UK-based Firefly has built a suite of school learning tools used in 40 countries, has secured €5.8 million funding from Downing Ventures, alongside BGF and Beringea.
Firefly has the potential to cut school administration by 50%, while connecting teachers, students, and parents to share lesson plans and assign and review homework directly, both in and out of the classroom. In partnership with other content providers, Firefly aims to create one, simple to manage, school ecosystem.
Today Firefly supports more than a million students, teachers and parents in 40 countries and holds a market-leading position in UK independent senior schools, where it is used by more than 50% of students.
Firefly is now planning to extend its global expansion while further developing its strong presence in UK independent and state schools. Edtech is a fast-growing industry, so Firefly plans to invest £3 million in research and development to further diversify its suite of products. This will include the launch of new tools to help teachers and leadership teams save time and improve student outcomes, such as giving teachers, management and parents a real-time view on student progress. Additionally, the business will look to strengthen its team and plans to create 20 new jobs over the next year, while also building even more partnerships and integrations with other edtech products.
“At Firefly, our ambition is to supercharge the school experience, so every student can reach their potential,” said Simon Hay, Firefly Learning. “This investment will enable us to move more quickly towards empowering teachers, students and parents, adding to the hundreds of thousands using the tool every day.
“Firefly has built an effective, easy-to-use tool that connects teachers, parents and students and ultimately enhances the education experience for young people,” said Simon Calver, Head of Venture Investments at BGF. “The team continues to drive growth on an international scale since BGF’s original investment and we’re looking forward to being part of this exciting next stage of their global journey.”
