While, for many, the past of education can be defined by blackboard, chalk, paper and analogue resources, the future of the sector may be increasingly digital. Despite limitations, especially in the public sphere, Brazil and the world are increasingly going through an era in which access to education, learning materials and pedagogical resources will be available anywhere, anytime.
As an example, Brazil already has more than 566 edtechs – startups that develop solutions for the educational area – active, according to a survey carried out by CIEB (Innovation Center for Brazilian Education) and Abstartup (Brazilian Association of Startups in Brazil). This is a 26% increase compared to 2019.
Furthermore, AI (Artificial Intelligence) and AR (Augmented Reality) technologies have been used to make the learning experience more interactive and engaging. That’s what Peter Seiffert, founder and CEO of Valetec, says. For him, technological advances, particularly in these areas, will have a significant impact on the future of education.
“Edtechs have been setting the standard for innovation in these fields. Artificial Intelligence and Augmented Reality, specifically, can be used to provide more engaging and individualized learning experiences, as well as real-time feedback and assessment.”
The entrepreneur also points out that chatbots with Artificial Intelligence can be used to provide immediate assistance to students who are struggling with a specific idea or task. Augmented Reality, in turn, can be used to create immersive learning environments where students can explore virtual worlds and interact with digital items in ways that were previously impossible.
“Another area where edtech is having a significant effect is the use of big data analytics to tailor student learning experiences,” explains Seiffert.
Still according to the CEO of Valetec, AI algorithms can identify areas where students need extra support and provide materials and learning activities that can help them achieve this, evaluating data on student performance, engagement and interests. “Edtechs are at the forefront of educational innovation and AI and AR must play a significant role in influencing the future of education,” he articulates.
CVC drives the education sector
According to Seiffert, the funds are changing education in significant ways, with a series of edtech investments and partnerships with well-known and trusted schools taking place in recent years. “A good example of a Brazilian corporate venture capital fund is Ânima, which created a BRL 150 million fund to invest in startups”, she mentions.
“The main VC funds focused on Edtechs are: Learn Capital, Reach Capital, Owl Capital, NewSchools Venture Fund and Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, among others”, he mentions.
For the businessman, the financial sector is transforming education, mainly with substantial investments in edtechs and collaborations with renowned schools: “These initiatives aim to increase the quality of education and make it more accessible to students from all over the world, as well as the case of from Anima Ventures”.
Seiffert also draws attention to the fact that venture capital funds, as well as traditional education organizations such as colleges and foundations, are investing in edtechs.
“These contributions contribute to educational innovation by financing the development of new technologies and platforms that can improve the learning experience”, he points out. “In addition, partnerships between edtechs and traditional schools are helping to ensure that new technologies are successfully incorporated into current education systems and meet the demands of students and instructors,” he adds.
To summarize, the CEO of Valetec points out that, although investments and financing have been transforming education significantly, it is essential to know that there are dangers related to these investments and that not all businesses and collaborations of technology and education startups will be successful. succeeded.
How can corporate venture capital funds help education?
Seiffert observes that many companies in the education sector are creating corporate venture capital programs or funds to invest in innovative startups and new technologies, with the main objective of leveraging product innovations, services, new business models and even businesses in their operations, in addition to financial feedback. These initiatives aim to support these companies to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving educational market, keeping up with the latest advances and technological trends.
In addition, the funds can provide startups with access to resources, expertise and guidance that can help them scale and succeed in the market: “Some examples of corporate ventures include the Reach Capital fund, backed by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, and the Learn Capital, backed by LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman.”
The businessman points out that Ânima Ventures is a CVC fund focused on investing in the educational ecosystem, focusing on Brazilian opportunities. The fund aims to enhance modern education, investing in cutting-edge tools, platforms, techniques and technology to make education more profitable and accessible to Ânima Educação students – and seeking to make tangible students outside the Ânima ecosystem, as well.
“The fund aspires to change education and help people reach their full latent potential by investing in startups that use technology to enhance learning experiences,” says Seiffert.
Incidentally, one of the main objectives of the fund is to allow broader access to education, investing in startups that develop innovative technologies and platforms for the delivery of remote and immersive education, he adds. “Investments should help bridge the digital divide and make education more accessible for all,” concludes Seiffert.
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