Top 13 Venture Capital Firms for Education Startups

For founders in the Education and EdTech space, knowing the right investors is a critical part of fundraising. Approaching venture capital firms that deeply understand your sector saves time and improves your chances of finding a true partner.

To help you prepare, our team has compiled this overview of the top VC firms investing in education technology. We've focused on a mix of early-stage and growth-stage investors to give you a clear starting point for your research.

Actively raising? You can now access non-dilutive funding options like venture debt and credit lines through Rho Capital. Rho also provides access to business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay—built for startup teams moving fast.

Key Takeaways

• Securing venture funding gives your education startup the resources to grow, refine your product, and reach more students.

• Firms like Pear VC, Village Capital, J-Ventures, and TMV are notable backers of companies in the education sector.

• Once you've secured funding, Rho helps you manage your capital with integrated business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay.

Which VC Firms in Education Are Right for Your Stage?

Whether you're raising your first round or preparing for an exit, connecting with the right investors is key. To help, here is a quick overview of venture firms that invest in education companies, organized by stage.

Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms in Education

Pre-seed and seed funding is the initial capital you raise to validate your idea and build your minimum viable product. For founders in the education sector, firms like Pear VC, LearnLaunch Fund + Accelerator, and BBG Ventures are known for backing companies at this foundational stage.

Early Stage VC Firms in Education

Early-stage funding, typically Series A and B, is for startups with proven product-market fit that need capital to scale operations and expand their team. Edtech venture capital firms like GSV Ventures and Village Capital focus on this growth phase, and once you secure new funding, Rho can help you manage that capital with integrated banking and spend management tools.

Late Stage VC Firms in Education

Late-stage rounds provide significant capital to mature companies preparing for major growth, an acquisition, or an initial public offering (IPO). While equity investors like ARK Invest and J-Ventures participate in these rounds, you can also access non-dilutive financing like venture debt and credit lines through Rho Capital to fuel growth without giving up more equity.

Keep in mind that many venture capital firms invest across multiple stages, from seed to exit.

To help you identify the right investors, here is a closer look at the top VC firms focused on education. We've included key details on their investment stages, geographic focus, and what makes each firm a compelling choice for founders.

1. Pear VC

Based in Menlo Park, Pear VC is an early-stage firm that focuses on backing founders with pre-seed and seed funding. Since 2013, they have invested in technology companies across several industries, including the education sector.

The firm is known for partnering with companies from the very beginning, with notable successes like DoorDash and Guardant Health in its portfolio. Their approach is centered on helping founders build from the ground up, often getting involved at the idea stage.

Pear VC is a strong fit for founders seeking a hands-on partner for their first institutional round. If you have a clear vision and need capital and support to build your initial product, their track record is compelling.

• Investment stages: Pre-seed, seed, and early-stage venture

• Industries of focus: Education, Financial Services, Angel Investment

• Geographical presence: Menlo Park, California

• Founded: 2013

• Notable portfolio companies: DoorDash, Guardant Health, Credible Labs

• Portfolio size: Over 400 investments

You can refer to their website here.

2. Village Capital

Village Capital is a venture firm and accelerator that supports entrepreneurs building companies for a more inclusive and sustainable world. They invest across several key sectors, including education technology, FinTech, and agriculture, with a clear focus on impact.

The firm’s model is unique, combining investment with structured entrepreneurship programs to provide hands-on support to early-stage founders. Their portfolio includes promising companies like mPokket and MPOWER Financing, which are considered potential unicorns.

Village Capital is an excellent match for founders whose mission aligns with creating social or environmental change. If you value a community-driven approach and hands-on support alongside capital, their programs are worth exploring.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage venture, convertible note, debt, and private equity

• Industries of focus: EdTech, FinTech, Agriculture, Financial Services

• Geographical presence: Washington, D.C.

• Founded: 2009

• Notable portfolio companies: mPokket, MPOWER Financing, and acquired companies like Billpocket

• Portfolio size: Over 360 investments

You can refer to their website here.

3. J-Ventures

J-Ventures is a Palo Alto-based venture capital firm that invests across multiple stages, from seed to late-stage rounds. As an LP-driven fund, they back companies in a variety of sectors, including education, FinTech, and medical technology.

The firm has a strong track record of investing in high-growth companies that have achieved significant scale. Their portfolio includes several unicorns, such as corporate card platform Ramp, telehealth company Ro, and enterprise AI platform DataRobot.

J-Ventures is a compelling choice for founders with ambitious goals who are building companies with the potential for massive growth. Once you secure a large round from a firm like this, Rho can help you manage that capital with integrated banking and spend management tools.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture

• Industries of focus: Education, FinTech, Medical, Construction, Marketing

• Geographical presence: Palo Alto, California

• Founded: 2016

• Notable portfolio companies: Ramp, Ro, DataRobot, Yotpo

• Portfolio size: 56 investments

You can refer to their website here.

4. TMV

TMV is an early-stage investment firm in New York that backs companies focused on building the "future of living well." They support purpose-driven founders across sectors that impact daily life, including education, financial services, and healthcare.

The firm’s portfolio demonstrates a focus on both consumer and enterprise companies, with notable successes like Cityblock Health, FIGS, and an exit with ClassTag. This track record shows their ability to support companies from their initial stages through to major milestones like IPOs and acquisitions.

TMV is a strong partner for founders building mission-oriented businesses in sectors like EdTech, FinTech, and Health Care. If you are raising an early round and want an investor who understands how to build impactful brands, their approach is worth considering.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage venture, secondary market

• Industries of focus: Education, Financial Services, FinTech, Health Care

• Geographical presence: New York, New York

• Founded: 2016

• Notable portfolio companies: Cityblock Health, Casper Sleep, FIGS, ClassTag

• Portfolio size: 66 investments

You can refer to their website here.

5. GSV Ventures

GSV Ventures is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco that invests exclusively in education technology. They support companies from seed through late-stage rounds, focusing on the global "Pre-K to Gray" learning market.

The firm has a clear focus on backing high-growth companies that can achieve massive scale, as shown by their portfolio. They have invested in major names like Coursera, Andela, and Physics Wallah, several of which have become unicorns or gone public.

GSV Ventures is a great fit for founders building ambitious EdTech platforms with the potential for global reach. Once you secure a major round from a firm like GSV, Rho’s integrated platform can help you manage your new capital with business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture

• Industries of focus: EdTech, Education, STEM Education, Big Data

• Geographical presence: San Francisco, California

• Founded: 2016

• Notable portfolio companies: Coursera, Andela, Apna, Nearpod, Physics Wallah

• Portfolio size: Over 148 investments

You can refer to their website here.

6. devlabs

devlabs is an Oakland-based venture firm that invests in early-stage companies solving major problems in large markets. They back teams across sectors like finance, education, and health care.

The firm supports companies from the seed stage onward, often using convertible notes to get involved early. Their portfolio highlights a focus on B2B and FinTech, with successes like the Latin American payments unicorn Kushki.

devlabs is a strong choice for founders building solutions for big, established industries, particularly in finance and B2B software. Once you secure that early funding, Rho’s platform provides the tools—from corporate cards to automated bill pay—to manage your capital effectively.

• Investment stages: Convertible note, seed, and early-stage venture

• Industries of focus: Agriculture, Education, Finance, Health Care, Tourism

• Geographical presence: Oakland, California

• Founded: 2013

• Notable portfolio companies: Kushki, Colektia, Radar Treasury

• Portfolio size: 34 investments

You can refer to their website here.

7. ARK Investment Management

ARK Investment Management is a New York-based firm recognized for its thematic investment strategy focused on disruptive innovation. They back companies across several industries, including the education sector, finance, and financial technology.

The firm is distinguished by its broad investment range, supporting companies from seed stage through post-IPO. Their portfolio includes major private technology companies like SpaceX, OpenAI, and Epic Games, signaling a focus on businesses with large-scale, transformative potential.

ARK is a strong fit for founders developing ambitious technologies that aim to create new markets. For companies that secure a significant late-stage round from a firm like ARK, Rho provides the integrated financial platform to manage that capital effectively.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, late-stage venture, and post-IPO

• Industries of focus: Education, Finance, FinTech, Impact Investing

• Geographical presence: New York, New York

• Founded: 2014

• Notable portfolio companies: SpaceX, OpenAI, Anthropic, Epic Games, Coinbase

• Portfolio size: 34 investments

You can refer to their website here.

8. Acumen

Acumen is a non-profit venture fund that uses entrepreneurial approaches to solve global poverty. They invest in companies building scalable solutions for low-income communities worldwide.

The firm’s model is defined by its focus on impact, backing companies in sectors like education, financial services, and clean energy. Their portfolio includes notable companies like Esusu, which helps renters build credit, and EarnUp, which simplifies loan payments for consumers.

Acumen is a great match for founders driven by a mission to create measurable social change alongside financial returns. If your business directly addresses systemic issues related to poverty, their expertise and network are highly aligned.

Once you secure funding from an impact-focused firm like Acumen, Rho’s integrated platform helps you manage that capital with business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay, ensuring every dollar is deployed effectively.

• Investment stages: Early and late-stage venture

• Industries of focus: Education, Financial Services, Agriculture, Clean Energy, Non Profit

• Geographical presence: New York, New York

• Founded: 2001

• Notable portfolio companies: Esusu, EarnUp, Ema, Level

• Portfolio size: 142 investments

You can refer to their website here.

9. 7wire Ventures

7wire Ventures is a Chicago-based firm that invests in companies transforming the healthcare industry through technology. They support businesses from seed to late-stage rounds, with a focus on digital health, healthcare IT, and mHealth.

The firm is known for its deep involvement, having hatched companies like Transcarent and led significant growth rounds for others. Their portfolio includes major successes like Livongo, which was acquired for $18.5 billion, highlighting their ability to back market-defining companies.

7wire Ventures is a great partner for founders building technology-driven healthcare solutions with a consumer focus. If you secure a significant round from a firm like this, our integrated platform at Rho can help you manage that new capital with tools for banking, corporate cards, and payments.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture

• Industries of focus: Health Care, mHealth, Education

• Geographical presence: Chicago, Illinois

• Founded: 2011

• Notable portfolio companies: Livongo, Transcarent, PayZen

• Portfolio size: 72 investments

You can refer to their website here.

10. BBG Ventures

BBG Ventures is a New York-based, early-stage fund that invests exclusively in female founders. Their focus is on backing ambitious ideas that have the potential to reshape major aspects of daily life.

The firm’s investment thesis is centered on backing women at the earliest stages, often pre-seed and seed. Their portfolio includes consumer-facing successes like the mental health platform Spring Health and the education company KiwiCo.

BBG Ventures is an ideal partner for female founders seeking their first institutional check and a supportive, hands-on investor. Once you secure that early funding, our integrated platform at Rho can help you manage your capital with tools for banking, corporate cards, and payments.

• Investment stages: Seed and early-stage venture

• Industries of focus: Companies led by female founders, with an emphasis on education, health care, and consumer products

• Geographical presence: New York, New York

• Founded: 2014

• Notable portfolio companies: Spring Health, Zola, The Mom Project, Blueland, KiwiCo

• Portfolio size: Over 115 investments

You can refer to their website here.

11. LearnLaunch Fund + Accelerator

LearnLaunch Fund + Accelerator is a Boston-based firm that invests in and supports entrepreneurs aiming to advance the education sector. They combine early-stage capital with a hands-on accelerator program to help founders build and scale their companies.

The firm’s model is built around its accelerator, providing deep operational support alongside seed and early-stage funding. Their portfolio includes companies like the acquired classroom platform Kaymbu and the fast-growing test-prep app Entri, showing a focus on practical and scalable solutions.

LearnLaunch is a great fit for early-stage EdTech founders who value structured guidance and a strong support network. After securing your seed round, Rho can help you manage those funds with an all-in-one platform for banking, cards, and payments.

• Investment stages: Seed and early-stage venture

• Industries of focus: EdTech, E-Learning, Corporate Training, Higher Education

• Geographical presence: Boston, Massachusetts

• Founded: 2013

• Notable portfolio companies: Kaymbu, Entri, GoSprout, Robo Wunderkind

• Portfolio size: 90 investments

You can refer to their website here.

12. VilCap Investments

VilCap Investments provides capital to early-stage companies selected by their peers from Village Capital's accelerator programs. This unique model ensures that funding goes to founders who have earned the trust and support of their fellow entrepreneurs.

The firm invests across impact-driven sectors like education, health care, and clean energy, with a strong record of successful exits. Their portfolio includes companies like Billpocket and Vault, which were both acquired after receiving investment.

VilCap is a great fit for founders who have completed a Village Capital accelerator and are building businesses with a clear social or environmental mission. Once you secure funding, our platform at Rho can help you manage that capital with integrated banking and spend management tools.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage venture, private equity, and debt

• Industries of focus: Education, Health Care, Agriculture, Clean Energy, Finance

• Geographical presence: San Francisco, California

• Founded: 2014

• Notable portfolio companies: Vault, Billpocket, Vartega, Kuli Kuli

• Portfolio size: 85 investments

You can refer to their website here.

13. TechRise Chicago

TechRise Chicago is a venture capital firm and startup competition that supports early-stage companies. It operates as a multi-stakeholder initiative with a specific focus on backing Black and Latinx tech founders.

The firm’s model is built around creating opportunities for underrepresented entrepreneurs across a wide range of industries, including education, finance, and medical technology. Their approach combines capital with the structure of a startup competition, signaling a commitment to community and ecosystem development.

TechRise is an excellent choice for Black and Latinx founders in the Chicago area who are raising seed or grant funding. Once you secure that initial capital, our platform at Rho can help you manage it with integrated banking, corporate cards, and payment tools.

• Investment stages: Seed, grant, and early-stage venture

• Industries of focus: Education, Finance, Medical, Construction, and Professional Services

• Geographical presence: Chicago, Illinois

• Founded: 2021

• Investor type: Startup Competition, Venture Capital

• Portfolio size: 139 investments

You can refer to their website here.

What This Tells Us About The VC Scene for Education Companies

This list shows that the investor community for education companies is varied, with a strong emphasis on early-stage funding. For founders raising pre-seed, seed, or Series A rounds, there are many active firms. Geographically, investors are concentrated in major US tech hubs like the Bay Area and New York, which is a key consideration for your fundraising strategy.

The variety of investor types is also notable. You'll find generalist funds alongside impact-focused investors and firms dedicated to specific founder demographics. This means you have a good chance of finding a partner whose mission aligns with your own. As you prepare your next steps, remember that equity financing is just one part of the equation. Our team at Rho Capital can also help you access non-dilutive funding options like venture debt to fuel your growth without giving up more ownership.

Raise Confidently with Rho

Having a focused list of relevant investors is invaluable when your time and energy are limited during a fundraise. This approach helps you direct your efforts toward partners who truly understand your vision and goals.

If you’re seeking funding, Rho Capital connects you to non-dilutive options like venture debt and credit lines through a fast, guided process. We help founders access financing tailored to their stage without chasing lenders or signing legacy terms.

Once your capital is secured, our integrated platform helps you manage and deploy it efficiently. We provide the tools you need—business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—all in one place.

FAQs about Venture Capital Firms Focused on Education

Which Bay Area venture capital firms focus on education?

The Bay Area is a key hub for EdTech investment. Firms like Pear VC, J-Ventures, and GSV Ventures are based there and actively fund education companies, often from the earliest stages through to significant growth rounds.

What are the top NYC venture capital firms for EdTech?

New York is another major center for education investors. You'll find firms like TMV, BBG Ventures, and ARK Investment Management backing EdTech founders with a focus on early-stage and purpose-driven companies with large-scale potential.

Are there many European venture capital firms for education startups?

While many prominent EdTech investors are in the US, Europe has a growing number of dedicated funds in hubs like London and Berlin. Our team at Rho can help you manage capital from global investors with a unified financial platform.

How do I find seed stage venture capital firms for my EdTech company?

Focus your research on firms with a stated interest in seed-stage EdTech. Review their portfolios for relevant companies and use industry networks. Rho Capital can also connect you to non-dilutive funding options suitable for your stage.

What do education technology investors look for in a startup?

Investors typically look for a strong founding team with relevant experience, a scalable solution to a clear problem in a large market, and early evidence of traction or product-market fit that shows customer demand.

How can Rho help my startup after I secure funding?

Once you've secured capital, our integrated platform helps you manage it effectively. Rho provides business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay, all in one place to help you deploy funds efficiently.