Responding to the disruption in education brought on by COVID-19, two seasoned investors with a combined 30 years of experience in that sector, Maia Sharpley and Dre Bennin, announced the launch of a new venture capital firm, Juvo Ventures.
The firm’s initial fund focuses on early-stage investment in the early-childhood-through-adult learning sector, with further plans to develop innovation that will redefine post-secondary education. It is anchored by competency-based education leader Western Governors University.
“The events of 2020 have exacerbated massive changes to the way we teach, learn, engage and manage information, and as a result, entrepreneurs are driving innovation to provide education at scale as never before,” said Sharpley. “Juvo can drive change globally by focusing on entrepreneurs who have the diverse needs of current and future learners in mind.”
Utah-based Juvo Ventures is starting strong, with a portfolio of eight investments across North America. Their mission doesn’t end in America, however, with the firm also hosting six startups within its “Bridge to Success” incubator program of which three are based outside of North America.
When it comes to experience in education and investment, both partners have experience in edtech ventures based in the United States and globally. Sharpley’s experience is in K-12, postsecondary, and professional/vocational education that also included serving as Executive Director of Operations for the NYC Department of Education, as well as a Corporate Vice President for Strategy and Innovation with Kaplan, Inc. She is a Kauffman Fellow.
Bennin’s expertise lies in workforce development investing as well as postsecondary education, with experience as the Managing Director of Corporate Development for Strada Education Network. While serving as Senior Operations Director for Governor Eric J. Holcomb of Indiana, he oversaw the creation of a $250 million fund designed to advance entrepreneurship and innovation in the state.
“Learners need to build the skills that will make them successful. This is a global issue, and we’re looking for entrepreneurs and innovators tackling those issues right now,” said Bennin. “Our investments to date have reflected this view and our portfolio companies are at the forefront of shaping the learning ecosystem of the future.”
A partial list of Juvo’s edtech portfolio companies include BrightHive, Pairin and Voxy.
