Zen Educate secures $37M in funding and acquires Aquinas Education to combat the teacher shortage

Zen Educate, an innovative online marketplace connecting schools with teachers, has secured an impressive $37 million in a Series B funding round. This funding comes at a critical time as the education sector faces a severe teacher shortage crisis exacerbated by the global pandemic.

Founded in London in 2017, Zen Educate offers a digital platform that eliminates the need for traditional recruitment agencies, streamlining the process for both schools and teachers. By leveraging data such as proximity, skills, and experience, Zen Educate efficiently matches teachers with schools, providing a much-needed solution to the ongoing supply/demand imbalance in the education sector.

One of the key advantages of Zen Educate is its focus on flexibility for educators, allowing them to find temporary or part-time roles that suit their schedules. Additionally, the platform promises higher pay for teachers by taking a smaller cut compared to traditional agencies, ultimately benefiting both teachers and schools.

With the latest funding, Zen Educate is set to expand its presence in the U.S. market, building on its success in states like Minnesota and expanding into Texas, Colorado, California, and Arizona. The company’s technology-driven approach has enabled it to navigate the complex regulatory environment in the U.S., setting it apart from traditional staffing firms.

Moreover, Zen Educate is planning to launch new software for school administrators, enhancing its workforce management tools and streamlining processes like credentialing and compliance. The company is also focusing on acquisitions to further strengthen its resources, with the recent purchase of teacher staffing agency Aquinas Education and the addition of brand ambassador Jermaine Jenas.

Overall, Zen Educate’s Series B funding round, led by Round2 Capital, marks a significant milestone for the company as it continues to revolutionize the education recruitment industry and expand its reach in the U.S. and U.K. markets.