Student platform Knack raises a Series B, names ex-Kaplan industry veteran Megan Dusenbery as its new CEO
Knack’s Founder Samyr Qureshi will move into the role of Executive Chairman, making way for Dusenbery, who brings experience in higher education partnerships and revenue leadership.
Most recently, Dusenbery served as Chief Partnerships Officer at the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE) and has previously held senior roles at Kaplan, including Senior Vice President of Higher Education.
“I’m thrilled for this next chapter, for me and for the company,” Qureshi comments. “With nearly 20 years of experience partnering with higher education institutions, Megan brings a rare combination of domain depth and disciplined execution. I could not be more excited to support Knack in a new capacity under Megan’s leadership.”
“I’m honored to lead Knack’s talented team into this exciting new phase of growth. At this pivotal moment in higher education, it is more crucial than ever to invest in solutions that yield meaningful retention outcomes for students. What excites me most about Knack is that our platform not only delivers measurable retention outcomes for institutions but also creates paid high-impact job opportunities for students to lead, mentor, and gain real-world skills—impacting both student learning and workforce readiness,” adds Dusenbery.
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.
