From Micro Schools to Authentic Assessment: How EdTech Startups Are Transforming Learning Paths by Rethinking Education (Plus: The 'Five Ps' for Startup Success)

Investor Don Burton explains how to get funded by focusing on impact, innovation, and the 'five Ps' he uses to evaluate investments.

And, learn what problems are the best EdTech companies really trying to solve? Don Burton explains what he’s seeing in the EdTech sector and discusses the significance of a startup's potential to effect change, the passion of its founders, and the innovation behind groundbreaking ideas. He also delves into the 'five Ps' framework used to evaluate investments, the timing of investing in emerging technologies like the metaverse and Web3, the rise of alternative learning pathways that offer practical, industry-focused education, the evolution of educational technology from mere digitization to transformative innovations, the importance of liberal arts and soft skills in a well-rounded education, and the radical rethinking needed in the education system. Plus: the potential of “micro schools” to empower parents and localize education, the challenges EdTech startups face when implementing new strategies, and the role of investment in these ventures.

Don Burton has had an extensive career at the cutting edge of education innovation and technology — launching, scaling, and exiting companies. Don is currently a co-founder and managing partner at LearnStart, a leading edge VC fund focused exclusively on education, learning, and talent, and is based in New York. You can connect with Don on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/burtondon/ 

Learn more about LearnStart at https://www.learnstart.vc/ 

Learn about Degreed: The Learning and Upskilling Platform at https://degreed.com/ 

Learn more about CreativeUp at https://creatorup.com/

Learn more about Prenda (“microschools made easy”) at https://www.prenda.com/ 

Read more of Don’s thoughts on his Medium page at https://medium.com/@dcburton 

In this episode, you’ll learn about: EdTech, US education, venture capital, educational technology, future of learning, digital education, innovation in education, transformative education, startup investments, alternative learning pathways, Metaverse in education, Web3, practical education, computer science education, generative AI, authentic assessment, critical thinking skills, problem-solving in education, industry-focused education, educational investments, success in EdTech, EdTech startups, skill alignment, creator up, on-the-job training, digital media production education, soft skills development, liberal arts in education, micro schools, education reform, flipped classroom, educational models, and venture insights.

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Music track: "Cinematic Funk"

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Free Background Music by Yevhen Lokhmatov

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