Engageli Raises $33M for Collaborative Video Teaching Platform

The Evolving Landscape of Remote Learning in Higher Education

As educational institutions increasingly return to in-person instruction, a significant realization has emerged from the past year: robust remote learning tools are essential. These tools prove invaluable when physical classrooms are unavailable, but also enhance the educational experience even under normal circumstances, expanding access for both educators and students.

Engageli Secures $33 Million in Series A Funding

Engageli, a startup focused on revolutionizing virtual learning in higher education, has announced a $33 million funding round. This investment will fuel further innovation and platform expansion, specifically targeting colleges and universities.

The platform provides a comprehensive online teaching environment, featuring built-in video technology for lectures and discussions. Engageli also facilitates collaborative study groups, shared note-taking with annotation features, and interactive quizzes.

Focus on Multi-Modality and Platform Development

CEO Dan Avida, co-founder alongside Daphne Koller and Serge Plotkin, explained that the funding will be allocated to developing additional tools and scaling the platform. The company aims to cater to the growing demand for versatile video solutions in higher learning.

Initially, universities prioritized synchronous learning experiences. However, the focus has shifted towards a more flexible, multi-modal approach.

Investment Details and Rapid Growth

This Series A round is co-led by Maveron and an unnamed investor, with participation from Corner Ventures, Good Friends, Educapital, and several prominent technology leaders.

This funding arrives just seven months after Engageli’s initial emergence in October 2020. Investors from the previous $14.5 million seed round are also contributing to this latest investment, bringing the total raised to over $47 million. The company has not disclosed its current valuation.

A Unique Approach to Online Education

Engageli distinguishes itself from numerous other learning tools by constructing its video-based platform from the ground up, specifically with educational objectives in mind.

This contrasts with platforms like Microsoft Teams, Google Classroom, and Zoom, which were originally designed for broader enterprise and general communication purposes.

Enhancing the Educator and Learner Experience

Engageli’s development centers on enhancing the video experience in ways that are intuitive and beneficial for both teachers and students. This includes tools for facilitating student-to-student and teacher-to-student interactions.

Features like interactive quizzes, downloadable and annotatable notes, and dedicated Q&A channels contribute to increased student engagement. While currently focused on proprietary technology, Engageli envisions future integration with existing learning management systems.

Early Adoption and Expanding Reach

Engageli is currently onboarding university clients across the U.S., the U.K., and Israel. Classes utilizing the platform already accommodate “hundreds” of concurrent students.

Despite the return to in-person learning, the company anticipates a surge in new users this fall, driven by the demonstrated effectiveness of remote learning.

The Future of Online Learning

Avida believes the shift towards online learning is permanent, citing the significant number of students already engaged in online courses before the pandemic. He predicts continued growth, drawing parallels to the rise of online grocery shopping and telemedicine.

“The trough of disillusionment” for online learning is shallow, indicating a sustained commitment to digital education.

Positive Feedback from Educators

Dr. Theodora Christou, a professor at Queen Mary University of London, praised Engageli for replicating the feel of a traditional classroom. She highlighted the platform’s ability to facilitate group work, monitor student activity, and encourage interaction.

A Growing Ecosystem of Digital Learning Tools

Engageli’s funding and growth coincide with a broader trend of increased investment in digital learning tools, extending to younger age groups as well.

Recent acquisitions, such as Kahoot’s purchase of Clever, and funding rounds for platforms like StuDocu, demonstrate a growing demand for innovative educational technology.

Investor Confidence in Engageli’s Vision

Jason Stoffer, partner at Maveron, expressed confidence in Engageli’s ability to transform digital education. He believes the platform can improve student outcomes, regardless of learning modality, and promote equitable access to higher education.

Engageli is poised to play a key role in shaping the future of learning, offering a unique and effective solution for institutions seeking to enhance their educational offerings.