Perlego, a London-based edtech firm, has garnered significant attention with its recent $20 million funding round, primarily led by Sir Terry Leahy, former CEO of Tesco. This investment marks a strategic effort to enhance digital access to educational resources globally. As educational costs continue to escalate, platforms like Perlego offer a viable solution by providing affordable access to essential learning materials. As the company aims to further broaden its reach, it is actively integrating advanced technologies to improve user experience and accessibility.
Perlego’s recent funding round continues the trend of investing in digital educational platforms, following previous rounds where the company had raised substantial amounts to develop its offerings. Unlike earlier investments focused on platform expansion, the latest funding emphasizes enhancing technological capabilities, particularly artificial intelligence. The inclusion of prominent investors such as ITHAKA, MediaHuis, Raine, KPN Ventures, and Kahoot’s founders highlights the growing confidence in Perlego’s vision for education. Such collaborations suggest a broader industry shift towards digital solutions that aim for inclusivity and accessibility in learning.
What Drives Perlego’s Vision?
The core mission of Perlego revolves around democratizing access to educational resources. By offering a subscription-based model, Perlego provides access to over a million educational titles, alleviating the financial burden of expensive textbooks. Sir Terry Leahy emphasized the importance of this mission by stating,
“Perlego is addressing one of the most pressing challenges in modern education – access to essential learning materials.”
The company’s approach not only benefits students but also supports authors and the publishing industry by curbing the need for piracy and second-hand book sales.
How Does Dialogo Enhance Research?
Dialogo, Perlego’s newly launched AI-powered research assistant, aims to streamline the research process for students. It facilitates easy access to relevant resources within Perlego’s extensive library, offering summaries and direct links to full texts. The introduction of Dialogo is a strategic move to incorporate AI in education, making research more efficient and accessible. This development complements Perlego’s mission to provide accessible educational solutions, as highlighted by Gauthier Van Malderen, Perlego’s founder and CEO, who stated,
“We’re passionate about providing accessible yet game-changing solutions to education.”
Perlego’s inception was driven by the founders’ challenges with the prohibitive costs of textbooks during their academic journeys. Since its founding in 2017, the company has successfully partnered with global publishers to provide a comprehensive range of academic and professional content. Major publishers, including Cengage, Routledge, and Cambridge University Press, are already part of Perlego’s expansive network, ensuring a diverse selection of titles for learners.
The platform’s evolution reflects a broader transformation in the educational landscape, where digital platforms are increasingly becoming an integral part of learning. As Perlego continues to expand its reach and develop new features, it is poised to play a significant role in making education more accessible worldwide. With its commitment to affordability and technological innovation, Perlego is well-positioned to address the needs of modern learners and educators. By leveraging AI and partnerships with leading publishers, the company strives to offer a seamless and enriching educational experience for its users.
