An $8 billion education company is launching a $50 million startup investment fund as an alternative to going all-in on tech acquisitions
Digital education company Pearson launches venture fund for early-stage startups, and is planning a passive portfolio management strategy.
- On Wednesday legacy education company Pearson announced Pearson Ventures, a venture fund with an initial capital commitment of $50M over three years.
- The idea, says investments director Owen Henkel, is for Pearson Ventures to allow its parent company to dip its toes into the water with new technologies and business models, without having to commit to a pricey, complex acquisition.
- The fund will focus on early stage startups, with an eye towards investing in companies that can help Pearson adapt to the modern world of education.