2020.