Education Markets and Deals Roundup — 18th Edition
The education market shows robust activity across traditional and digital segments. Major players are leveraging technology and strategic partnerships, with Skillsoft’s SAP integration and 56% stock surge leading public markets. Pearson expanded virtual K-12 offerings through CAPS Network, while Wiley enhanced its technical solutions.
In India, Veranda Learning’s INR 250 crore raise and strategic acquisitions in professional education, alongside Jetking’s pioneering Bitcoin investment, highlighted market dynamism.
The Indian education sector demonstrated renewed investor confidence in December 2024, accelerating funding momentum across strategic segments. Deal activity concentrated on AI-enabled platforms, K-12 services, and specialized education verticals, with nine transactions totaling over USD 24M. This uptick in investment flow, particularly in technology-driven solutions, signals a robust appetite for innovative edtech ventures despite broader market volatility.
I. Public Markets
Market Multiples Snapshot — Global and Indian Education (Source: Koyfin)Global Education
Despite broader market consolidation and downward trends this month, Skillsoft emerged as a standout performer with a 56% stock price surge. The remarkable gain is primarily driven by its strategic partnership with SAP in the skill development market, positioning the company strongly in the growing corporate learning sector.
Global Listed Education Player Comps
Rapid Round-up
Pearson’s strategic partnership with CAPS Network marks expansion in virtual K-12 education, initially targeting 10 Connections Academy schools. The collaboration integrates work-based learning, paid internships, and mentorship programs, leveraging the successful tri-credit approach. This positions Pearson to capture growing demand in virtual education while diversifying revenue streams.Wiley launched a new version of its KnowItAll software demonstrating technological advancement in spectral analysis market. The enhanced software platform features automated LC-MS analysis and extensive spectral libraries, indicating focus on high-margin technical solutions.Skillsoft exhibited market resilience with Q3 FY2025 revenue of USD 137M and strategic growth in Talent Development Solutions (+2%). The SAP SuccessFactors integration positions the company favorably in the skills development market, with 82% of organizations transitioning to skills-based models. The AI-powered tools and USD 8M in new contracts reflects successful market penetration. This had a positive effect on the stock price of the Company.Class Technologies’ strategic alliance with Docebo has strengthened its position in the virtual training market. The integration enhances product offerings through AI-powered analytics and automated workflows. This partnership positions both companies to capitalize on the growing demand for virtual instructor-led training solutions, creating potential revenue synergies.Lincoln Educational Services’ expansion strategy showcased a new 65,000-square-foot campus in Hicksville, NY, targeting the projected demand for 54,000 automotive technicians by 2030. The company’s successful track record, demonstrated by East Point campus’s first-year profitability, indicates strong market positioning in technical education sector.
2. Indian Education
The Indian education stocks showed notable volatility in December. Jetking Infotrain’s shares surged following its pioneering USD 1.2M Bitcoin investment, representing 26% of market cap. Conversely, Shanti Educational experienced share price decline due to dilution effect from bonus share issuance, impacting market sentiment in the education sector.
Indian Listed Education Player Comps
Rapid Round-Up
Veranda Learning Solutions has announced a INR 250 crore preferential issue to fuel expansion, alongside strategic acquisitions in the CA/CMA coaching space. The company plans to acquire a 51% stake in BB Virtuals for INR 126.2 crore and 65% in Navkar Digital Institute for INR 45.5 crore. These acquisitions, integrated with JK Shah Classes, are expected to strengthen Veranda’s commerce vertical, projecting an EBITDA of INR 120 crore for FY25. Additionally, Veranda XL has partnered with SRM Institute of Science and Technology to provide on-campus CA coaching through JK Shah Classes.Jetking Infotrain has made history as India’s first publicly traded company to adopt Bitcoin as a reserve asset, purchasing 12 BTC worth approximately USD 1.2 million — representing over 26% of its USD 4.5 million market cap. The company reported strong Q1 results with a $366,520 profit and 39% quarterly revenue growth, marking a significant step for cryptocurrency adoption in India’s corporate sector. This led to a significant movement in the Company’s stock prices.
II. Private Markets
Equity Financing Snapshot — Indian Education (Source: Tracxn)
Funding Round-Up
NumberOne Academy secured INR 3cr from T.I.G.E.R Santosh Nair for an AI-powered SME enablement platform, focusing on regional language expansion and virtual business coaching.Aakash Chaudhry’s Sparkl Edventure raised USD 4M seed funding from Rainmatter Foundation and Zomato’s CEO for the IB/Cambridge curriculum online tutoring platform.Online learning platform Seekho raised USD 8M Series A from Lightspeed and Elevation Capital at a USD 45M valuation. Funds to expand short-video learning content across various categories.Higher education startup Edept secured USD 1M seed funding led by Enzia Ventures and Equanimity Investments for expansion, operations scaling, and tech platform enhancement.BFSI skilling platform FinX raised USD 6M seed funding from Elevar Equity for geographical expansion, product development, and strategic acquisitions in the finance training sector.Kenro Capital invested USD 40M in K12 Techno Services (Orchids International Schools), acquiring equity from existing investors and providing growth capital for school network expansion.Kreedo Early Childhood Solutions secured INR 10 crore in debt funding from Recur Club. These proceeds will be deployed towards fuelling its growth and expansion plans, enhancing product offerings, and scaling operations across India.India’s largest school distribution platform Eupheus Learning raised USD 3 million from Lightrock India, to accelerate its organic growth and fuel both its product portfolio as well as the geographical segment.Nazara, Mumbai based online gaming company invests INR 4.2 crore in LearnTube.ai, an educational platform that enhances gamified learning experiences. The investment is pursuant to synergic benefits in the future.
LoEstro Advisors is an investment banking firm specializing in sell-side fundraise and M&A advisory, along with a strong consulting arm.
Over the last four years, we have grown to be one of India’s largest (in terms of M&A transactions) homegrown boutique investment banks, with $1billion + worth of combined deals closed across education, healthcare, consumer, and technology sectors.
