To accelerate its efforts for youth reach and engagement further, the Philippines’ leading education technology platform announced that it has secured a funding to expand its initiatives as well as to strengthen network of partners from all sectors across the country and beyond.
(Photo via Merlina Malipot)
Edukasyon.ph, the leading education technology platform in the Philippines, confirmed the initial close of its Series A financing round, joined by Asian and European investors including EduLab Capital Partners, Obunsha Ventures, Alternate Ventures, Foxmont Capital Partners, Lorinet Foundation, French Partners, First Asia Venture Capital and KSR Ventures. The undisclosed amount raised in Series A comes on the heels of Edukasyon.ph’s pre-Series A round closed in May 2018 and an investment from the Gobi-Core Philippine Fund in early 2019.
“We are grateful for partners who believe in our mission and the critical role technology can play in improving education to employment outcomes for the Filipino youth,” said Edukasyon.ph CEO and Founder Henry Motte-Muñoz. “This opportunity allows us to deepen our focus on product development, to not only broaden the platform’s reach but more importantly, to create more meaningful and measurable engagement with each user,” he added.
Edukasyon.ph, which launched in 2015, now draws 10 million annual visitors to its platforms by offering access to senior high schools, colleges and universities, scholarships, online courses and other resources that enable successful education to employment pathways.
In partnership with more than 500 educational institutions and 50 corporations and foundations, Edukasyon.ph aims to empower Filipino Gen Z youth to make self-aware education decisions that lead to a fulfilling career and life. This year, the Manila-based startup also solidified its nationwide presence by launching its offices in Cebu and Davao.
For Koji Takahashi of EduLab Capital Partners, a new investor in Edukasyon.ph, they are “thrilled to be joining” Edukasyon.ph in creating value for the youth and various educators in the Philippines. “This marks EduLab Capital Partners’ first investment in the Asia Pacific region, and we are excited to extend our global presence and network to aid successful startups in transforming education through innovation,” he added.
Meanwhile, Michael Dargani, President and CEO of IceDream Inc. – who also invested through the Series A round – said that he was “very pleased” with the progress Edukasyon.ph has made in such a short period of time, which is a “real testament to the vision, hard work and competence” of the team. “I am certain that with this funding round, they will reach even greater heights,” he added.
Foxmont Capital Partners Managing Partner Franco Verona also added that for emerging markets across Asia-Pacific, especially within a dynamic economy like the Philippines, the youth represent hope for sustained and responsible growth. “We are happy to be supporting Edukasyon.ph as it takes on new initiatives to support the next generation of leaders,” he explained.
In the Philippines, out of 2 million who turn 18 each year, up to 80 percent are left behind between higher education and employment, resulting in poor life outcomes. Edukasyon.ph was created as a solution to centralize resources and facilitate inquiries and applications to various schools, so that students can take control of their options and be equipped for better decision-making.
Building on its comprehensive search-and-apply platform for schools and scholarships, Edukasyon.ph has introduced new verticals, connecting students to online courses, technical-vocational programs and internships.
Over the past year, Edukasyon.ph has also significantly expanded its content offering, through multimedia channels that provide students guidance for navigating student life and career preparation. These offerings have cultivated campaign partnerships with leading corporations, which seek new targeted approaches to engage with Gen Z at scale.
In the coming months, Edukasyon.ph aims to unveil “new platform features” as it strengthens its network of partners from all sectors across the country and beyond. “Our hope is to continue building a holistic education ecosystem online, so that together we can eliminate job-skills mismatch and help the youth rise above industry demands,” said Edukasyon.ph Chief Strategy Officer Judge Calimbahin. “With continued investment from our partners, we will be able to leverage insights to refine products and services that address the ecosystem’s various needs,” he ended.