Education Technology

5 Ed Tech Startups Join SETDA's 2024 Cohort of Emerging Partners

• By Rhea Kelly
• 05/21/24

SETDA, the association representing U.S. state and territorial educational technology and digital learning leaders, has announced its 2024 cohort of Emerging Partners. Now in its 11th year, the program selects ed tech startups through a competitive application process for a year-long opportunity to engage with SETDA events, showcase their products and services, and receive guidance on the ed tech market.

This year's Emerging Partners are:

• Eratesync, a cloud-based document management and audit compliance system designed to help schools and libraries navigate the FCC's E-rate program;
• MegaMinds, a learning platform featuring interactive activities in 3D social online spaces;
• PeopleBench, a workforce strategy and retention platform for schools;
• QuantHub, a data skills training platform; and
• Ryze AI, a set of solutions to help integrate ed tech tools into instruction.

The companies will participate in a Shark Tank-style pitch competition June 5 at SETDA's Emerging Trends Forum. They will also tap into insight and advice on marketing, fundraising, sales, public relations, and other topics from education industry experts such as Academic Business Advisors, Arc Capital Development, CB&A, Advancing Global EDU, the National Center on Accessible Educational Materials, and Innovations4Education.

"Since 2020, impactful marketing has grown increasingly important for education companies, due to the influx of entrants into the space," said Charlene Blohm, senior partner at CB&A, A FINN Partners Company, in a statement. "For Emerging Partners to stand out and earn districts' trust and dollars, a compelling brand positioning and strategic marketing program are essential. We're grateful to be leveraging our three decades of marketing experience to help another cohort of Emerging Partners fulfill their mission and bolster their bottom line."

"The aftermath of the impacts of COVID-19 still resonates within the states, making decisions on the allocation and expenditure of funds ever more complex, especially on the heels of a new National Educational Technology Plan," commented Stan Silverman, SETDA Partnerships Committee chair and senior fellow for emerging technologies at New York Institute of Technology. "SETDA recognizes the critical role that educational products and services play in helping address the long- and short-term issues facing the nation's schools."