EdSurge

EdSurge operates as a prominent news and information resource focused on the intersection of education and technology. Established in February 2011, the company was co-founded by Betsy Corcoran, a former executive editor at Forbes, alongside Matt Bowman, Nick Punt, and Agustin Vilaseca, with Tony Wan joining as the first employee. Corcoran's background as a journalist for publications like Forbes and The Washington Post, combined with her experience as a parent in local schools, revealed a communication gap between edtech creators and educators, which EdSurge was created to bridge.

The company provides in-depth journalism, research, and analysis on the trends, individuals, and tools shaping the future of learning. Its target audience includes K-12 and higher education educators, edtech entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers. EdSurge disseminates information through various channels, including its website, weekly newsletters like Innovate, Instruct, and Next, and podcasts that explore learning trends. Beyond media, the firm builds community through a jobs board and by hosting conferences, workshops, and events that connect stakeholders in the education sector.

Initially launched as a for-profit, venture-backed company, EdSurge raised over $8 million from investors such as Reach Capital and GSV Capital. It also received grants from foundations including the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. A key milestone in the company's history occurred in November 2019, when it was acquired by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), a major nonprofit organization. This transaction transitioned EdSurge into a nonprofit entity, a move intended to provide a more stable foundation and better align with its mission to serve the education community. EdSurge continues to operate with editorial independence under its own brand.

As part of its operations, EdSurge developed product databases and services like EdSurge Concierge, a free platform designed to help school administrators identify and select appropriate technology tools to meet their specific needs. The company's business model has involved generating revenue through advertising and formerly through a market analysis subscription product called EdSurge Intelligence. The acquisition by ISTE allows EdSurge to focus more on its work and less on pure financial survivability, enhancing its ability to support educators and learners globally.

Keywords: edtech journalism, education news, learning technology, K-12 education, higher education, edtech market analysis, education innovation, educator resources, education policy, edtech trends, ISTE, Betsy Corcoran, Tony Wan, edtech community, education research, online learning, school administration tools, edtech investment, digital learning, education news platform