April 2014

New Markets Venture Partners continues its focus on investing in companies with proven business models and a data driven approach to improving student outcomes. Through our network of thought leading Limited Partners, Advisors and Portfolio Companies, we are constantly investigating researched-based, best practices in education reform. We work with companies to apply disruptive technologies and business models directly to the greatest pain points. We're pleased to share this update with you on recent investment activity, portfolio company successes and new additions to our team.

EXITS
Earlier this month, Bottomline Technologies (NASDAQ: EPAY), a leading provider of cloudbased payment, invoice and digital banking solutions, announced its acquisition of Andera, a provider of innovative customer acquisition solutions. New Markets originally invested in 2010. Read more>>

RECENT INVESTMENTS

In April, New Markets participated in Series B funding for American Honors, continuing our initial investment from last year. The company offers a selective two-year honors program. Mashable closed Series A financing of $13 million in January of this year. New Markets participated in the syndicate for this leading news source for the connected generation. New Markets led a Series C financing of $6 million last July with Graduation Alliance. The company supports school districts with an innovative dropout recovery program. In June, New Markets participated in follow-on funding of Civitas Learning. The provider of a predictive analytics platform for delivering valuable progress insights to students, faculty, advisors and administrators, closed an $8.75 million round Online speech and occupational therapy provider for K-12 students,PresenceLearning, completed an $8 million Series A financing led by New Markets in April 2013.

PORTFOLIO COMPANY HEADLINES

Quad Learning Raises $10M to Expand Affordable Pathways to College

NEA and BetterLesson launch new site with over 3,000 Common Core lessons

Think Through Math Students Solve A Half Billion Math Problems Kroll Bond Rating Agencys Jules Kroll Featured in Forbes Magazine

NEW TEAM MEMBERS

We welcome three new advisors to our team, widely respected leaders in education, and successful social entrepreneurs:

Russell Greiff, Senior Advisor

Rusty has over 15 years experience in launching and running early-stage and large-scale education, social entrepreneurship and interactive technology businesses. He is Chief Strategy & Development Officer at Learnist. Learnist gives curious people the chance to teach and learn with experts around the world by curating multi-media learning boards. Originally a product of Grockit, the company was renamed when the original test prep application was sold to Kaplan. Read more>>

Eric Heyer, Entrepreneur-in-Residence

Eric is founder and chairman of Capital Education Group, a leading autism services organization that operates The Auburn School network and the Little Leaves behavioral therapy programs. Erik is also founder and chairman of The Siena School in Silver Spring. The Siena School has quickly become a regional and national leader in programs for students with dyslexia and language-based learning differences. The school and its staff have earned several honors, along with accolades from area educators, community leaders and the media. Read more>>

Ben Wallerstein, Senior Advisor

Ben Wallerstein is a managing director at Dutko Worldwide, LLC, a Washington-based global public policy management firm with offices around the world. As an attorney with deep and broad interests in American public education, Wallerstein has built a consulting practice that focuses on helping education entrepreneurs bring innovations to bear on improving education through the public policy process. His work takes him from Capitol Hill to state capitols, from major urban school districts to boardrooms, where he collaborates with elected officials, philanthropists and investors to advance educational programs and policy initiatives. Wallerstein has also executed extensive work in corporate philanthropy, advising institutions on their charitable giving strategy to ensure that their investments provide desired benefits to schools, teachers and students across the country.