Boston-based Ellevation Education, a Web-based software platform designed to support the education of English language learners, announced $2 million in funding earlier this month, according to EdSurge.
Eileen Rudden, co-founder of Boston's ed-tech accelerator LearnLaunchX, was among the group of existing angel investors who poured fresh financing into the startup, as well as Rick Burnes, co-founder of Charles River Venture, now known as CRV, and Chris Gabrieli, partner at Bessemer Ventures. New investors include Boston-based Berylson Capital Partners and former Circuit City CEO Alan Wurtzel and his daughter Judy, among others.
The company, founded in 2011, has now raised $5.1 million, and is currently serving 450,000 English language learners across 260 school districts in 31 states. With Ellevation's software, educators can review a student's proficiency level, accommodations and more, and ensure students who need extra attention are receiving it.
Ellevation Education's most recent round of funding will go toward hiring employees proficient in engineering and support, investing in infrastructure and moving to a new Boston office, according to BetaBoston. The company currently employs 24 people.
As Co-founder and CEO Jordan Meranus told EdSurge:
Over the coming year, we will add tools that help districts and educators make informed decisions about the programs and services individual English learners should receive, and access instructional strategies and content based on students' language acquisition needs.
In other words: Support one of the fastest-growing sectors of students who should no longer be underserved.
