The Future of Edtech: 8 Investors Share Post-Pandemic Trends and Opportunities

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated digital transformation across education technology, but what comes next? We spoke with eight leading edtech investors to uncover emerging trends, investment priorities, and the future of learning in a post-pandemic world.

Key Takeaways:

• Reskilling technology is seeing unprecedented demand
• Digital universities are gaining traction but face adoption challenges
• Income Share Agreements (ISAs) remain controversial among investors
• Hybrid learning models combining digital and in-person experiences are emerging
• Early childhood education represents a growing market opportunity

Investor Perspectives on Edtech’s Future

Reach Capital’s Insights

Jennifer Carolan, Shauntel Garvey, and Chian Gong highlight:

• Live online learning builds on MOOC foundations with better engagement
• Early childhood education needs digital solutions for millennial parents
• Public school systems are accelerating digital adoption
• Relationship-driven learning creates stickier educational experiences

Owl Ventures’ Outlook

Ian Chiu emphasizes:

• Global expansion of edtech solutions is accelerating
• Demonstrable learning outcomes remain critical for investment
• Direct-to-consumer models are gaining traction in the U.S.
• Digital infrastructure gaps must be addressed for true inclusivity

Emerge Education’s Perspective

Jan Lynn-Matern focuses on:

• $8.5 trillion global skills gap as major opportunity
• Industry-aligned training programs with clear career outcomes
• Micro-credentials and stackable degrees as future trends
• Bearish on pure software solutions for traditional institutions

Critical Edtech Sectors to Watch

1. Reskilling and Upskilling Technology

With a billion jobs expected to transform due to automation, investors unanimously agree:

• Corporate training platforms are seeing record demand
• Middle-skills training (e.g., healthcare, manufacturing) offers growth
• Skills assessment tools remain an unsolved challenge

2. Digital Universities and Hybrid Learning

Opinions vary on digital higher education:

Bullish Factors:

• Expands access for non-traditional students
• Enables flexible learning for working adults
• Reduces costs compared to traditional programs

Challenges:

• Lower completion rates than in-person programs
• Undergraduate demand for campus experience persists
• Quality concerns among some investors

3. Income Share Agreements (ISAs)

Investors remain divided:

Supporters argue:

• Aligns institution incentives with student outcomes
• Reduces upfront education costs

Critics note:

• Untested in economic downturns
• Limited to high-ROI programs
• Requires government support to scale

The Path Forward for Edtech

Inclusion and Accessibility

While edtech has made strides in accessibility, significant gaps remain:

• Digital divide in home internet access persists
• Language barriers limit some solutions
• Cost structures must evolve to serve diverse populations

Hybrid Learning Models

Leading examples combine digital and in-person elements:

• Newsela: Digital content with teacher tools
• EDU: Hybrid medical degree programs
• Skillit: Blended trade school training

What Investors Want Next

Key criteria for future investments:

1. Clear learning outcomes with measurable impact
2. Scalable relationship-driven experiences
3. Solutions for underserved populations
4. Innovative cost structures that improve affordability
5. Global-ready platforms with localization capabilities

The pandemic accelerated edtech adoption, but the sector’s long-term success will depend on delivering tangible learning outcomes, expanding access, and creating sustainable business models. As these investors make clear, the most successful companies will be those solving fundamental education challenges - not just pandemic-era needs.

🚀 Technology Solutions & Recommendations

Enhance your tech capabilities with these cutting-edge products that complement the technological innovations discussed in this article:

🛍️ Featured Product 1: HNL – T-Shirt

Image: Premium product showcase

As edtech investors and learners adapt to post-pandemic trends like digital universities and reskilling, comfort and versatility remain key—whether in learning environments or downtime. The HNL T-Shirt offers a simple yet reliable choice for those navigating this shift, blending practicality with the ease needed for a tech-driven lifestyle.

The HNL T-Shirt is a comfortable, everyday essential designed for learners and educators who value both style and practicality. Whether you’re attending a digital university lecture, reskilling from home, or just embracing the new normal of hybrid education, this tee keeps you effortlessly cool. Made from soft, breathable fabric, it’s perfect for long hours of screen time or casual wear as the edtech landscape evolves.

Key Features:

• Premium soft cotton fabric for all-day comfort
• Classic fit suitable for work-from-home or casual outings
• Durable construction to withstand daily wear
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🛍️ Featured Product 2: HNL Sectional – Mug

Image: Premium product showcase

As edtech investors and lifelong learners adapt to post-pandemic trends—digital education, reskilling, and remote-friendly tools—this mug serves as a practical companion for those long hours spent engaging with new platforms, courses, or investment pitches. It’s not a tech solution, but it supports the people building and using them.

The HNL Sectional Mug is designed for the modern learner—whether you’re attending a digital university, reskilling through online courses, or juggling remote work with professional development. Its ergonomic sectional grip ensures comfort during long study sessions or back-to-back virtual lectures, while the generous 16oz capacity means fewer refill breaks. A subtle nod to the evolving edtech landscape, this mug keeps your focus (and your coffee) where it belongs: on growth beyond the pandemic.

Key Features:

• 16oz capacity for uninterrupted learning sessions
• Ergonomic sectional grip for comfort
• Microwave and dishwasher safe for convenience
• Classic minimalist design fits any workspace

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🛍️ Featured Product 3: HND – Tote Bag

Image: Premium product showcase

As edtech investors and learners adapt to post-pandemic education trends—like reskilling and digital universities—the HND Tote Bag supports the mobile, flexible lifestyle that modern education demands. It’s not a tech solution, but a reliable accessory for those embracing the future of learning, whether in-person or online.

The HND Tote Bag is a practical, durable companion for students and lifelong learners navigating the evolving world of edtech and digital education. Whether you’re heading to a hybrid classroom, a co-working space, or a coffee shop for an online course, this spacious tote keeps your essentials—laptop, notebooks, and more—organized and portable. Its minimalist design ensures it fits seamlessly into any environment, from campus to remote learning setups.

Key Features:

• Spacious main compartment for laptops up to 15 inches and textbooks
• Reinforced handles for comfort during daily commutes or travel
• Sturdy, lightweight fabric perfect for students and professionals on the go
• Minimalist design suitable for any learning environment

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