What We Learned from Web Summit About the Future of Learning Technologies
Each year, technology advances at a faster and more complex pace. It touches every corner of society — from medicine and transportation to science and education. In this article, we zoom in on one area undergoing radical change: education technology, or EdTech.
At Web Summit 2022, the world’s largest tech conference with over 70,000 attendees and 2,300+ startups, education emerged as a key innovation focus. We explored how startups are integrating technology into learning, building user trust, and — crucially — attracting investment.
Here’s what we learned from conversations with some of the most promising EdTech startups from around the globe.
Startup #1: PowPay – Financial Literacy for Kids in Brazil
In Brazil, financial education is a mandatory subject in schools. Building on this policy, PowPay created a gamified app that teaches children how to manage money, set goals, and become conscious consumers — while giving parents real-time monitoring tools, budget controls, and spending alerts.
Though primarily designed for schools, the app is also gaining traction with families. It currently has 8,000 users — 4,000 children and a parent linked to each.
Funding Journey
“We started with a basic MVP, improved it after feedback, and launched a refined version that found market traction.”
Their first investor was KPMG Brazil, which partnered with them to scale operations and support further fundraising efforts. The connection was built through existing networks and personal referrals, which underlines the importance of strategic relationships in the startup ecosystem.
Startup #2: Headway – Microlearning, Made Fun
Ukraine-based Headway, part of the Genesis ecosystem, offers bite-sized learning in the form of book summaries, audio snippets, and personal growth challenges. With over 15 million downloads in 140 countries, it’s especially popular in the U.S., U.K., Australia, and Canada.
Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Headway added educational content that counters misinformation and promotes global awareness of the war — proving that education can serve both personal growth and public truth.
Growth and Fundraising
Headway scaled from a 3-person startup to a 130-strong team with offices in Kyiv, London, Warsaw, and Cyprus.
“We seek investors through targeted outreach, social media, and strategic events like Web Summit. Being visible in the right spaces is key.”
Startup #3: Wyblo – Centralizing the Learning Experience
Italy-based Wyblo was designed to reduce admin time in educational settings by 80%. It streamlines tools like Gmail, Zoom, Dropbox, Google Forms, and others into a single platform. The result? Real-time feedback, centralized data, and better learning outcomes.
Origin Story
Wyblo started as a SaaS tool to bridge the gap between university students and professors. It later evolved into a full-fledged EdTech platform helping training providers compete in a saturated market.
Today, they serve 30 business clients, use a detailed pitch deck, and are currently seeking a lead investor.
They've already secured 35% of their funding goal through early-stage supporters.
“We showcase our product at conferences, maintain a strong presence on LinkedIn and Crunchbase, and constantly refine our messaging.”
Startup #4: Promova – Language Learning for a Global Audience
Promova, another Genesis startup, offers a multilingual learning platform covering English, Spanish, German, Ukrainian, and more. Learners engage through video courses, 1-on-1 tutoring, conversation clubs, and blogs packed with practical tips.
Launched in 2019 as “Ten Words” — an app designed to teach 10 new words daily — Promova has since evolved into a full ecosystem for immersive language learning.
Building the Brand
With over 2 million Instagram followers, Promova combines organic and paid channels (Facebook, TikTok, Google) to reach a broad audience.
“Always talk to your users. Understand their struggles and motivations. This insight should fuel your product and your marketing.”
Their early investment came from the Genesis group itself, giving the team a foundation to grow and explore new markets.
What Every EdTech Startup Needs to Know
The journey of an EdTech startup is rarely linear. Founders often pivot multiple times before finding product–market fit. But through all the changes, one thing must stay constant: your mission.
📌 3 investor must-haves:
- Clear and scalable business model
- Strong team and values
- Early evidence of traction and growth potential
Having a pitch deck is non-negotiable. Investors want to see your market size, user data, financial model, and team background — all in a concise, compelling format.
How to Find the Right Investor for Your Startup
If you’re ready to seek funding, here’s where to start:
✅ 1. Attend Themed Events and Summits
Get visible. Big conferences like Web Summit, Slush, or BETT are ideal places to pitch your idea and build relationships.
✅ 2. Use Online Platforms
List your startup on Crunchbase, LinkedIn, and founder networks. Make sure your online presence is up to date, with a clear value proposition.
✅ 3. Explore Crowdfunding
Platforms like Kickstarter, Indiegogo, or Biggggidea let real people back your project — and show investors early proof of demand.
✅ 4. Apply for Grants
If investor funding is out of reach, explore competitive grants from governments, nonprofits, or educational institutions.
According to HolonIQ, the global EdTech market is projected to grow by 20% annually through 2030.
In 2024 alone, consumer spending on education apps increased by 14% in the first quarter — a clear sign of a thriving market.
Final Thoughts
EdTech is more than just a market trend — it’s a global movement shaping how the next generation learns. Whether you're creating financial literacy apps, language platforms, or tools for educators, the opportunity is massive — if you’re ready to show your impact.
Probusiness.media will continue to follow the startups that reshape how we learn — and the investors who believe in them.
