ETIH New School Year Series: Top 10 funding stories shaping EdTech in the past 12 months
As part of our New School Year Series, we look back at the biggest EdTech funding moves of the past year, from seed rounds and acquisitions to billion-dollar commitments, these are the top funding stories from the past academic year.
To mark the start of a new school year across much of the world, including the US and UK, ETIH continues its special round-up series spotlighting the defining EdTech stories of the last 12 months. We’ve already explored the rise of AI and the shifts in higher education. Now the focus turns to funding, where the capital has gone, which names have returned, and how investments signal where the sector is heading. From seed rounds and corporate acquisitions to global giants making historic pledges, here are the top ten funding stories.
10. Highfive secures $250k to expand empathy-based platform
In at number ten, US-based startup Highfive raised $250,000 in seed funding, led by Roosh X with support from LearnLaunch Accelerator. The company’s empathy-driven tools are already active in 36 states and aim to reduce suspensions while improving school culture. The new cash will help expand to 100 schools and add AI-driven features.
9. Wibo raises €500k for corporate learning expansion
Taking the ninth spot, Italian startup Wibo landed €500,000 to grow its executive-led corporate learning programs that blend human and AI skills. Backers include senior figures from Flix, easyJet, and Eataly, as well as Techstars and Talent Garden. The round is set to fuel team growth and new tech development.
8. Pathify closes $25M minority investment
At number eight, higher ed platform Pathify secured $25 million from Five Elms Capital. With 544% growth in the past three years, Pathify plans to expand its integration library and boost adoption. Five Elms highlighted Pathify’s role in replacing fragmented systems with connected, student-focused engagement tools.
7. IXL Learning acquires UK tutoring platform MyTutor
Coming in seventh, US-based IXL Learning acquired MyTutor as UK parents turn to online tutoring amid new VAT changes on private school fees. MyTutor, backed by £34 million in previous funding, has delivered more than 4 million lessons. The deal extends IXL’s global reach, adding to its portfolio that includes Rosetta Stone and Wyzant.
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6. Medly AI raises $1.7M for AI tutoring scale-up
And in at number six, UK startup Medly AI secured $1.7 million from Eka Ventures and Ada Ventures to grow its GCSE and A-Level tutoring platform. Founded by two former NHS doctors, the company now has 30,000 monthly active users and engagement metrics comparable to Duolingo. The funding supports expansion after early backing from Microsoft and Google.
5. Polymath secures $1M for adaptive math learning
Kicking off the top five, kid-tech startup Polymath raised $1 million to expand its adaptive math platform in the US. With ClassDojo’s CTO among its backers, the company is pitching game-based math that kids actually want to play. Already in use across schools in Arizona, Virginia, and California, the funding will fuel new collaborative features and US expansion.
4. Nectir lands $6.3M to push AI learning assistants
In at number four, Nectir raised $6.3 million in a seed round led by Long Journey Ventures. Built to ease teacher shortages and give students personal AI assistants, the platform has already boosted GPAs by up to 20% at partner institutions. Investors say the team has “cracked the code” for practical AI in classrooms, and the funding will back product growth and expansion.
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3. PwC survey shows investors back GenAI, demand workforce upskilling
Taking the third spot, PwC’s UK Investor Survey found 74% of investors expect GenAI to improve productivity, but most also want companies to balance automation with workforce training. While enthusiasm for AI-driven returns is high, 77% flagged employee upskilling as the top priority, showing investor expectations are shifting beyond pure tech hype.
2. Buddy.ai secures $11M to expand AI tutoring for kids
Just missing the top spot, Buddy.ai raised $11 million to grow its AI-powered tutoring app for children under 12. With over 50 million downloads and proprietary voice recognition tuned for kids, the platform is scaling fast in Latin America and English-speaking markets. Investors called it a “right not a privilege” moment for affordable tutoring worldwide.
1. Apple commits $500B to workforce, AI, and education
And taking number one, Apple announced a $500 billion US investment spanning workforce development, AI infrastructure, and manufacturing. The plan includes a new Manufacturing Academy in Detroit, expanded support for STEM programs, and a 250,000-square-foot AI server facility in Houston. With chip design initiatives and supplier expansion also in scope, it’s the biggest funding story of the year.
The ETIH Innovation Awards 2026
The EdTech Innovation Hub Awards celebrate excellence in global education technology, with a particular focus on workforce development, AI integration, and innovative learning solutions across all stages of education.
Now open for entries, the ETIH Innovation Awards 2026 recognize the companies, platforms, and individuals driving transformation in the sector, from AI-driven assessment tools and personalized learning systems, to upskilling solutions and digital platforms that connect learners with real-world outcomes.
Submissions are open to organizations across the UK, the Americas, and internationally. Entries should highlight measurable impact, whether in K–12 classrooms, higher education institutions, or lifelong learning settings.
Winners will be announced on 14 January 2026 as part of an online showcase featuring expert commentary on emerging trends and standout innovation. All winners and finalists will also be featured in our first print magazine, to be distributed at BETT 2026.
To explore categories and submit your entry, visit the ETIH Innovation Awards hub.
