> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://newsletters.qs.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # πŸ“‰ At $1B, Edtech funding fell 26% YoY 1H 2026. Could outcomes be the the next filter for education capital? - URL: https://newsletters.qs.com/at-1b-edtech-funding-fell-26-yoy-1h-2026-could-outcomes-be-the-the-next-filter-for-education-capital/ - Published: 2026-07-23T01:28:55.000Z - Updated: 2026-07-23T01:28:55.000Z - Description: Plus: Anthropic's Claude for Teachers, WGU's AI-credentialing, and Back to School turns 25- 20% discount code inside. - Author: QS - Tags: AI & Digital Innovation **Hello** πŸ‘‹ [EdTech Venture funding fell year-over-year in H1 2026 by 26%](https://www.holoniq.com/notes/1b-in-edtech-venture-capital-to-date-funding-falls-short-of-last-years-midpoint-asia-mena-buck-the-trend?ref=newsletters.qs.com), yet K-12 and Workforce Training still grab the largest share of deals. Despite screentime debates, K-12, AI-personalization solutions such as [Subject](https://subject.com/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) and [Gizmo](https://gizmo.ai/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) attracted funding and are expected to support learning content inside classrooms. In Workforce, upskilling platforms such as [Preply](https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=L&pf=1&ai=DChsSEwja9eC2qdqVAxUxTkcBHcMfAWAYACICCAEQABoCcXU&co=1&ase=2&gclid=CjwKCAjwpefSBhBvEiwAzyEtZyrGEal7lBEYkqSQiVl3nQElXytZIE0OqrKRJfRxp%5FMPK1r7eVgNShoCnK0QAvD%5FBwE&cid=CAAS9QHkaHOXh7sxXkQFTMjhcwkFXiqBd6OZJDIeWscnt-YiWOXeaUT%5FXTk4qa7Cj%5FqqxSuyYcQ4JVM3-CvCI5PJKUzI3yDOtkRz9KWXzy-8tKUv0-eCB-sJF-E7NpyslSf4c0S-RJZsAKbiswpZfEUBpqxiCIWRDdlrycvgcc1SGC7NPFWknXQhg2Lz5g9n0X75YB24OatpsnkCE9-PJXi0l05gDvjpQO7jhzD2BWbKiRxe6DidBdL9%5F8FqgdHE7GFPrSg-yeKPN7Ouvoyo91cezb91BfNyv%5FuboZggPHFta1wynrEoIzYtXve7UIvqH7qbdFbPqthq7w&cce=2&category=acrcp%5Fv1%5F32&sig=AOD64%5F0MegZ0eeG3U2AVcXSrP%5Ff4Aql2QA&q&nis=4&adurl=https://preply.com?campaignid%3D20492656792%26network%3Dg%26adgroupid%3D150586499217%26keyword%3Dpreply%26matchtype%3De%26creative%3D725710623576%26targetid%3Daud-871759073893:kwd-48779027204%26placement%3D%26loc%5Fphysical%5Fms%3D9008244%26device%3Dc%26utm%5Fsource%3Dgoogle%26utm%5Fmedium%3Dcpc%26utm%5Fterm%3Dpreply%26utm%5Fcampaign%3Dstu%5Fsem%5Fbrand%5Fweb%5F0%5Feng%5Fus%5Fmultiplesub%5Fex%26hsa%5Facc%3D6909028442%26hsa%5Fcam%3D20492656792%26hsa%5Fgrp%3D150586499217%26hsa%5Fad%3D725710623576%26hsa%5Fsrc%3Dg%26hsa%5Ftgt%3Daud-871759073893:kwd-48779027204%26hsa%5Fkw%3Dpreply%26hsa%5Fmt%3De%26hsa%5Fnet%3Dadwords%26hsa%5Fver%3D3%26gad%5Fsource%3D1%26gad%5Fcampaignid%3D20492656792%26gbraid%3D0AAAAADcbD23jju9ZWjMpkganJmO2LDaaH%26gclid%3DCjwKCAjwpefSBhBvEiwAzyEtZyrGEal7lBEYkqSQiVl3nQElXytZIE0OqrKRJfRxp%5FMPK1r7eVgNShoCnK0QAvD%5FBwE&ved=2ahUKEwjz5du2qdqVAxWtK1kFHd2lA0EQ0Qx6BAgNEAE&ref=newsletters.qs.com) and [Multiverse](https://www.multiverse.io/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) each had big rounds, and are built around employer-facing outcomes, a growing global trend. AI alone isn't a category, it's now embedded underneath and across solutions across the learning journey. Figure 1\. Global Education Venture Capital Funding, 2010-1H 2026 [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f1/d4/f1d411df-6f49-4c75-a302-f8c9e9f59495/content/images/2026/07/image-1.png)](https://www.holoniq.com/notes/1b-in-edtech-venture-capital-to-date-funding-falls-short-of-last-years-midpoint-asia-mena-buck-the-trend?ref=newsletters.qs.com) Regionally, East Asia bucks the broader pullback, with deal volume climbing even as capital tightens elsewhere. Post Secondary’s story is complex: when it comes to direct capital, renewed interest in alternative credentials and work-integrated learning is present, with M&A rotating toward institution- and learner-facing assets, but the real money is coming in from partnerships with government and foundations to fund AI initiatives $2B in 2026 alone. Heading into H2, expect investors to remain cautious, still waiting on pandemic-era bets to pay off, and outcomes and ROI will likely stay the filter for new capital. However, digital learning keeps expanding regardless, screen-time concerns aside. [Read the full write up](https://www.holoniq.com/notes/1b-in-edtech-venture-capital-to-date-funding-falls-short-of-last-years-midpoint-asia-mena-buck-the-trend?ref=newsletters.qs.com) πŸ‘‰ For the full list of deals and more insights on innovation and technology in the education market, go to the [QS Analytics Platform](https://my.holoniq.com/?ref=newsletters.qs.com&%5F%5Fhstc=250154073.9814b361c2fd61a99b1e7cc1b3edf011.1762927473482.1766142400196.1767783751938.11&%5F%5Fhssc=250154073.13.1767783751938&%5F%5Fhsfp=832813272) or [request a demo](https://share-eu1.hsforms.com/2C1%5FV5ni4SEyLILjrqcyQnQfigrs?%5F%5Fhstc=250154073.9814b361c2fd61a99b1e7cc1b3edf011.1762927473482.1766142400196.1767783751938.11&%5F%5Fhssc=250154073.13.1767783751938&%5F%5Fhsfp=832813272&ref=newsletters.qs.com) to learn more. --- ### πŸ“ Upcoming Education Innovation Events | Event | Date | Action | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | 🀝 **Webinar: Partner or Perishβ€”Collaboration as Strategy for Higher Ed** | 1 Sept, 16:00 BST | [Register](https://www.qs.com/webinars/partner-or-perish-collaboration-as-a-growth-strategy-for-higher-education?ref=newsletters.qs.com) | | πŸ—½ **25th Annual 'Back to School' Summit, NYC**⏰ Don't miss your chance β€” tickets are selling out. | 15–17 Sept | [**Register today β†’**](https://www.qs.com/conferences/back-to-school?ref=newsletters.qs.com) | | πŸ† **QS Reimagine Education Awards β€” Submissions Open**⏰ Entry deadline 31 July. | Deadline 31 July | [**Apply now β†’**](https://www.qs.com/conferences/reimagine/apply?ref=newsletters.qs.com) | | πŸ“… **QS Reimagine Education 2026, London**⏰ Early bird runs to 31 Oct. | 7–8 Dec | [**Register today β†’**](https://www.qs.com/conferences/reimagine?ref=newsletters.qs.com) | | πŸ—“οΈ **2026 Innovation Webinar Series** | On-demand + live | [Browse all](https://www.qs.com/webinars?ref=newsletters.qs.com) | ## πŸ—½ **Back to School Summit - Sept 15-17** [**The 25th Annual Back to School Summit**](https://www.qs.com/conferences/back-to-school?ref=newsletters.qs.com) hits New York City September 15–17, bringing together policymakers, investors, and education leaders across three tracks: Postsecondary Education & Workforce Futures, Technology & Finance, and Impact & Outcomes. [**Register today**](https://www.qs.com/conferences/back-to-school?ref=newsletters.qs.com) **and save 20%** **with code BTSADS20** [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f1/d4/f1d411df-6f49-4c75-a302-f8c9e9f59495/content/images/2026/07/MAR-107319---BTS-PPC-Cards-02--1-.jpg)](https://www.qs.com/conferences/back-to-school?ref=newsletters.qs.com) --- ## πŸ’‘QS Reimagine Awards and Conference ## 7-8 Dec [Applications are open](https://www.qs.com/conferences/reimagine/apply?ref=newsletters.qs.com) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f1/d4/f1d411df-6f49-4c75-a302-f8c9e9f59495/content/images/2026/07/MAR-109294_RE-banner_EdTech-Exchange-newsletter.png)](https://www.qs.com/conferences/reimagine/apply?ref=newsletters.qs.com) --- ## ⭐ **AI & Digital Innovation Spotlight** Technology companies and AI labs are rolling out purpose-built tools for teachers and learners, embedding AI directly into classroom instruction, curriculum planning, and large-scale platform delivery. 🍎 **Anthropic**[ **launched Claude for Teachers**](https://thehill.com/policy/technology/5968601-claude-for-teachers-launch/?ref=newsletters.qs.com), giving US K-12 educators free access to AI enabled tools aligned to academic state standards. πŸ“Š **Alef Education**[ **unveiled a suite of enhanced classroom tools**](https://techafricanews.com/2026/07/14/alef-education-unveils-new-ai-powered-classroom-tools-to-enhance-teacher-led-learning/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) designed to support teacher-led instruction, live classroom analytics, interactive polls, gamified assessments, and real-time insights. πŸ–₯️ **Zoho**[ **launched Classes 2.0**](https://www.indiatoday.in/technology/news/story/zoho-classes-2-0-ai-learning-management-system-free-for-government-institutions-india-2948574-2026-07-15?ref=newsletters.qs.com)**,** a free AI-powered academic LMS, to all Indian central and state government schools, colleges, and universities. --- ## **🀝 Policy & Partnerships** Leading US universities are forming strategic AI partnerships with major labs, treating AI integration not as a product add-on but as a structural transformation of how learning is delivered and credentialed. πŸŽ“ **San Diego State University**[ **co-launched AI-Ready California**](https://www.sdsu.edu/news/2026/07/california-launches-first-in-the-nation-ai-literacy-initiative-with-sdsu-leadership?ref=newsletters.qs.com), a statewide AI literacy micro-credential program, developed with the state's Labor & Workforce Development Agency, California Community Colleges, AWS, and Instructure. 🀝 **University of Phoenix**[ **announced a collaboration with OpenAI**](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/university-of-phoenix-announces-collaboration-with-openai-to-advance-ai-powered-learning-workforce-innovation-and-research-302824394.html?ref=newsletters.qs.com) to integrate AI across teaching and learning, support, career services, and operations. πŸ”¬ **Western Governors University**[ **announced a partnership with Anthropic**](https://www.wgu.edu/blog/creating-a-new-blueprint-for-learning-in-an-ai-economy2607.html?ref=newsletters.qs.com) to co-develop an AI-native model for credentialing across the institution to build systems that identify emerging job skills. ## πŸ’ͺ **Power Moves & Funding** πŸŽ“ EdVisorly[ raised $13.3M](https://www.edvisorly.com/edvisorly-series-a-round?ref=newsletters.qs.com) to help colleges automate admissions, transcript processing, and transfer credit evaluation. πŸ“š Elevate Education[ raised $17M](https://www.entrepreneurindia.com/blog/en/news/westbridge-capital-invests-inr-170-cr-in-elevate-education.60552?ref=newsletters.qs.com) to enhance its technology and AI capabilities and expand its student base. ✏️ Pensive[ raised $6.8M](https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/pensive-raises-6-8m-seed/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) to expand its AI-powered grading platform for higher education. πŸ›‘οΈ CyberNut[ acquired](https://edtechchronicle.com/cybernut-acquires-neptune-navigate-digital-citizenship-platform-expanding-its-student-safety-offering-for-k-12-districts/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) the Neptune Navigate digital citizenship platform, expanding its student safety offering for K-12 districts. πŸ—£οΈ Platzi[ acquired](https://dplnews.com/platzi-adquiere-leap-e-incorpora-practica-conversacional-del-ingles-a-su-plataforma/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) Leap, adding AI-powered conversational English practice to its platform for learners across Latin America. [Demo the QS Analytics Platform](https://share-eu1.hsforms.com/2C1%5FV5ni4SEyLILjrqcyQnQfigrs?ref=newsletters.qs.com)