BoomStartup Launches Global EdTech Accelerator

SALT LAKE CITY, April 6, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- BoomStartup opened applications for a new EdTech focused seed accelerator program, due to begin on July 6, 2015.

"There's more focus than ever on using technology to make learning more relevant and personal, from demands for more effective digital curriculum and assessments, to micro-credentialing and an increased focus on lifelong learning," said Steve Curtis, managing partner of BoomStartup EdTech and former Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer of Pearson K-12 (PSO). "Competency-based learning strategies are on the rise, transcending the traditional education model by enabling learners to master skills at a pace and setting of their choosing."

With increased focus comes increased funding and opportunity. According to Market Data Retrieval (MDR), 90 percent of districts expect their technology budgets to stay the same or increase this year, and Inside Higher Ed found that 39 states expect to increase higher education spending in 2015. On the professional training side, the Brandon Hall Group found that one-third of companies are increasing their budgets for learning and development.

"Technology driven innovations are about to change the face of education forever," said Curtis, who is also a successful EdTech entrepreneur. "Our startup companies will help drive and accelerate this disruption and transformation."

A handful of the EdTech startups that apply to BoomStartup will be invited to join the 12-week program, during which they will hone their business model and create a minimal viable product, with the goal of securing funding at the end of the program from private investors, angel groups, venture capitalists, banks, and others. The startups are supported by a network of mentors and investors, whom include former founders, executives, and business experts from the EdTech field.

"EdTech is the first of several expansions into vertically-focused accelerators that we will be deploying as part of our rapidly expanding growth strategy," said founder/CEO Robb Kunz, who was recently awarded Utah's Angel Investor of the Year.

Unlike most accelerators, the EdTech accelerator will accept companies from anywhere in the country. Each startup will receive $20,000 in seed funding and over $100,000 of in-kind services, in exchange for six percent equity in common stock.

With 79 percent of the alumni companies still operating, BoomStartup has an excellent track record helping startups reach the next level. In an MIT study published in Inc. and TechCrunch last year, the founders surveyed ranked BoomStartup number five overall. Every one said they would repeat the program and that it was worth the six percent equity.

Deadline to apply to the EdTech accelerator is June 1. Visit BoomStartup.com.

BoomStartup is a lean startup accelerator and mentorship-driven seed-stage investment program for technology-based startups, and a founding member of the Global Accelerator Network (GAN). Last year, BoomStartup was named the #12 accelerator in the US by TechCrunch, and has helped raise over $15 million in investment for its companies.

Contact:
Jessica Bleak, Managing Director - EdTech
801.440.3316
[email protected]

SOURCE BoomStartup

Related Links

http://boomstartup.com