Tag Archives: Education

Sdui Group Secures Strategic Investment to Accelerate its Mission to Become the Operating System for European Schools

BainCapital

Koblenz, Germany and London – July 21, 2025 – Sdui Group, a leading European provider of cloud-based administrative software for K-12 schools, today announced a new growth investment led by Bain Capital’s Tech Opportunities fund, with participation from existing investors HV Capital and High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF). The funding will be used to strengthen Sdui Group’s product suite, deepen its support for educational institutions, and further its ambition to become the unified digital platform for education in Europe.

Founded in 2018 in Germany, Sdui Group provides a fully integrated suite that supports schools across administrative needs from communication, attendance, scheduling, grading, and more. Today, Sdui Group serves thousands of institutions across Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Spain, and is continuing to expand into new regions. Its modern, modular software is trusted by individual schools, districts, and governments to streamline operations. Sdui Group’s suite improves the experience for all stakeholders – teachers, students, administrators, and parents – and gives back valuable time to focus on teaching and learning.

As European school systems face rising complexity, increased digital expectations, and expanding public support and funding for education technology, institutions are looking for modern, reliable platforms that simplify their daily workflows. With a user-first approach and scalable, compliant cloud architecture, Sdui Group is well-positioned to lead this shift.

“This is a moment of transformation for education in Europe,” said James Stevens, a Partner in Bain Capital’s Tech Opportunities business. “Sdui Group is emerging as a trusted and capable partner to help schools navigate that change. Daniel and his team have built a modern, intuitive platform that directly addresses the daily challenges of school administration. We’re excited to support their continued growth and impact across the region.”

Sdui Group has already built strong momentum through both organic growth and acquisitions. The company has successfully integrated several regional software players, expanded its capabilities, and continues to invest in innovation, reliability, and user experience.

“Bain Capital’s approach is unique – they combine strategic vision with real operational support,” said Daniel Zacharias, Founder and CEO of Sdui Group. “They’ve taken the time to truly understand our mission and the realities schools face every day. With their support – and the continued backing of HV and HTGF – we’re accelerating our work to build the digital backbone of European schools.”

“We’ve been proud to back Daniel and Sdui Group since the early days and are thrilled to continue supporting this next phase of growth,” said Felix Klühr, Partner at HV Capital. “Bain Capital’s experience scaling software companies globally makes them a valuable addition to the partnership.”

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About Sdui Group

Founded in Germany in 2018, the Sdui Group has developed into a leading provider of cloud-based software that enables digital communication and administration for schools and educational institutions across Europe. As a reliable partner, Sdui Group supports individual institutions, governments and ministries in their digitalization effort, and develops innovative cloud-based solutions for schools and preschools.

Sdui Group’s suite of tools supports messaging, attendance, scheduling, grading, and more—making everyday school workflows simpler, more secure, and more effective. The company is based in Koblenz, Germany and currently employs around 230 people based in several European countries.

About Bain Capital

Founded in 1984, Bain Capital is one of the world’s leading private investment firms. We are committed to creating lasting impact for our investors, teams, businesses, and the communities in which we live. As a private partnership, we lead with conviction and a culture of collaboration, advantages that enable us to innovate investment approaches, unlock opportunities, and create exceptional outcomes. Our global platform invests across five focus areas: Private Equity, Growth & Venture, Capital Solutions, Credit & Capital Markets, and Real Assets. In these focus areas, we bring deep sector expertise and wide-ranging capabilities. We have 24 offices on four continents, more than 1,850 employees, and approximately $185 billion in assets under management. To learn more, visit www.baincapital.com. Follow @BainCapital on LinkedIn and X (Twitter).

Bain Capital’s Tech Opportunities business (baincapitaltechopportunities.com) aims to help growing technology companies reach their full potential. We focus on companies in large, growing end markets with innovative or disruptive technology where we believe we can support transformational growth. Our dedicated, tenured team has deep experience supporting growing technology businesses—bringing together differentiated backgrounds in private and public equity investing as well as technology operating roles. We invest behind fundamental long-term tailwinds as technology penetrates across industries, creating a large and growing number of investment opportunities.

About HV Capital

HV Capital is one of the leading early-stage and growth investors in Europe. With nine fund generations in 25 years and €2.8 bn in managed assets, HV Capital is one of the continent’s most active investors. The investment team has many years of experience in identifying European startups with great potential for success. In addition to international success stories like Flix, Zalando, Delivery Hero, Sumup, and Depop, innovation leaders such as Quantum Systems, Marvel Fusion, Sennder, Neura Robotics, Enpal, and Isar Aerospace are also part of the portfolio. HV Capital has invested in more than 250 internet and technology companies, supporting startups with ticket sizes ranging from €0.5m to €60m. It is one of Europe’s few venture capital firms that can finance startups through all growth phases. HV Capital has a team of more than 60+ investment and operations professionals who provide a variety of perspectives and expertise across the venture capital landscape (hvcapital.com).

About High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF)

HTGF is one of the leading and most active early-stage investors in Germany and Europe, financing startups in the fields of Deep Tech, Industrial Tech, Climate Tech, Digital Tech, Life Sciences and Chemistry. With its experienced investment team, HTGF supports startups in all phases of their development into international market leaders. HTGF invests in the pre-seed and seed phase and can participate significantly in further financing rounds, since 2024 with the HTGF Opportunity growth fund. HTGF has a fund volume of over 2 billion euros. Since its inception in 2005, HTGF has financed more than 780 startups and successfully sold shares in almost 200 companies.

The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, KfW Capital and numerous companies are invested in the HTGF seed funds. Investors in the HTGF Opportunity growth fund include the ERP Special Fund and KfW with the resources of the Zukunftsfonds (“Future Fund”). Further information can be found at HTGF.de or on LinkedIn and on the Zukunftsfonds page.

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Noordhoff and Codename Future join forces in secondary vocational education

NPM Capital

Noordhoff and Codename Future join forces in secondary vocational education

Noordhoff, part of Infinitas Learning, and Codename Future have entered into a strategic partnership to strengthen core skills education in Dutch secondary and vocational education. The partnership marks an important step towards the common goal: to prepare young people optimally for full participation in society and the labour market.

 

Noordhoff is an educational publisher and market leader in language education for secondary vocational students. The organization offers a broad and flexible range of educational resources for developing basic skills, and has played a central role in strengthening the foundation of Dutch education for decades.

 

Codename Future, founded in 1995, is a market leader in citizenship and career education in secondary vocational education. The organization is known for its innovative approach, actively involving young people in the development of teaching materials – including through initiatives such as the youth editorial team “Young Reporters“.

 

The integration of the two parties started at the beginning of this year and is being implemented in phases. Existing programmes and services will remain available, while at the same time work is underway to develop new, motivating and skills-oriented teaching programs. Relevance to and involvement of young people are central to these efforts.

 

Martijn Spekman, managing director of Codename Future, said: “In Noordhoff we have found a partner who understands our mission. Together we can increase our impact and continue to build education that is designed together with young people.” Anneke Blok, managing director of Noordhoff, added: “Codename Future’s vision and expertise fit seamlessly with our ambition. Their youth-oriented approach brings new energy and inspiration. I look forward to the innovations that will come out of this partnership.”

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Didask Secures €10M Investment to Enhance Corporate Online Learning

AVP
  • By placing skill development at the heart of organizational strategy, Didask transforms every training course into a true lever for sustainable, accessible, and personalized growth and performance.
  • Its eLearning platform is based on a unique approach combining instructional AI and cognitive science to rethink the way knowledge is transmitted and assimilated.
  • The company is now preparing for European expansion and  launching  a Knowledge Assistant dedicated to informal learning.

Paris, April 15th, 2025

Didask, a SaaS eLearning platform focused on significantly improving online training, has announced a successful €10 million fundraising round led by AVP (Atlantic Vantage Point) and Citizen Capital, with support from MAIF Impact, JuneX, and historical investor Takara Capital.

The company distinguishes itself with its scientific approach, while many competitors rely on gamification or ergonomics. The startup prioritizes educational effectiveness, offering structured and accessible training  to upskill employees.

An expert is not necessarily a teacher

The journey began in 2006 at ENS, where Son Ly and Arnaud Riegert observed that eLearning often fails to transmit skills effectively without a solid educational framework. Convinced of the key role that cognitive science plays in learning, they launched Didask in 2017 with Philip Moore. Their core ambition was to enable every expert to transmit their knowledge, regardless of their pedagogical skills.

Driven by this vision, they have continued to innovate. In 2019, they reimagined the LMS (Learning Management System) with a unique, scientifically validated authoring tool to structure training creation. Then, in 2022, they launched Didia, an intelligent teaching assistant that combined  AI and cognitive science to provide engaging,  highly accessible, and immediate applicable training.

Didask’s instructional AI empowers experts to develop engaging,  pedagogically sound online learning and microlearning content regardless of their technical skills. This technology streamlines the creation of high-quality training materials across diverse fields. Leveraging insights from cognitive science research, Didask incorporates evidence-based recommendations throughout the  training creation process. From defining learning goals and sub-goals to selecting effective pedagogical approaches and creating content, it automatically generates the most suitable formats to enhance learner engagement and progress (simulations, feedback, flashcards, micro-challenges, practical cases corrected by AI), tailoring a learning path for each learner’s needs.

Growth focused on international markets and informal learning

Already adopted by over 200 companies and training organizations (ENGIE, DEKRA, KEDGE Business School, MAGORA, BestDrive, Suez, DGAFP, PELLENC, Pierre et Vacances, French National Order of Chartered Accountants, etc.), Didask will continue to innovate thanks to this latest round of fundraising.

The company, which has doubled its revenue every year since 2022, will accelerate the technological development of its platform and instructional AI. The latter will soon include a Knowledge Assistant designed to boost informal learning and facilitate daily learning. Directly accessible from work tools, Didia will thus help employeesupskill  seamlessly and sustainably.

With a team of over 80 experts, Didask also aims for international expansion, particularly in Europe.

“I thank our investors for trusting in our vision: to develop a robust technology based on cognitive science to transform corporate training. This fundraising is a key step in making our educational technology accessible to all, helping employees learn effectively on a daily basis, and expanding our impact internationally.”, says Son Ly, CEO and co-founder of Didask.

“We are thrilled to partner with Didask, a pioneering company in the evolution of online learning. Their platform combining instructional AI and cognitive science. is revolutionizing training and skill development. This investment reflects our commitment to backing AI-powered vertical applications. We applaud the work of Son and his team and look forward to supporting them in their next steps,” says François Robinet, Managing Partner at AVP.

“What convinced us about Didask is a strong conviction carried by a committed founding team: training is not just a channel for transmission, it is above all, a driver of transformation. A powerful lever not only for greater efficiency, but also for greater equity and impact on learners. Their approach, rooted in the principles of equal opportunity and powered by distinctive educational technology, fully aligns with our values at the crossroads of impact, tech, and the future of work.”, explains Mehdi Belkahla, Investment Director at Citizen Capital.

“After three years alongside Didask as a seed investor, this transaction validates our initial conviction, inspired by a remarkable scientific team. Didask is exactly the kind of company that can lead the new AI supercycle by applying this new technology vertically in a unique field of expertise.”, says Thomas Le Forestier, co-founder of Takara Capital.

About Didask

Founded in 2017, Didask is a SaaS e-learning solution that deeply transforms online training by combining cognitive science and artificial intelligence. Its platform enables organizations to create effective training programs adapted to how the brain works, for genuine skill development. Adopted by over 200 companies (ENGIE, DEKRA, KEDGE Business School, MAGORA, BestDrive, Suez, DGAFP, Pellenc, Pierre et Vacances, French National Order of Chartered Accountants, etc.), Didask aims to become a major player in digital learning in Europe. Learn more at www.didask.com.

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EQT Consortium Completes Acquisition of Nord Anglia Education

eqt

Avenues New York - NAE

  • Expanded shareholder group, led by global investors including Neuberger Berman Private Markets, CPP Investments, CF Alba and Dubai Holding, brings deep expertise and long-term capital to support Nord Anglia’s continued expansion and innovation in premium education
  • USD 14.5 billion transaction reflects Nord Anglia’s leadership in delivering world-class education and its position as a premier global institution
  • The depth and diversity of global financial asset managers and institutions in Nord Anglia’s expanded shareholder base enhance its long-term resilience, introduce fresh strategic capital and create new pathways for innovation and growth

LONDON – March 20, 2025 – EQT, as part of a global consortium of premier institutional investors including Neuberger Berman Private Markets, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (“CPP Investments”), Corporación Financiera Alba, S.A. (“CF Alba”) and Dubai Holding Investments (“Dubai Holding”) (collectively the “Consortium”), today announced the successful completion of the Consortium’s acquisition of Nord Anglia Education (“Nord Anglia” or the “Company”), valuing the business at USD 14.5 billion.

This transaction marks a significant milestone in Nord Anglia’s evolution as a global leader in private international education. Operating over 80 schools in 33 countries, Nord Anglia educates more than 90,000 students from ages 2 to 18.  Its students consistently achieve excellent academic results, with Year 12 graduates frequently accepted into the world’s top 100 universities. Central to Nord Anglia’s educational philosophy is its personalized learning approach, where classroom teaching is tailored to each student’s unique learning style.

Alongside EQT, Neuberger Berman Private Markets, CPP Investments, CF Alba and Dubai Holding, the completion of Nord Anglia’s acquisition also introduces a distinguished group of global financial asset managers or institutions which significantly broadens and strengthens the Company’s ownership structure. This group includes sovereign wealth funds, insurers, and family offices across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and North America, which not only enhances Nord Anglia’s long-term stability as a private company but also brings new strategic perspectives, resources, and capital to drive its continued growth. The strong momentum and commitment from these investors reflect the exceptional quality of the organization and confidence in its long-term trajectory.

EQT has been a dedicated partner to Nord Anglia since 2008 and further strengthened its commitment in 2017, when CPP Investments joined as an investor. Over this period, EQT has played a central role in strategic M&A, helping Nord Anglia successfully execute more than 21 acquisitions since 2017 that have significantly expanded its footprint and earnings. Additionally, EQT has worked closely with Nord Anglia to invest in digital initiatives, enhancing both the student learning experience and operational efficiencies. Under EQT’s ownership, Nord Anglia has also established an innovative collaboration model with world-renowned institutions, further elevating its reputation for academic excellence. Its partners include UNICEF, Juilliard, MIT, IMG Academy, King’s College London, and Project Zero, a research center at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Neuberger Berman, CF Alba, Dubai Holding and other leading global investors now join EQT and CPP Investments to further strengthen Nord Anglia’s position as a sophisticated, globally integrated premium education group. With a commitment to supporting both organic growth and strategic acquisitions, the Consortium ensures Nord Anglia remains well-positioned for continued innovation, expansion, and leadership in the evolving global education landscape.

Jean Eric Salata, Chairperson of EQT Asia and Head of Private Capital Asia, said, “EQT is proud to be a long-term partner to Nord Anglia and to continue supporting its evolution as a world-leading premium education platform. This transaction not only delivers a strong outcome and a successful exit for BPEA Private Equity Fund VI but also marks a defining moment for EQT, as we align with a distinguished group of global investors who share a deep commitment to Nord Anglia’s mission. The strength and diversity of this expanded shareholder base will reinforce the company’s long-term stability, provide additional strategic capital, and unlock new opportunities for innovation. We look forward to this next chapter and to seeing Nord Anglia continue to set new benchmarks in academic excellence and global impact.”

Jack Hennessy, Partner at EQT Private Equity, said, “Nord Anglia is an outstanding institution that has set new standards for excellence in global private education. For more than 16 years, we’ve worked closely with the company’s exceptional management team to expand its reach and elevate its academic offering. With the completion of this transaction, we are excited to continue this journey with Neuberger Berman, CPP Investments, CF Alba, Dubai Holding and a world-class group of long-term institutional investors, ensuring Nord Anglia is well-positioned for its next stage of growth.”

Andrew Fitzmaurice, Chief Executive Officer of Nord Anglia Education, added, “We are delighted to partner with some of the world’s most respected investors, who share our commitment to educational excellence. EQT has been an exceptional partner over the years, helping to strengthen our academic programs, invest in research and innovation, and expand our family of schools globally. With the support of our investor group, we are excited about the future and the opportunities this will create to further improve students’ outcomes.”

EQT is investing in Nord Anglia through its BPEA Private Equity Fund VIII.

Contact
EQT Press Office, press@eqtpartners.com

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About EQT
EQT is a purpose-driven global investment organization with EUR 269 billion in total assets under management (EUR 136 billion in fee-generating assets under management), within two business segments – Private Capital and Real Assets. EQT owns portfolio companies and assets in Europe, Asia Pacific and the Americas and supports them in achieving sustainable growth, operational excellence and market leadership.

More info: www.eqtgroup.com
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About Nord Anglia Education
As a leading international schools organization, we’re shaping a generation of creative and resilient global citizens who graduate from our schools with everything they need for success, whatever they choose to be or do in life.

Our strong academic foundations combine world-class teaching and curricula with cutting-edge technology and facilities, creating learning experiences like no other. Inside and outside of the classroom, we inspire our students to achieve more than they ever thought possible.

No two children learn the same way, which is why our schools around the world personalize learning to what works best for every student. Inspired by our high-quality teachers, our students achieve outstanding academic results and go on to study at the world’s top universities.

Our Nord Anglia global family includes 80+ day and boarding schools in 33 countries, teaching over 90,000 students from ages 3 to 18. 

To learn more: nordangliaeducation.com.

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First Intuition acquires three more franchises

We are pleased to announce that First Intuition has acquired it’s Cambridge, Leeds and Chelmsford franchises, bringing the number of franchises acquired to six and increasing its learner base by c.3,800 students.

 

First Intuition is an award-winning professional education provider with expert tutors and exceptional pass rates. It offers a full range of accountancy training pathways leading to qualifications and membership of the four main accounting bodies: AAT, CIMA, ACCA and ICAEW.

 

“First Intuition has been steadily consolidating its position as a market leader in professional education,” said Jess French, Apiary Investment Director. “We look forward to supporting the management team as they continue to deliver impressive growth in their business.”

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Apiary-backed LearnPro acquires Infographics

Apiary-backed LearnPro is pleased to announce the acquisition of Infographics, expanding its suite of virtual reality and e-learning software tailored for the UK emergency services sectors.

Roar acquires Infographics

This acquisition enhances the portfolio through the addition of the market-leading FireWatch, FloSuite and Prevent + Protect products, complementing existing software offerings, including XVR Simulation, pdrPro, and learnPro.

The addition of Infographics underscores LearnPro Group’s status as a leading software provider within the global emergency services and critical infrastructure market, while also addressing the growing demand for risk prevention solutions.

“We are thrilled to welcome Infographics to the LearnPro Group,” stated Costi Karayannis, CEO of LearnPro. “This acquisition strengthens our commitment to the UK Fire sector but also enables us to expand our ecosystem of management tools for the global emergency services and critical infrastructure sectors. We believe that the synergy of our combined capabilities will deliver even greater value to our customers.”

Ed Leeming, Investment Manager at Apiary Capital, added, “We are excited to support Costi and the LearnPro team as they drive their expansion strategy. Infographics aligns perfectly with LearnPro, and together, their combined resources will significantly benefit their user base.”

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KKR and Dragoneer Complete Acquisition of Instructure

KKR

Investment to support newly private company’s plans for product innovation and worldwide growth

SALT LAKE CITY, Nov. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Instructure Holdings, Inc. (“Instructure”), a leading learning ecosystem, today announced the close of its acquisition by investment funds managed by KKR, a leading global investment firm, and Dragoneer, a growth-oriented investor, for $23.60 per share in an all-cash transaction valued at an enterprise value of approximately $4.8 billion. With the completion of the transaction, Instructure’s common stock has ceased trading and the company is no longer listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

Instructure is a leading global provider of learning management, education-tech effectiveness and credentialing solutions. The Instructure ecosystem of products enhances the lives and outcomes of students, professional learners and educators. The company has impacted approximately 200 million learners across more than 100 countries and boasts a thriving community of over 1,000 partners. Together with its expansive network of educators, learners and partners, the company is committed to broadening its platform and delivering $1B in revenue by 2028.

“We could not be more excited to begin the next phase of our journey as the mission-critical educational operating system that schools, institutions and companies rely on to improve outcomes for lifelong learners,” said Steve Daly, CEO of Instructure. “Having KKR’s support will help us double down on core markets, scale our global reach at a faster pace and unlock new opportunities as we continue to innovate and enhance Canvas and the Instructure Learning Ecosystem. Together, we expect to build on our position as the education ecosystem that powers learning for a lifetime and turns education into opportunities for all learners globally.”

“Instructure has built a strong reputation as a true leader and partner in the learning community,” said Webster Chua, partner at KKR. “We look forward to working closely with Steve and the team to leverage KKR’s global platform to continue growing and scaling the Instructure ecosystem.”

“Instructure reminds us of those generational vertical software companies with all the key ingredients: strong customer love, mission criticality, and a commitment to product superiority,” said Christian Jensen, Partner at Dragoneer Investment Group. “Together with KKR, we are fully supportive of Instructure’s commitment to having a profound and transformative impact on the global education market.”

ADVISORS

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC acted as the lead financial advisor, Macquarie Capital also acted as a financial advisor to Instructure and Kirkland & Ellis LLP is serving as the legal advisor to Instructure.  Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Moelis & Company LLC and UBS Investment Bank acted as financial advisors and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP acted as legal advisor to KKR.

ABOUT INSTRUCTURE

Instructure powers the delivery of education globally and provides learners with the rich credentials they need to create opportunities across their lifetimes. Today, the Instructure ecosystem of products enables educators and institutions to elevate student success, amplify the power of teaching, and inspire everyone to learn together. With our global network of learners, educators, partners and customers, we continue to deliver on our vision to be the platform that powers learning for a lifetime and turns that learning into opportunities. We encourage you to discover more at www.instructure.com.

ABOUT KKR

KKR is a leading global investment firm that offers alternative asset management as well as capital markets and insurance solutions. KKR aims to generate attractive investment returns by following a patient and disciplined investment approach, employing world-class people, and supporting growth in its portfolio companies and communities. KKR sponsors investment funds that invest in private equity, credit and real assets and has strategic partners that manage hedge funds. KKR’s insurance subsidiaries offer retirement, life and reinsurance products under the management of Global Atlantic Financial Group. References to KKR’s investments may include the activities of its sponsored funds and insurance subsidiaries. For additional information about KKR & Co. Inc. (NYSE: KKR), please visit KKR’s website at www.kkr.com.

ABOUT DRAGONEER

Dragoneer Investment Group is a growth-oriented investment firm with over $23 billion under management and a flexible mandate to invest in high-quality businesses in both the public and private markets. For over a decade, Dragoneer has partnered with management teams to grow exceptional companies, characterized by sustainable differentiation and superior economic models. Dragoneer looks to partner with the best businesses globally and has been an investor in companies such as Airbnb, AmWINS, Atlassian, Datadog, Dayforce, Doordash, Duck Creek, Livongo, Nubank, PointClickCare, Procore, ServiceTitan, Slack, Snowflake, Spotify, Square, Tekion, Uber, and others.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact, including statements about the potential benefits of the completed acquisition of Instructure Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”), are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements give the Company’s current expectations, estimates and projections about the potential benefits of the transaction, its business and industry, management’s beliefs and certain assumptions made by the Company regarding its financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business, all of which are subject to change. You can identify forward-looking statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements may include words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “plan,” “intend,” “believe,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “can have,” “likely” and other words and terms of similar meaning. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s beliefs, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to the Company.

Because such statements are based on expectations as to future financial and operating results and are not statements of fact, actual results may differ materially from those projected and are subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including: (i) the Company’s ability to implement its business strategy following completion of the acquisition; (ii) ongoing litigation and potential further litigation relating to the acquisition, including the effects of any outcomes related thereto; (iii) risks that disruptions from the acquisition will harm the Company’s business, including current plans and operations; (iv) the effect of the announcement of the completion of the acquisition on the Company’s business relationships, operating results and business generally; (v) the Company’s ability to retain, hire and integrate skilled personnel including the Company’s senior management team and maintain relationships with key business partners and customers, and others with whom it does business, in light of the acquisition; (vi) risks related to diverting management’s attention from the Company’s ongoing business operations; (vii) unexpected costs, charges or expenses resulting from the acquisition; (viii) the impact of adverse general and industry-specific economic and market conditions; (ix) the impact of inflation, rising interest rates, and global conflicts; and (x) risks that the benefits of the acquisition are not realized when and as expected. The Company cautions you that the important factors referenced above may not contain all of the factors that are important to you. In addition, the Company cannot assure you that the Company will realize the results or developments expected or anticipated or, even if substantially realized, that they will result in the consequences or affect the Company or the Company’s operations in the way the Company expects. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law.

CONTACT:

Instructure:
JP Schuerman
Corporate Communications
(801) 658-7525
jp.schuerman@instructure.com

KKR:
Julia Kosygina or Lauren McCranie
(212) 750-8300

SOURCE Instructure Holdings, Inc.

 

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Stepful Secures $31.5 Million Series B Led by Oak HC/FT to Address U.S. Healthcare Worker Shortage

Oak HC FT

Investment will expand scalable programs and partnerships with healthcare providers, aiming to close critical workforce gaps by 2025

Stepful, the company dedicated to re-imagining healthcare training for allied health professional jobs, today announced it has raised $31.5 million in Series B funding. The round was led by Oak HC/FT with participation from Y Combinator, Reach Capital, AlleyCorp, SemperVirens, Company Ventures, Green Sands, ECMC Education Impact Fund, Intermountain Ventures, and Cedar Pine.

Today, Stepful offers educational training programs for both entry-level positions, including medical assistants, medical admins, and pharmacy technicians, and advanced programs for licensed practical nurses and surgical technicians. Unlike other trade schools, Stepful is an AI-powered learning platform with an accelerated format, lower costs and placement for students who successfully complete the program. To date, the company has seen strong growth in its business, expanding from 50 students in 2021 to more than 30,000 enrollees projected in 2024. With this new funding, Stepful will expand its B2B offering and continue growing its health system partnerships.

Stepful’s platform is designed for working adults, particularly from historically underserved communities, providing virtual instructor-led courses that include live, cohort-based learning sessions and one-on-one coaching for those looking for entry-level positions in hospitals and healthcare settings. Additionally, the program’s bite-sized, asynchronous, interactive learning modules allow students to manage their studies alongside other commitments, while AI-powered feedback offers personalized support and outreach to ensure students don’t fall behind.

“This funding supports our mission to make healthcare training more accessible while addressing the U.S. shortage of healthcare workers,” said Carl Madi, CEO of Stepful. “It enables us to reach more students, ensuring that our graduates can transition into high-demand roles more quickly, grow our practical nursing offerings, and open new schools in key regions. We’re also enhancing our capabilities to better serve healthcare employers by adding tools for screening and vetting, analytics, on-site learning support, and to pursue strategic acquisitions.”

The U.S. healthcare system will face a shortage of 3.2 million allied healthcare workers, nurses, and mental health professionals by 2026, according to the American Hospital Association, which could result in $86 billion in increased expenses and employee burnout. Traditional educational models, such as community colleges and trade schools, often require in-person attendance, have enrollment caps, and are costly—limiting their scalability in addressing these shortages.

Stepful’s approach has yielded industry-leading outcomes, including an 87% NHA CCMA exam pass rate—ten points higher than the national average—and a 75% completion rate. Stepful currently serves 13,000 monthly active students and boasts a network of over 8,000 healthcare partners  where students complete hands-on clinical training.

“Stepful is addressing a significant unmet need to mitigate the health professional labor shortage, and they’re doing it while creating a win-win situation for both students and employers,” said Vig Chandramouli, Partner at Oak HC/FT. “The quality and outcomes of Stepful’s program have proven to be superior to current options with higher graduation rates, certification pass rates, and job placement rates, all at a lower cost. We’re proud to partner with Stepful as they scale their impact.”

As the $28 billion healthcare training market continues to grow amidst labor shortages, Stepful is positioning itself as an end-to-end workforce solution for healthcare employers, adding tools like online training, on-site learning support, and analytics. By collaborating with major healthcare providers like Providence, Ohio State University Physicians, and Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, Stepful’s growing B2B segment is positioned to help systems directly feed their labor pool with well-trained, skilled workers.

About Stepful

Stepful offers accelerated, affordable training programs for healthcare roles. Through partnerships with healthcare providers, Stepful connects students to job opportunities after certification. Stepful was co-founded by Carl Madi, Tressia Hobeika and Edoardo Serra. For more information, visit Stepful.com.

About Oak HC/FT 

Oak HC/FT is a venture and growth equity firm specializing in investments in fintech and healthcare. Using partnership as a foundation, Oak HC/FT guides companies and founders at every stage, from seed to growth, to create businesses that make a measurable and lasting impact. Founded in 2014, Oak HC/FT has invested in over 85 portfolio companies and has over $5.3 billion in assets under management. Oak HC/FT is headquartered in Stamford, CT, with an office in San Francisco, CA. Follow Oak HC/FT on LinkedIn and X and learn more at https://www.oakhcft.com/.

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CVC Credit and CAPZA support the acquisition of ILERNA

CVC Capital Partners

CVC Credit, the global credit management business of CVC, and CAPZA, a leading player in private investments in European SMEs, are pleased to announce the co-arrangement of a Unitranche financing to support the acquisition of ILERNA by Jacobs Holding.

Founded in 2014, ILERNA is the leading player in the online Vocational Educational Training (VET) market in Spain, offering a broad portfolio of more than 30 fully accredited VET courses across various fields, with a particular emphasis on healthcare and IT, to working professionals seeking to enhance or shift their career.

A pioneer on its market, ILERNA has a physical presence in key regions across Spain, including Catalonia, Madrid, Andalusia, and Castilla y León, and serves students across all of Spain through its online offering. It currently trains approximately 46,000 students and employs around 480 staff members.

Over the last three years, the Group has demonstrated impressive growth, growing at a c.25% annual rate. The platform’s success stems from its innovative “learning by doing” methodology, designed to provide practical skills that meet the current demands of employers. It includes a market-leading virtual campus experience with materials specifically designed for online training. Furthermore, ILERNA’s internship program has over 4,300 agreements with leading companies, a strong selling point for candidates.

Through this transaction, Jacobs Holding acquires a majority stake in ILERNA, supported by a financing package co-arranged by CVC Credit and CAPZA, to help the Group enhance its educational programs, expand its curriculum, promote advanced technological tools, and extend its physical footprint.

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CVC Credit were able to leverage the CVC Network’s breadth and experience of the education sector which, combined with our innovative approach to financial solutions, enabled CVC Credit to be a chosen partner for ILERNA’s future growth.

Rafael Figuera FelizInvestment Director, CVC Credit

Rafael Figuera Feliz, Investment Director, CVC Credit commented: “ILERNA has a proven business model that continues to flourish across Spain, under this new partnership it will be able to accelerate the provision of its in-demand offering to many more prospective students. CVC Credit were able to leverage the CVC Network’s breadth and experience of the education sector which, combined with our innovative approach to financial solutions, enabled CVC Credit to be a chosen partner for ILERNA’s future growth.”

José Tomás Moliner, Head of Spain, CAPZA added: “We are excited to partner with ILERNA and its management team at this pivotal moment in their growth journey. ILERNA has consistently demonstrated its ability to deliver high-quality vocational educational courses to its students, and we are confident that this new partnership with Jacobs Holding will enable the Group to strengthen its market-leading position. With our flexible and customized financing solutions, we are thrilled to support the Group in realizing its ambitious growth plan.”

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Oakley Capital agrees sale of Schülerhilfe to LLCP

Oakley

Oakley Capital, a leading pan-European private equity investor, is pleased to announce that Oakley Capital Fund III (‘Fund III’) has agreed to sell its majority stake in Schülerhilfe to Levine Leichtman Capital Partners (“LLCP”). The completion of the transaction is subject to regulatory approval.

Schülerhilfe is the leading provider of professional tutoring services to primary and secondary school students across Germany, Austria and Switzerland, with over 140,000 students across c.1,200 branches. Oakley invested in the business in 2017 alongside education entrepreneur Dieter Werkhausen, building on the Firm’s track record of backing successful education businesses.

In partnership with Oakley, Schülerhilfe has strengthened its position as a provider of tutoring services for K-12 students in its core markets, by focusing on quality in-person tutoring, complemented by an online offering and language courses for adults.

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Oakley helped Schülerhilfe pivot its teaching programme to online when Covid lockdowns kept students at home, before enrolments rebounded to pre-pandemic levels.

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Schülerhilfe’s ongoing investment in online has allowed it to sustain hybrid learning, as well as support new technology initiatives, including the highly successful launch of “Kira”, an online AI learning chatbot.

Meanwhile, Schülerhilfe’s expansion into language courses for adults including on-site, online and B2B, has helped grow its total addressable market. More recently, Oakley has supported Schülerhilfe’s ongoing expansion within DACH, via the acquisition of fit4school in Switzerland, one of the leading tutoring firms in the country with 34 corporate centres. Today, Schülerhilfe is the clear market leader in the DACH region with 720 of its own corporate centres and 431 franchise centres, making it the third largest franchise network in Germany.

Quote Peter Dubens

Schülerhilfe has succeeded by delivering on an ambitious expansion strategy without sacrificing the quality of its tutoring. Under Dieter’s leadership, the business has expanded into new geographies and services, and today is a key partner for students striving for education success.

Peter Dubens

co-Founder and Managing Partner — Oakley Capital

Quote Dieter Werkhausen

At Schülerhilfe we’re proud of our record helping thousands of students each year to improve their grades and get ahead in school. We’ve had a very fruitful partnership with Oakley, and have appreciated their entrepreneurial approach. In particular, we have leveraged their strong M&A track record as well as their expertise in digitisation which together have helped us deliver our strategic goals. Now, we look forward to working with LLCP as we aim to accelerate our growth and reinforce our position as market leader in the DACH region.

Dieter Werkhausen

CEO — Schülerhilfe

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