Edtech Insiders

Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell
  • 0.0 (0)
  • EDUCATION

At Edtech Insiders, we interview founders, investors, operators, educators, and thought leaders about the future of education technology. You’ll hear from leaders across the education technology industry and learn about all of the important edtech trends happening globally.

  1. John Gamba on What EdTech Needs to Get Right About AI, Scale, and Learning Outcomes at Catalyst @ Penn GSE

    23 JAN

    John Gamba on What EdTech Needs to Get Right About AI, Scale, and Learning Outcomes at Catalyst @ Penn GSE

    Send us a text John Gamba is Entrepreneur in Residence at Catalyst @ Penn GSE, where he mentors education entrepreneurs and leads the Milken-Penn GSE Education Business Plan Competition. Over 17 years, the competition has awarded $2M to ventures that have gone on to raise more than $200M in follow-on funding, with a strong focus on equity and research-to-practice impact. The 2026 Milken-Penn GSE Education Business Plan Competition is now open for applications. The application is simple and due by February 11. Apply here. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode How the Milken-Penn GSE Competition supports high-impact edtech foundersWhy research-to-practice is critical for scalable education innovationHow AI in education is moving from experimentation to institutional adoptionWhat it takes to center equity while building sustainable edtech businessesWhy learning outcomes matter more than funding or reach alone✨ Episode Highlights [00:02:15] The evolution of the Milken-Penn GSE Competition [00:09:26] From AI pilots to learning-science-driven implementation [00:13:35] Responsible AI and avoiding “AI junk food” in education [00:25:42] Keeping equity at the core of edtech innovation [00:29:44] Measuring real impact beyond capital raised [00:39:54] Why AI benchmarks and standards are the next frontier [00:44:36] How founders can engage with Catalyst and Catapult 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders!  Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here. 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies. Frustrated by other M&A firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired, but couldn’t find. One who understands what matters to founders, and whose northstar KPI is % of deals closed. If you’re thinking of selling your EdTech company or buying one, contact Tuck Advisors now! This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education. Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

    52 min
  2. Why Education Is in an Imagination Crisis and How 4.0 Schools Is Responding with Nicole Jarbo

    19 JAN

    Why Education Is in an Imagination Crisis and How 4.0 Schools Is Responding with Nicole Jarbo

    Send us a text Nicole Jarbo is the CEO of 4.0 Schools, one of the nation’s leading platforms for early-stage education founders. A former KIPP teacher, Teach For America Corps member, and fintech founder, Nicole brings deep experience across classrooms, startups, philanthropy, and systems-level education change. She is also the host of the award-winning podcast Pitch Playground. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why education is facing an “imagination crisis” — and why technology alone won’t solve itHow 4.0 Schools supports founders beyond pilots to build durable, real-world impactWhat successful education founders have in common across industriesWhy “anti-scale but pro-impact” may be the right mindset for the future of educationHow founders and educators can approach AI with greater intentionality and responsibility✨ Episode Highlights: [00:03:15] Nicole Jarbo on defining meaningful innovation as imaginable, viable, and reachable [00:06:24] Lessons from 15 years of 4.0 Schools on what makes founders succeed [00:09:57] Why founder ecosystems matter more than one-time programs or pilots [00:16:10] Education’s identity crisis and the system’s fear of trying something new [00:26:37] How founders should think about AI, equity, and responsible adoption [00:30:30] Why imagination—not infrastructure—is the missing piece in education reform [00:37:15] Nicole on why education is the most important yet slowest-moving institution 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders!  Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here. 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies. Frustrated by other M&A firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired, but couldn’t find. One who understands what matters to founders, and whose northstar KPI is % of deals closed. If you’re thinking of selling your EdTech company or buying one, contact Tuck Advisors now! This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education. Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

    44 min
  3. Coding in the Age of AI: How imagi Is Rethinking Computer Science Education with Dora Palfi

    19 JAN

    Coding in the Age of AI: How imagi Is Rethinking Computer Science Education with Dora Palfi

    Send us a text Dora Palfi is the Co-founder and CEO of imagi, an edtech company reimagining computer science education through creative coding and AI. A Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, Dora has a background in neuroscience, human-computer interaction, and technology, and is a passionate advocate for equitable access to future-ready skills. Special note: Free access to the Lovable × imagi collaboration has been extended through March 31, giving educators and students more time to explore professional AI tools in real classroom settings. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode Why creative coding can unlock computer science for students who don’t see themselves as “technical”How imagi partners with cutting-edge AI tools like Lovable to bring real-world tech into classroomsWhat “vibe coding” teaches students about AI literacy, prompting, and debuggingHow AI enables truly cross-curricular learning across subjects like history, art, and storytellingWhy constraints, scaffolding, and design thinking are essential for meaningful AI-powered learning✨ Episode Highlights [00:02:40] Dora Palfi on how education and coding changed her life—and inspired imagi [00:07:13] Why imagi partners with professional AI tools instead of building replicas [00:10:55] Making AI classroom-ready: compliance, safety, and curriculum design [00:19:05] “Constraints breed creativity”: reframing coding as a creative act [00:21:03] Real classroom examples—from Harry Potter sorting hats to interactive art projects [00:27:40] Vibe coding, entrepreneurship, and preparing students for an AI-native future 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders!  Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here. 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top ed Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies. Frustrated by other M&A firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired, but couldn’t find. One who understands what matters to founders, and whose northstar KPI is % of deals closed. If you’re thinking of selling your EdTech company or buying one, contact Tuck Advisors now! This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education. Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

    42 min
  4. Week in Edtech 1/7/26: Tech Backlash, PowerSchool Layoffs, Consumer AI Learning, Screen Time Scrutiny, AI’s Role in Schools, and More! Feat. Eli Luberoff of Desmos Studio & Rebecca Winthrop of the Brookings Institution

    16 JAN

    Week in Edtech 1/7/26: Tech Backlash, PowerSchool Layoffs, Consumer AI Learning, Screen Time Scrutiny, AI’s Role in Schools, and More! Feat. Eli Luberoff of Desmos Studio & Rebecca Winthrop of the Brookings Institution

    Send us a text Join hosts Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell as they kick off 2026 with a wide-ranging Week in EdTech conversation covering tech backlash, AI in education, market consolidation, consumer learning tools, and major voices shaping the future of teaching and learning. ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:00:00] Growing tech backlash around screen time, phone bans, and distrust of edtech. [00:03:55] PowerSchool layoffs reflect private equity pressure and profitability focus. [00:06:30] Layoffs highlight the human cost for educators working in edtech. [00:09:04] Screen time skepticism reaches adult learning and professional assessments. [00:10:52] Big Tech ramps up AI competition as Meta, Amazon, and Apple reposition. [00:12:42] Consumer AI learning startups draw VC attention amid edtech valuation gaps. [00:13:58] Funding: Obo raises $16M Series A for AI-generated, multimodal courses. [00:17:16] UX, speed, and multimodality emerge as key edtech differentiators. [00:19:10] Speechify secures NYC schools deal, blending accessibility with consumer-grade UX. [00:21:08] Engagement-first consumer learning apps challenge traditional edtech models. Plus, special guests: [00:23:48] Eli Luberoff, Founder of Desmos Studio, on creative math tools and Desmos Professional. [00:50:28] Rebecca Winthrop, Senior Fellow and Director, Center for Universal Education at The Brookings Institution, on how AI risks currently outweigh benefits for students without better guardrails. 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders!  Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here. 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how t Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies. Frustrated by other M&A firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired, but couldn’t find. One who understands what matters to founders, and whose northstar KPI is % of deals closed. If you’re thinking of selling your EdTech company or buying one, contact Tuck Advisors now! This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education. Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

    1h 13m
  5. The Fintech Behind School Choice: How ClassWallet Moves $1.5B to Families and Schools with Jamie Rosenberg

    12 JAN

    The Fintech Behind School Choice: How ClassWallet Moves $1.5B to Families and Schools with Jamie Rosenberg

    Send us a text Jamie Rosenberg is the Founder and Executive Chairman of ClassWallet, a fintech platform modernizing how public education funds are distributed to schools and families. A longtime social impact entrepreneur, he previously founded AdoptAClassroom.org and has spent over two decades focused on getting dollars closer to students. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode Why education funding breakdowns are often about infrastructure, not intentHow ClassWallet replaced reimbursement with real-time, compliant digital walletsWhat it takes to run ESA and school choice programs at scaleHow empowering teachers and families unlocks creativity and efficiencyWhere AI and data can maximize the impact of every education dollar✨ Episode Highlights [00:02:31] Jamie’s journey from AdoptAClassroom to building ClassWallet [00:09:07] Why reimbursement systems create massive friction in education funding [00:13:55] How simple purchases (like pencil sharpeners) can unlock learning time [00:22:35] ClassWallet’s role in scaling ESAs and the modern school choice movement [00:33:01] What edtech founders need to know about accessing ESA-funded markets [00:41:58] Why supplemental funding is critical for students with special needs [00:47:12] How AI will shape compliance, recommendations, and impact measurement 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders!  Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here. 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies. Frustrated by other M&A firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired, but couldn’t find. One who understands what matters to founders, and whose northstar KPI is % of deals closed. If you’re thinking of selling your EdTech company or buying one, contact Tuck Advisors now! This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education. Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

    52 min
  6. Behind the Scenes of Global Tutoring: How EDGE Tutor Powers 50+ EdTech Companies with Henry Motte de la Motte

    5 JAN

    Behind the Scenes of Global Tutoring: How EDGE Tutor Powers 50+ EdTech Companies with Henry Motte de la Motte

    Send us a text Henry Motte de la Motte is the Founder and CEO of EDGE Tutor, a global tutor outsourcing company supporting over 50 leading education and training organizations. Under his leadership, EDGE Tutor has scaled to 1,000+ teachers across 30+ countries, delivering millions of live tutoring sessions with a focus on quality, reliability, and human-centered learning. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why tutor reliability matters more than most EdTech's realizeHow outsourcing enables high-quality tutoring at global scaleWhat makes matching tutors to learners actually workHow platforms use external tutor supply to handle peak demandWhy AI works best as support and not a replacement for human tutors✨ Episode Highlights: [00:02:23] EDGE Tutor as behind-the-scenes tutoring infrastructure [00:03:32] BPO lessons applied to education [00:06:18] Reliability as the core of learning quality [00:09:46] Cultural training across markets [00:13:08] Why EDGE Tutor chose white-label over brand [00:16:21] Diversifying tutor supply to reduce risk [00:21:47] How COVID reshaped online tutoring [00:25:14] A pragmatic take on AI tutoring [00:30:00] The rise of hybrid human + AI models [00:42:31] Consolidation coming to edtech 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders!  Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here. 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies. Frustrated by other M&A firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired, but couldn’t find. One who understands what matters to founders, and whose northstar KPI is % of deals closed. If you’re thinking of selling your EdTech company or buying one, contact Tuck Advisors now! This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education. Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

    50 min
  7. Year-End Special Part 2: 2026 AI & EdTech Predictions from Google, YouTube, Reach Capital, Owl Ventures & More!

    31/12/2025

    Year-End Special Part 2: 2026 AI & EdTech Predictions from Google, YouTube, Reach Capital, Owl Ventures & More!

    Send us a text In Part 2 of our year-end reflections, Alex speaks with educators, founders, investors, and platform leaders about what 2026 may bring for AI and learning at scale. 🎙️ Featuring insights from: Shantanu Sinha, VP & GM, Google for EducationKatie Kurtz, Managing Director & Global Head of Youth & Learning, YouTubeAmit Patel, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Owl VenturesJomayra Herrera, Partner, Reach CapitalJean-Claude Brizard, President & CEO, Digital PromiseSunil Gunderia, Co-Founder & CEO, StealthSofia Fenichell, Founder & CEO, Study Hall.AISoren Rosier, Founder, PeerTeachDan Carroll, Co-Founder, CleverJuliette Reid, Director of Market Research, Reading HorizonsAmanda Bickerstaff, CEO, AI for Education😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders!  Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here. 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outrea Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies. Frustrated by other M&A firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired, but couldn’t find. One who understands what matters to founders, and whose northstar KPI is % of deals closed. If you’re thinking of selling your EdTech company or buying one, contact Tuck Advisors now! This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education. Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

    1h 35m
  8. What If School Worked Like a Video Game? Nolan Bushnell and Dr. Leah Hanes of ExoDexa Explain

    29/12/2025

    What If School Worked Like a Video Game? Nolan Bushnell and Dr. Leah Hanes of ExoDexa Explain

    Send us a text Nolan Bushnell is the founder of Atari and Chuck E. Cheese and is widely known as the father of the video game industry. Dr. Leah Hanes is the CEO of ExoDexa, co-author of the ExoDexa Manifesto, and leads the Two Bit Circus Foundation, where she has impacted over 460,000 students through game-based and project-based learning. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why traditional schooling fails students who don’t learn at the “right” paceHow game design principles like flow and mastery can transform learningThe role AI can play in personalized, no-grades educationWhy gamification efforts led by academics often fall shortWhat a “perfect school day” could look like in an AI-driven future✨ Episode Highlights: [00:03:00] Nolan Bushnell on the throughline from Atari to education reform [00:05:10] Dr. Leah Hanes on why learning by doing leads to deeper retention [00:07:52] How AI enables true individualized learning inside ExoDexa [00:12:16] Nolan on eliminating grades and batch-processing in education [00:16:58] Why homeschoolers may lead the next wave of education innovation [00:21:33] The science of “flow” and what makes learning feel addictive [00:27:51] Leah’s vision for AI tutors, physical activity, and student agency [00:29:30] Nolan’s radical take on VR, exercise, naps, and brain science in school 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders!  Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here. 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies. Frustrated by other M&A firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired, but couldn’t find. One who understands what matters to founders, and whose northstar KPI is % of deals closed. If you’re thinking of selling your EdTech company or buying one, contact Tuck Advisors now! This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education. Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

    36 min
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About

At Edtech Insiders, we interview founders, investors, operators, educators, and thought leaders about the future of education technology. You’ll hear from leaders across the education technology industry and learn about all of the important edtech trends happening globally.

Information

  • Creator
    Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    433
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Edtech Insiders
  • Show Website
    Edtech Insiders

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