RESEARCH SECTOR
Learning tech
The way people learn and develop skills is being fundamentally reshaped by technology. We’re interested in technologies that make learning more personalized, measurable and embedded in the flow of work — including learning experience platforms, skills intelligence tools, AI-powered coaching and career development solutions.
Discover the latest trends and technologies shaping Learning tech
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Key theme and focus area
Our learning technology focus encompasses companies that help employers, employees and educational institutions build skills more effectively — from AI-powered learning platforms and skills intelligence tools to coaching technology and immersive learning experiences.
- AI-powered personalized learning
- Skills intelligence and taxonomy platforms
- Learning experience platforms (LXP)
- Learning in the flow of work
- Microlearning and modular content
- Immersive learning (VR/AR simulations)
- AI fluency and workforce upskilling
- Coaching and mentoring technology
- Learning analytics and skills measurement
- Career pathing and internal mobility
- K-12 and higher education technology
The way organizations develop talent is undergoing a fundamental shift. Traditional, program-led training is giving way to continuous, AI-driven learning embedded directly in the flow of work — where skills gaps are identified in real time and addressed through personalized content, coaching and immersive experience. We believe the convergence of AI, skills intelligence and modern learning platforms creates significant opportunity for technology providers that can demonstrate measurable impact on employee performance and business outcomes. As every organization grapples with rapid technological change and AI fluency becomes as foundational as digital literacy was a decade ago, we expect demand for effective learning technology to accelerate.
Our sector leaders
Corey Greendale
Managing Director, Office of the PresidentFeatured insights and research reports
Large opportunity for employee coaching platforms helping win the war for talent
Corey Greendale, Christopher Tran
Mentoring and coaching tech: Key to scaling learning and development
Corey Greendale
The talent treasure in the corporate backyard
Corey Greendale
Lower-cost, employment-focused learning will take center stage in the post-COVID-19 world
Corey Greendale
SaaS: Talent development – the democratization of learning & development
Corey Greendale
School as a service: The next big thing in the higher education industry
Corey Greendale
Venture capital activities
AdvancePath Academics, acquired by Graduation Alliance in 2017, provided alternative education solutions for out-of-school and at-risk high school students. The company created innovative partnerships with districts and high schools to operate in-school academies that provided high-quality education services to recover, educate, and graduate students at risk of not earning their high school diplomas.
Learning.com is the leading provider of digital literacy solutions to K-8 schools. The company’s EasyTech platform allows students to build critical technology skills without disrupting teachers’ lesson plans by teaching those skills in the context of other subjects, such as language arts, math, science, and social studies.
Knowlagent developed scheduled learning software that provided contact center agents with individualized training at their workstations during downtime, allowing companies to enhance employee knowledge and performance without allocating extra time or financial resources to outside training. The company changed its name to Intradiem in 2013 and now provides an intraday automation platform for frontline workforces, including contact center, back-office, retail, and field services.
Wimba developed Web-based collaboration software designed for on-line distance education, language learning, and live interactive communications. Its collaborative applications enabled educators to employ the new wave of teaching opportunities afforded by campus-wide networks and the internet, regardless of geographic location, bandwidth or operating system. Its virtual rooms enabled educators to conduct live, on-line classes, meetings, office hours and collaborations, and its voice integration tools added verbal interaction directly into course content, Web pages, study groups and assessments. Wimba was acquired by Blackboard Inc. in 2010.
Relevant advisory transactions
Co-manager
Pluralsight Follow-on
$397,000,000
About Pluralsight:
Pluralsight is an enterprise technology skills platform that delivers a unified, end-to-end learning experience for businesses across the globe. Through a subscription service, companies are empowered to move at the speed of technology, increasing proficiency, innovation and efficiency. Founded in 2004 and trusted by Fortune 500 companies, Pluralsight provides members with on-demand access to a digital ecosystem of learning tools, including Pluralsight IQ, directed learning paths, expert-authored courses, interactive labs, and analytics.
Co-manager
Pluralsight IPO
$310,500,000
First Analysis recently acted as co-manager for Pluralsight Inc.’s $311 million initial public offering. Pluralsight is an enterprise technology learning platform that delivers a unified, end-to-end learning experience for businesses across the globe. Through its subscription service, companies are empowered to move at the speed of technology, increasing proficiency, innovation, and efficiency. Founded in 2004 and trusted by Fortune 500 companies, Pluralsight provides its members with on-demand access to a digital ecosystem of learning tools, including adaptive skill tests, directed learning paths, expert-authored courses, interactive labs and live mentoring.
About Pluralsight:
Pluralsight is an enterprise technology skills platform that delivers a unified, end-to-end learning experience for businesses across the globe. Through a subscription service, companies are empowered to move at the speed of technology, increasing proficiency, innovation and efficiency. Founded in 2004 and trusted by Fortune 500 companies, Pluralsight provides members with on-demand access to a digital ecosystem of learning tools, including Pluralsight IQ, directed learning paths, expert-authored courses, interactive labs, and analytics.
Co-manager
2U Inc. Follow-on
$119,000,000
About 2U Inc.:
2U, based in Landover, Md., partners with top tier colleges and universities to create online programs. Its cloud-based software-as-a-service platform allows partners to educate and engage students globally.
Co-manager
2U Inc. Follow-on
$119,000,000
About 2U Inc.:
2U, based in Landover, Md., partners with top tier colleges and universities to create online programs. Its cloud-based software-as-a-service platform allows partners to educate and engage students globally.
Investment banking and corporate finance services are provided through First Analysis Securities Corporation (“FASC” or “First Analysis Securities”), a subsidiary of First Analysis Corp.