The EdTech Boom: SuperCharger Ventures Launches Debut Accelerator for Early-Stage Founders
As the world continues to navigate the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, one sector that has shown remarkable resilience and growth is edtech. Before the pandemic, edtech companies went decades without raising financing due to a lack of interest from generalist venture capitalists. However, over the past year, the sector has started to mature, with signs of profitability, unicorn status, potential IPOs, and a rush of talent.
In response to this momentum, cross-border venture capital firm SuperCharger Ventures is launching a debut accelerator exclusively for early-stage edtech founders. The 12-week accelerator will be held virtually, with six startups in the inaugural cohort.
A Pivot from Fintech to EdTech
Interestingly, this isn’t SuperCharger’s first time running an accelerator program. The firm has led three cohorts of startups through a fintech-focused accelerator, graduating 49 companies. However, with the fintech sector becoming increasingly saturated, SuperCharger co-founder Janos Barberis believes it’s time to pivot to another booming category.
"Banks just don’t have the space or the bandwidth to start dealing with innovation right now," Barberis explained. "COVID-19 created a supply and demand unevenness between fintech services and banks, and as many branches struggle to stay open, ‘the first thing banks cut is innovation.’"
The Importance of B2B and Recurring Revenue Streams
SuperCharger’s experience in the fintech sector has taught them the importance of B2B and recurring revenue streams. Barberis emphasized that "corporate angle? It’s sticky, healthy and revenue driven…it’s healthy income, and I think right now investors are willing to pay for that healthy income."
This lesson is particularly relevant in the edtech space, where many companies are still focused on selling directly to consumers. However, as Barberis pointed out, B2B businesses have a much broader potential reach.
Cohort Startups: Focused on Expanding into European and Asian Markets
The six startups in SuperCharger’s debut cohort are focused on expanding their services into the European and Asian markets. These companies include:
- Newcampus: An online hybrid education model that balances asynchronous and synchronous learning throughout the day.
- Ringbeller: A startup using interactive video lessons to teach kids soft skills, such as creativity and kindness.
- Roybi: A company creating an AI-robot that teaches kids topics in STEM.
The Future of EdTech
As the edtech sector continues to grow and mature, it’s clear that SuperCharger Ventures is committed to supporting early-stage founders in this space. With their debut accelerator program, they’re providing a valuable resource for startups looking to expand into new markets and build scalable businesses.
In the words of Barberis, "we believe that edtech has huge potential for growth and impact, and we’re excited to be part of it."
