NoRedInk Raises $50 Million Series B to Improve Student Writing

The Importance of Reading Aloud for Writers

A foundational piece of writing advice suggests that aspiring authors should read their work aloud. This technique, often cited as one of the most effective tips for improvement, initially seemed counterintuitive to me.

It required a shift in how I approached writing – moving from a solitary act to a vocal performance. However, over time, its value became clear. Vocalizing text helps pinpoint not only typographical errors and incomplete ideas, but also more nuanced issues.

These include awkward phrasing and unnatural sentence rhythms. Crucially, if a writer finds their own text tedious during a read-through, it’s a strong indication that readers will share that sentiment.

NoRedInk: A Tech Solution for Writing Education

Writing, even for dedicated practitioners, is a complex, human endeavor governed by subtle and often unspoken rules. While these intricacies don’t naturally lend themselves to technological solutions, NoRedInk, a San Francisco-based company, has been working for nearly a decade to enhance student writing skills through software.

NoRedInk recently announced a $50 million Series B funding round, led by Susquehanna Growth Equity, with participation from True Ventures. Additional investors include GSV, Rethink Education, and Kapor Capital.

This financing round arrives almost six years after the company’s Series A, demonstrating a clear ambition for substantial growth in the coming years. The increased capital will allow NoRedInk to address its core challenge: simplifying a fundamentally complex subject.

From Classroom Observation to Startup Foundation

The company was founded in 2012 by Jeff Scheur, who at the time was an English teacher in Chicago. NoRedInk originated as a response to the common experience of students receiving feedback on their papers – often marked with red ink – without knowing how to apply it.

“Students receive feedback but often don’t know how to utilize it effectively,” Scheur explained. “They see the grade, but frequently disregard the comments. I began developing tools to help students master skills that are expected of them, but aren’t always explicitly taught.”

Since its inception, NoRedInk has focused on improving students’ writing abilities, covering areas such as essay structure, concise argumentation, and proper citation techniques.

Balancing Art and Skill in Writing Instruction

“A significant challenge in teaching writing is to clarify the process of becoming a skilled writer without diminishing the artistic expression inherent in the craft,” Scheur stated. “This involves providing students with targeted, personalized practice and helping them understand that there isn’t a single ‘right’ way to write.”

To achieve this, NoRedInk employs adaptive learning, an educational approach that utilizes algorithms to assess learner inputs – such as strengths and preferences – and tailor the learning experience accordingly.

The platform begins by gathering information about students’ favorite characters and role models. It then generates personalized writing exercises aligned with their interests, offering guidance throughout the writing process.

Breaking Down Complex Skills

Scheur described a key aspect of NoRedInk’s methodology as “deconstructing difficult skills through varying levels of support.”

To date, students have completed over 10 billion exercises on the NoRedInk platform. This data is used to identify common problem areas, shared struggles, and potential gaps in traditional curricula for school districts.

NoRedInk offers a free, limited version for teachers to evaluate, alongside a comprehensive premium version that integrates with learning management systems. This allows schools and districts to track student progress effectively.

Future Directions and Differentiation

As the company grows, NoRedInk may explore deeper integration with the drafting process to gain market share. A question arises: will it incorporate tone suggestions, similar to AI-powered grammar and writing tools like Grammarly?

Currently, the company’s focus remains distinct. “Grammarly is a consumer application, a modern equivalent of the spellcheck feature in Microsoft Word,” Scheur explained. “NoRedInk serves a different purpose; it’s the tool that schools and districts use to teach fundamental writing skills.”