HierSales founder questions billions in EdTech spend and reliance on usage metrics
Karim Kuperhause, founder and CEO of HierSales, took to LinkedIn to challenge how EdTech is evaluated in schools.
In his post, he highlighted the scale of education spending, the limited share allocated to technology, and what he sees as the industry’s overreliance on usage data while outcomes for students and teachers remain unclear.
Kuperhause writes: “Billions have been spent on EdTech. And most of it has delivered… nothing.” He continues: “Districts spend $14,000 per student every year. Yet only 1.2% goes to technology And most of that? Not on innovation. On compliance tools. Attendance trackers. Gradebooks.”
Kuperhause argues the sector emphasizes adoption data at the expense of results: “We’ve built an entire industry that optimizes inputs while ignoring outcomes. Vendors brag about:‘Usage rates.’ ‘Pilot participation.’ ‘Integrations.’”
He contrasts this with what is happening in schools: “That’s the absurdity: We celebrate dashboards while kids fail algebra. We measure logins while teachers quit in droves. We obsess over adoption curves while classrooms still look like 1995.”
Kuperhause’s challenge is direct: “So here’s my challenge to EdTech founders: Stop posting vanity metrics. Start publishing outcome data.”
He specifies what he wants to see, concluding: “Show us how many students actually learned more. Show us how many teachers got time back. Show us how agency and motivation improved. Because if you can’t prove real outcomes— you're not truly being innovative.”
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.
