Prenda
YC S19Mesa, US · Founded 2017 · Delaware corporation · 15 employees · 8 known investors
Prenda provides a learning model and operational support for adults to start and run microschools serving K-8 students. The platform combines customized curriculum, goal-setting frameworks, and community structures designed to help students develop intrinsic motivation and pursue their interests.
Founders & leadership· Y Combinator alumni (S19)
Prenda was founded in 2017 by Kelly Smith.
KS
Kelly SmithinFounder
Board
RH
CS
Cahlan SharpBoard director
Investors · 8
MVP VenturesChicago
PHX VenturesTempe · $1M – $5M
Stand Together Ventures LabArlington
Y CombinatorSan Francisco · $500K
Album VCreportedLehi · $500K – $3M
Learn Capitalreported · 2 sourcesAustin · $100K – $20Mvia Rob Hutter · board
Peak State VenturesreportedNew York · $100K – $15M
Seven Seven SixreportedPalm Beach Gardens · $500K – $5M
Reported raises · per SEC filings
Form D private placements$42.2M disclosed across 7 rounds · 2017–2022
▶$16MraisedNov 2022 · 3 investors · Other TechnologyRule 506(b)
▶$16MraisedNov 2022 · 3 investors · Other Technology
Rule 506(b)Officers, directors & promoters on the filing
- Naguib SawirisDirector
- Rob HutterDirector
- Katelin HollowayDirector
- Patricia LaystromDirector
- Kelly SmithExecutive Officer, Director
- Offering amount
- $30.2M
- Amount sold
- $16M
- First sale
- Oct 2022
- Incorporated
- Corporation, Delaware
- Federal exemptions
- 06b
▶$19.2MraisedMay 2021 · 13 investors · Other TechnologyRule 506(b)
▶$19.2MraisedMay 2021 · 13 investors · Other Technology
Rule 506(b)Officers, directors & promoters on the filing
- Rob HutterDirector
- Kelly SmithExecutive Officer, Director
- Cahlan SharpDirector
- Offering amount
- $21.2M
- Amount sold
- $19.2M
- First sale
- May 2021
- Incorporated
- Corporation, Delaware, 2017
- Federal exemptions
- 06b
▶$6.1MraisedMay 2020 · 13 investors · Other TechnologyRule 506(b)
▶$6.1MraisedMay 2020 · 13 investors · Other Technology
Rule 506(b)Officers, directors & promoters on the filing
- Rob HutterDirector
- Kelly SmithExecutive Officer, Director
- Cahlan SharpDirector
- Offering amount
- $6.1M
- Amount sold
- $6.1M
- First sale
- May 2020
- Incorporated
- Corporation, Delaware, 2017
- Federal exemptions
- 06b
▶$205.5KraisedApr 2020 · 16 investors · OtherRule 506(b)
▶$205.5KraisedApr 2020 · 16 investors · Other
Rule 506(b)Officers, directors & promoters on the filing
- Kelly SmithExecutive Officer, Director
- Offering amount
- $205.5K
- Amount sold
- $205.5K
- Minimum investment
- $10K
- First sale
- Aug 2019
- Incorporated
- Corporation, Delaware, 2017
- Federal exemptions
- 06b
▶$613.5KraisedMay 2019 · 3 investors · OtherRule 506(b)
▶$613.5KraisedMay 2019 · 3 investors · Other
Rule 506(b)Officers, directors & promoters on the filing
- Kelly SmithExecutive Officer, Director
- Offering amount
- $613.5K
- Amount sold
- $613.5K
- Minimum investment
- $5K
- First sale
- Apr 2019
- Incorporated
- Corporation, Delaware, 2017
- Federal exemptions
- 06b
▶$40KraisedNov 2018 · 3 investors · OtherRule 506(b)
▶$40KraisedNov 2018 · 3 investors · Other
Rule 506(b)Officers, directors & promoters on the filing
- Kelly SmithExecutive Officer, Director
- Offering amount
- $400K
- Amount sold
- $40K
- Minimum investment
- $5K
- First sale
- Nov 2018
- Incorporated
- Corporation, Delaware, 2017
- Federal exemptions
- 06b
▶$60KraisedJul 2017 · 3 investors · OtherRule 506(b)
▶$60KraisedJul 2017 · 3 investors · Other
Rule 506(b)Officers, directors & promoters on the filing
- Andrew B. JenningsExecutive Officer
- Kelly SmithExecutive Officer, Director
- Offering amount
- $125K
- Amount sold
- $60K
- First sale
- Jul 2017
- Incorporated
- Corporation, Delaware, 2017
- Federal exemptions
- 06b
Source: SEC EDGAR Form D. Amounts as filed; amended filings shown once at their latest values.
Competitors · 3
by search overlap
Outschool342 shared keywordsOutschool operates a marketplace for live online classes taught by independent instructors to children ages 3–18, covering both core subjects and interest-based topics. The platform serves homeschooled and traditionally schooled students across 183 countries.
Fusionacademy176 shared keywordsFusion Academy provides personalized 1-to-1 private schooling with one student and one teacher per class, offering full-time enrollment or supplemental academic support for middle and high school students. Classes are available in-person, online, or in a hybrid format across a network of campuses, and the school is nationally and regionally accredited.
Niche134 shared keywordsNiche operates a platform that helps students and families research and compare K-12 schools, colleges, and grad schools using data, rankings, and user reviews to find schools that fit their preferences. It offers tools to organize school searches and a Direct Admissions feature that lets colleges accept students based on their Niche profile, and partners with schools to connect with prospective students.
Companies competing with Prenda for the same Google search keywords, organic and paid, via search-intersection analysis.
In the news
Why Microschools Are Multiplying - Education Nexteducationnext.org · Jul 2026Frequently asked questions
- What does Prenda do?
- Prenda provides a learning model and operational support for adults to start and run microschools serving K-8 students. The platform combines customized curriculum, goal-setting frameworks, and community structures designed to help students develop intrinsic motivation and pursue their interests.
- Who founded Prenda?
- Prenda was founded by Kelly Smith in 2017.
- Who are Prenda's investors?
- Prenda's investors include MVP Ventures, PHX Ventures, Stand Together Ventures Lab, Y Combinator, Album VC, Learn Capital, Peak State Ventures, Seven Seven Six.
- How much funding has Prenda raised?
- Prenda has disclosed $42.2M raised across 7 rounds.
- Where is Prenda headquartered?
- Prenda is headquartered in Mesa, US.