How will ed tech investment slowdown impact higher learning?
This year has seen a slowdown of investment in education technology start ups; a contrast to previous years where keen investors actively supported these businesses as a way to shake up higher education in the US. This slowdown will have an impact on colleges and universities, which have benefited from free or low-cost trials of innovative products or services from these start ups. In addition, they can expect to receive fewer pitches. Conversely, learning analytics and career guidance services continue to grow, which gives some cause for optimism. Education technology start ups who have survived the downturn will be in a stronger position due to the shrinking market, and will pose a greater threat to conventional education, according to the Chronicle of Higher Education. 

Education technology startups have been flush with cash in recent years, thanks to enthusiastic investors ready to “disrupt” higher education, but 2016 has brought a slowdown to the sector that is sure to impact colleges and universities.

Education technology startups have been flush with cash in recent years, thanks to enthusiastic investors ready to “disrupt” higher education, but 2016 has brought a slowdown to the sector that is sure to impact colleges and universities.

The Chronicle of Higher Education reports higher ed leaders can expect fewer free or low-cost trials, as well as pitches from companies offering new, innovative products or services