ActiveClass, an EdTech startup focused on improving student success and retention through better student engagement, has raised $1.9 million as a part of its seed funding round led by veteran EdTech investor and leading Arizona software investor PHX Ventures.
The round was also joined by several angel investors and executives from successful Arizona EdTech companies CampusLogic and Parchment.
The company plans to use the fresh capital to build its growth engine, enhance customer support, and expedite product development.
Founded in 2021 by Nate Hurst, ActiveClass helps schools and instructors create active learning communities that drive student engagement and improve student outcomes. The platform’s intuitive social tools fit seamlessly inside the LMS and enable instructors and students to easily post, discuss, and even grade any and all course-related topics. ActiveClass ensures better course communication, student collaboration, and community building, all within one singular tool that sits inside the LMS.
Commenting on the funding, Nate Hurst, Co-founder & CEO of ActiveClass, said,
“We are beyond excited for what this means not just for us at ActiveClass, but also for our current and future customers. We are focused on building unique solutions that help students connect, stay connected, and improve their sense of community and belonging, no matter where they are. This money will ensure that we have proper resources to do just that.”
The startup believes that improved student engagement and connections can make a positive impact on the $16.5 billion annual losses that come due to students dropping out. ActiveClass is also creating social-first tools that can easily be utilized where students and instructors already spend the bulk of their time, the LMS.
EdTech veteran Steve Morris (CampusLogic, Scoir), said,
“I’m thrilled to join ActiveClass. I whole-heartedly believe in the vision and mission of ActiveClass to improve social connections across campuses as well as inside the classroom.”
ActiveClass had acquired Notebowl and its accompanying assets in June this year. The acquisition was made possible by PHX Ventures, a private fund focused on young, high-growth companies.
As the entire world adapts and continues to adapt to a more virtual world, it’s imperative that students and instructors alike have the proper technology in place to not only catch up to the new normal but also be prepared for whatever the ‘next normal’ look like. ActiveClass is doing that.
