Newmarketsvp

New Markets Venture Partners is a venture capital firm focused on workforce and education technology. It invests in growth-stage companies whose products address gaps between education and employment, and states that its portfolio companies measurably improve education and employment outcomes. The firm describes more than 20 years of investing in the sector and reports 47 investments, 29 realizations, $3.3 billion of portfolio enterprise value and 75 million lives improved.

Investment focus areas are grouped into 21st century skills (critical thinking, creativity, problem solving, collaboration, communication, global citizenship and information, media and technology literacy), preparation for the workforce (basic academic, critical thinking, digital literacy and self-management skills supporting transition into postsecondary education, training or employment), alternative pathways to educational qualifications, and the future of work. The firm is organized around an investment and operations team, an advisory board of more than 30 education and workforce operators and thought leaders led by Amy Kardel, and strategic partners that include foundations, non-profit organizations, governmental entities and corporations. Mark Grovic is identified as a partner working with portfolio companies.

Business model

The firm deploys capital into equity positions in workforce and education technology companies, aiming to generate market-rate, risk-adjusted returns for its limited partners, and supplements capital with operational advice, customer introductions and ecosystem access for portfolio companies.

Traction

Reported figures include 47 investments, 29 realizations, $3.3 billion in portfolio enterprise value and 75 million lives improved. Named portfolio and former portfolio companies include Censia, Motimatic, Orijin, Signal Vine, Credly, App Academy, CreatorUp and Graduation Alliance.