AI in Education: Brisk Raises $15M for Classroom Tools

The Challenge of AI-Generated Student Work

Determining whether a student’s writing was created using ChatGPT or similar generative AI tools is increasingly difficult. Disproving accusations of AI use can also present significant challenges for educators.

Brisk: An AI Edtech Solution

Brisk, an AI edtech startup, has developed a platform designed to assist teachers in identifying potential indicators of AI-generated content. The company recently secured $15 million in new funding following promising initial traction.

Platform Features and Capabilities

Brisk’s platform, accessible via a Chrome extension, provides over 40 tools for both teachers and students. It leverages generative AI, computer vision, and other AI technologies to streamline workflows and enhance educational outcomes.

These tools include functionalities for creating lesson plans, tests, and presentations, adapting materials to diverse learning levels, and automating grading processes.

Addressing the Existing Edtech Landscape

According to Brisk’s CEO and founder, Arman Jaffer, the current edtech ecosystem – comprising approximately 140 tools used by the average U.S. teacher annually – is ill-equipped to handle the integration of AI.

Brisk aims to establish a new, “AI-native” edtech infrastructure.

Future Expansion and Integrations

The new funding will support the development of additional tools and expansion to new platforms. A planned integration with Microsoft is slated for autumn 2025, targeting schools utilizing Microsoft products.

Rapid Growth and User Adoption

San Francisco-based Brisk has experienced substantial growth since its $5 million seed funding round in September 2024. Its user base has increased fivefold, and revenue has grown by a factor of 40.

Currently, over 2,000 schools across 100 countries utilize Brisk’s products. More than 90% of its customer acquisition stems from inbound inquiries.

As of February 2025, one in five K-12 teachers in the U.S. has installed the Brisk Chrome extension.

Series A Funding Details

Bessemer Venture Partners led the Series A funding round, with participation from existing investors Owl Ventures, South Park Commons, and Springbank Collective. The total funding disclosed is $15 million, including $6.9 million in the Series A.

The Increasing Intertwining of Technology and Education

Brisk’s funding and growth reflect the growing convergence of technology and education. Educators have increasingly adopted technology to improve their work and address challenges like declining textbook use and budget constraints.

The Rise of Edtech Apps

Numerous startups and established technology companies are developing edtech applications. Some, like Khan Academy, cater directly to students and families, while others, such as Google and Microsoft, focus on providing solutions for schools and educators.

Gamification and Accessibility in Learning

Teachers are seeking ways to connect with students through user-friendly applications, mirroring the consumerization of IT in other sectors. Kahoot exemplifies the “gamification” of education, aiming to enhance learning accessibility.

AI as a Natural Evolution of Edtech

AI represents the next phase in edtech’s evolution. AI companies are developing learning tools with the premise that AI will inevitably improve educational experiences.

Addressing Concerns About AI in Education

Despite the potential benefits, the adoption of AI in education has faced scrutiny. OpenAI’s teachers’ guide to ChatGPT, released in November 2024, was criticized for failing to adequately address concerns regarding accuracy and data protection.

Brisk’s Origins and Philosophy

Arman Jaffer founded Brisk after gaining experience in edtech at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, where he led the development of Notebooks, a Google Docs alternative. While Notebooks didn’t gain widespread adoption, it informed Jaffer’s belief in the transformative potential of AI for collaboration.

A Measured Approach to AI Integration

Brisk advocates for an assistive, rather than a replacement, approach to AI in education. The company’s student writing inspector doesn’t simply declare work as AI-generated.

Instead, it analyzes the student’s writing process, flagging unusual behavior like excessive copy-pasting, and provides this information to the teacher for assessment.

Targeted Feedback and Teacher Oversight

Brisk’s “Targeted Feedback” tool utilizes generative AI to provide personalized comments on student essays, tailored to age, grading rubrics, or other specified standards. Teachers retain the ability to review and edit these comments before sharing them with students.

The Inevitable Trend of AI in Education

Kent Bennett, a partner at Bessemer Venture Partners, believes the trend of AI integration in education is undeniable. He notes that the traditionally “tech-phobic” nature of the education sector is changing due to the capabilities of Large Language Models (LLMs).

Educator Demand for AI Solutions

Bennett also highlighted the surprising level of proactive interest in AI from educators, stating that teachers are actively seeking AI tools to enhance their work.

Future Developments and Multimodal Integration

Brisk plans to launch a new web platform later in the year, providing a cohesive environment for educators to utilize its tools. This platform will include new resources and activities.

The company also intends to expand its capabilities to support “multimodal” submissions, allowing students to submit image-based work and receive audio descriptions of documents.