Lingo, a leading EdTech company, has recently raised $2.25 million in a seed funding round led by Pinnacle Private Ventures, LLC, an influential family office-owned private investment firm led by Sean McCurry, with participation from 1863 Ventures, Sequoia Capital via the Scout program, and Dr Joy Johnson. This funding round highlights a powerful shift in the venture capital landscape, redefining how women and minority founders can access the resources needed to drive meaningful societal change.
Founded by former NASA rocket scientist, serial entrepreneur and future Blue Origin astronaut Aisha Bowe, Lingo aims to bridge the gap between traditional education and industry readiness by delivering accessible STEM tools that empower learners to seize real-world opportunities. Lessons can be self-guided or teacher-led, as they were created by engineers and built specifically for teachers. LINGO classes, aligned with national learning standards, instil confidence in students by involving them in real-world projects in growing domains like artificial intelligence, environmental monitoring, and space systems.
Speaking about the development, Aisha Bowe, Founder and CEO of LINGO, said:
With 80% of future jobs projected to require STEM skills, LINGO is a scalable solution for schools and homes that provides learners with exposure to emerging technologies while building the skills and confidence they need to thrive. Closing this round empowers us to extend our reach, delivering essential STEM tools and inspiration to thousands more students and preparing them for success in a rapidly evolving world.
The new capital will allow LINGO to expand its innovative, hands-on, project-based coding kits and curriculum, which include lessons for students aged 13 and up in fields such as artificial intelligence, space systems, and environmental monitoring. The platform’s programmes, already implemented by partners such as General Dynamics Information Technology, Siemens Healthineers, Leidos, and Howard University, are transforming how students engage with STEM and preparing the next generation of scientists and engineers for careers in rapidly evolving fields.
Sean McCurry, Founder of Pinnacle Private Ventures, added:
This funding round highlights LINGO’s potential to reshape the future of STEM education. We are grateful to support LINGO’s growth and mission to equip the next generation of tech leaders with the resources they need to succeed. Our investment reflects a deep commitment to pursuing financial returns, creating meaningful social impact through education, and fostering diversity within the tech sector.
With only 1% of venture capital allocated to Black female founders, LINGO’s successful funding round marks a watershed moment in empowering diverse entrepreneurs often overlooked by traditional funding avenues. It underscores family offices’ essential role in driving positive change by raising the bar for future investments that prioritize equity and innovation.
As LINGO continues to scale, this investment marks a pivotal moment in how family offices like Pinnacle are shaping the future. By empowering founders like Aisha Bowe, who is redefining STEM education and creating pathways for more women in tech, Pinnacle is setting a new benchmark for aligning investment strategies with a vision of inclusivity and equity.
