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EdTech is booming, and 2025 is the year for SMBs to seize acquisition opportunities. Here's the deal: the global EdTech market is projected to grow by $170.8 billion this year, driven by AI, hybrid learning, and personalized education. Whether you're looking at established markets like the U.S. or fast-growing regions like India and Southeast Asia, there's a wealth of opportunities for SMBs to enter the space.
Key Highlights:
Why Now? Valuations are down, creating affordable entry points for SMBs. Platforms like Kumo simplify the acquisition process, helping you identify and close deals faster. Whether you're targeting mature markets or emerging regions, 2025 offers a prime window to invest in EdTech.
The U.S. EdTech market is the largest and most developed in the world, valued at $74.34 billion in 2024 and projected to grow to $236.07 billion by 2033, with an annual growth rate of 12.60%. This massive market size offers unique opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to enter through acquisitions in an increasingly consolidated landscape.
The scale of the U.S. EdTech market provides a wide range of acquisition possibilities for SMBs. The K-12 segment alone accounts for over 39% of the market, with other areas like corporate training, higher education, and test preparation services also contributing significantly. From Q1 2020 to Q3 2024, the sector saw $82 billion in investments across 2,148 deals, with an average deal size of $38 million. While some deals focus on large companies, many smaller players present more accessible entry points for SMBs, creating a diverse pipeline of acquisition opportunities.
The fragmented nature of the U.S. EdTech market makes it ripe for consolidation. Many school districts rely on multiple supplemental products, highlighting inefficiencies in adoption. Recent acquisitions, such as Discovery Education’s purchase of DreamBox Learning and FullBloom’s acquisition of EmpowerU, reflect this trend.
The market’s maturity also means that many companies have well-established customer bases and proven revenue streams. However, shifting conditions have created opportunities to acquire distressed companies. As James Marciano, founder and CEO of Tuck Advisors, explained:
"I've had five companies that raised $30 million or more reach out to me and [say,] 'Basically, we're done. We have nowhere to go. Can you sell us?'"
Several factors are influencing the current market dynamics:
These conditions are creating favorable acquisition opportunities, particularly at more attractive valuations.
For SMB acquirers, 2025 is shaping up to be a favorable year. Companies with enterprise values under $10 million are seeing lower implied valuation multiples for both EV/revenue and EV/EBITDA ratios. Profitability is now prioritized over revenue growth, with EV/EBITDA multiples often exceeding EV/revenue multiples for companies valued between $10 million and $1 billion. This shift allows SMBs to acquire revenue-generating businesses at competitive prices, especially those struggling with profitability.
While competition remains intense across all market segments, innovation in areas like content quality, user interface, and personalization continues to set companies apart. The market’s maturity also provides SMB acquirers with reduced execution risk, as many established players have proven their long-term viability.
Platforms like Kumo offer SMBs access to the U.S. market's transparent financial systems and strong legal frameworks, making it easier to identify and secure valuable acquisition opportunities.
India's EdTech market is shaping up to be a hotspot for small and medium-sized business (SMB) acquisitions in 2025, fueled by a rapidly growing digital user base and increasing tech adoption. Recent valuation shifts in the market have created a prime environment for strategic investments.
India's EdTech sector is on a steep growth trajectory. Valued at $7.5 billion in 2024, it’s expected to soar to $29 billion by 2030, marking an impressive compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19%. By 2029, this sector could contribute 0.4% to the country’s GDP, a notable jump from 0.1% in 2020.
The scale of opportunity is massive. India boasts 1.55 million K-12 schools and a student population of 218 million, making it the second-largest online education market globally, just behind the United States. The K-12 segment alone is projected to grow at 10.7% annually, reaching $125.8 billion by 2032.
Mobile learning has seen a remarkable 58% growth between 2019 and 2022. Additionally, India’s digital infrastructure is robust, with 954.4 million internet subscriptions as of March 2024, and 829 million internet users - about 60% of the population - as of January 2023.
India’s EdTech sector offers diverse acquisition opportunities across fast-expanding areas like skill development, K-12, test preparation, and online certification. The competitive exam preparation market, driven by high-stakes tests like IIT-JEE and NEET, is particularly attractive. North India, with its higher internet penetration and smartphone usage, accounts for 65–70% of this segment.
Self-paced learning is emerging as the dominant mode, with individual learners forming the largest and fastest-growing user base. Additionally, the rise of regional language content and localized platforms has opened up new niches, enabling companies to cater to India’s linguistically diverse population. As one report highlights:
"EdTech effectively resolves the obstacle by democratizing quality education irrespective of the medium of instruction."
These factors create a fertile ground for SMBs to explore acquisitions and investments.
Several factors are driving the rapid expansion of India’s EdTech market. Government initiatives like the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Digital Education Architecture (NDEAR) 2021 provide strong regulatory support. The Interim Budget for 2024–25 also reflects this commitment, allocating a record INR 73,498 crore to the Department of School Education and Literacy.
Technology is another key enabler. A 2023 survey by TeamLease EdTech revealed that 64.87% of educators support the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance learning experiences. The integration of AI and machine learning into education platforms is giving early adopters a competitive edge.
Demographic trends further boost demand. The growing emphasis on skill development and vocational training aligns with the flexibility and convenience of online learning, which appeals to India’s diverse population. Hybrid learning models, blending online and offline instruction, are also gaining popularity, offering opportunities for companies that can cater to both formats.
The current investment landscape in India’s EdTech sector is ripe for SMB acquisitions. While funding in 2024 tripled to $608 million, it still lags behind the $2.1 billion raised in 2022. Valuations for large EdTech firms have dropped by nearly 25%, with revenue multiples falling from 8x to 6x in just six months. Smaller companies have seen even steeper corrections, with valuations declining by 20–40% and revenue multiples dropping from 6–7x to 4x.
Vikram Gupta, Founder and Managing Partner of IvyCap Ventures, commented:
"Investors stayed away from the sector, trying to understand what was really happening. In the process, entrepreneurs, who were in the middle of the growth, really suffered a lot."
He also noted:
"There are a few startups that are already profitable. Some of these startups could have secured funding in a better market if the BYJU'S situation hadn't occurred. It's truly unfortunate for capable entrepreneurs with strong business models whose funding prospects were impacted."
Looking ahead, the market is expected to bounce back in the second half of 2025, with mergers and acquisitions likely to pick up as larger players capitalize on discounted valuations. Raja Lahiri, a partner at Grant Thornton Bharat, observed:
"Larger and well-funded players will look to acquire niche assets and diversify offerings."
For SMBs, platforms like Kumo make it easier to identify acquisition targets in this dynamic market, where 86% of respondents believe EdTech platforms are economically viable.
After notable progress in the U.S. and India, Europe is emerging as a promising market for EdTech, fueled by government initiatives and opportunities for cross-border expansion. With scalable digital education solutions gaining traction, businesses are finding it easier to navigate and grow across European markets.
The European EdTech market is on track to grow significantly, with projections estimating it will reach $253.4 billion by 2034, up from $72.7 billion in 2024. This represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.3%. Germany leads the charge, commanding over 27.7% of the market in 2024, thanks in part to its DigitalPakt Schule program, which has allocated approximately $7.0 billion to upgrade school infrastructure. France is also showing strong momentum, with an expected CAGR of 16.4%, while Germany's growth rate is forecasted at 15.3% annually.
The K–12 segment dominates, holding a 60.3% market share in 2024, while the content segment is poised for a CAGR of 16.3%. Meanwhile, cloud deployment is becoming the go-to solution, accounting for 70.4% of the market and projected to grow at a staggering CAGR of 26.8%.
Europe's dynamic EdTech landscape is ripe with acquisition possibilities. The market is transitioning from standalone content offerings to integrated systems and services, with a growing focus on employability, infrastructure, and delivery methods.
Upskilling and reskilling are particularly lucrative areas. In 2022, over 70% of European companies reported skill shortages, especially in digital and technical fields, driving demand for platforms focused on professional development and corporate training. Localized content is becoming a key differentiator, while vocational training and AI-driven learning solutions are creating new specialized acquisition opportunities.
HolonIQ captures the essence of these trends, stating:
"Expect increased consolidation, expanded AI capabilities, and a mix of business models designed to serve learners who need to upskill for a changing job market and employers updating systems to adapt to new labor demands."
Government support plays a pivotal role in the growth of digital education across Europe. The European Union’s Digital Education Action Plan has allocated $1.6 billion for 2021–2027. By 2030, the EU aims to ensure that 80% of its population has basic digital skills, supported by the NextGenerationEU program, which has funneled approximately $270 billion into digitalization efforts. In 2022, more than 60% of EU citizens aged 16–74 engaged in online learning, reflecting widespread adoption.
Technological advancements in AI, machine learning, augmented reality, and data analytics are transforming learning experiences and improving outcomes. Additionally, there’s a strong emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility, further driving the adoption of digital tools across the region.
The investment landscape in Europe is favorable for small and medium-sized business (SMB) acquisitions, with government policies simplifying market entry and facilitating growth. Clear regulations and active support from government agencies, such as trade missions and networking events, are helping businesses establish cross-border connections.
However, navigating Europe’s regulatory framework can still be challenging. As Daniel Friedlaender of the Computer & Communications Industry Association Europe points out:
"Any industry tends to complain about new EU rules, but this report reveals that the regulatory burden on Europe's tech sector has become truly excessive and self-defeating, hurting the economy."
That said, the share of e-merchants facing cross-border challenges has only slightly increased from 38% to 43%, indicating that many businesses are successfully managing these complexities. The EU continues to refine its policies to strike a balance between fostering innovation and maintaining regulatory oversight, recognizing digital policy as a cornerstone of its broader strategy.
For SMBs eyeing EdTech acquisitions, platforms like Kumo offer tailored access to cross-border opportunities across Europe. With solid market fundamentals and robust governmental backing, Europe is positioning itself as a prime destination for strategic EdTech investments in 2025, aligning with the broader trend of consolidation in the sector.
Latin America is emerging as a promising region for EdTech acquisitions, driven by the rapid rise of mobile technology and the pressing need to close educational gaps. With high smartphone use, growing internet access, and a largely underserved education sector, the region is attracting significant attention from SMB investors.
The e-learning market in Latin America is on a steep growth trajectory. Valued at US$27.84 billion in 2024, it’s projected to soar to US$112.46 billion by 2033, fueled largely by mobile learning, which is the fastest-growing segment with an expected CAGR of 16.2%. By 2023, mobile internet penetration had reached 65%, and in Brazil, over 80% of the population owned smartphones. This creates a fertile ground for mobile-first education solutions.
Mexico is expected to see its EdTech sector grow at a CAGR of 18.1% from 2024 to 2034, while Argentina is forecasted to grow at 16.2% during the same period. The broader EduTech industry in the region, valued at US$5.73 billion in 2023, is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 14.5%, reaching US$25.29 billion by 2034. These numbers highlight the region’s potential for diverse acquisition strategies in its fragmented EdTech scene.
The fragmented EdTech market in Latin America offers a wide range of acquisition opportunities. For instance, in Mexico, several companies have introduced gamified mobile apps that focus on short courses in areas like business, programming, and personal finance, gaining substantial user engagement. In Brazil, universities and vocational schools are increasingly adopting mobile-friendly learning management systems to complement their traditional teaching methods.
There’s also significant potential in specialized curriculum areas. Math and English language learning, in particular, stand out. Enzo Cavalie, Principal at Reach Capital, emphasized the demand for English education:
"Both parents and schools are willing to pay for English. That's the area where you could try to compete with these [big] players."
Companies like Innovamat are already making strides by providing math-focused curricula tailored to Spanish-speaking audiences. Despite widespread mobile connectivity, device penetration in schools remains below 20%, leaving room for growth in tech-enabled education.
Additionally, there’s a growing demand for vocational and blue-collar training. By 2026, the region will need 2.5 million more IT professionals, opening doors for platforms that integrate fintech or labor marketplace solutions with traditional training programs.
Several factors are fueling the EdTech boom in Latin America. Urban areas boast connectivity rates of 80–90%, and mobile phone ownership is widespread, making the region a natural fit for mobile-first learning. Educational inequality also plays a role. In Brazil, for example, college graduates earn 2.6 times more than high school graduates, yet private university graduation rates are only 46%. With public education serving about 70% of students - often through centralized government purchasing - private EdTech solutions have significant room to grow.
Demographic shifts and the increasing demand for high-quality instruction in subjects like math and English are pushing institutions to adopt more effective digital tools.
Over the past decade, the Latin American EdTech ecosystem has attracted US$1 billion in investments across 500 fundraising rounds. Notably, US$500 million was invested in 2021 alone - a sixfold increase compared to the previous five-year average. Brazil leads the way, hosting nearly two-thirds of the region’s startups and accounting for just over half of the funding.
Monica Ballesteros, Senior Manager at Economist Impact, highlighted the potential of smaller, agile companies:
"Unicorn status is an arbitrary one, and dynamic smaller companies bringing new solutions to old problems offer significant investment potential - while also addressing some of the region's critical development goals."
Platforms like Kumo simplify the process for SMB acquirers, offering access to a wide range of deals across established and emerging markets in Latin America. To succeed in this region, companies need to focus on mobile-first solutions and adapt content to local norms. With robust growth indicators, investor-friendly conditions, and untapped market opportunities, Latin America is shaping up to be a key destination for EdTech acquisitions in 2025.
Southeast Asia has emerged as one of the fastest-growing markets for EdTech, thanks to rapid digital transformation, supportive government policies, and a predominantly young population. This vibrant ecosystem offers fertile ground for SMB acquisitions.
The EdTech market in Southeast Asia reached an impressive US$10.7 billion in 2024 and is expected to soar to US$41.5 billion by 2033, with a strong annual growth rate of 14.7%. Key country projections include:
The online education sector is also expanding rapidly, with estimates suggesting it will grow to US$2.52 billion by 2029. Vietnam’s online education market alone is on track to increase at a rate of 10.4% annually, reaching US$487.60 million by 2027. These numbers highlight the region's vast potential for acquisitions and investment.
The EdTech landscape in Southeast Asia is ripe with opportunities across various segments. Areas like tutoring, test preparation, English language learning, and STEAM education dominate, accounting for over half of the market. The focus on K-12 education is particularly strong.
Several companies are leading the charge with innovative approaches. For example, Singapore-based Geniebook has been using AI since 2017 to create personalized learning experiences. Their Smart Question Bank, live classes, and GenieAsk platform are designed to cater to individual student needs. As Neo Zhizhong, CEO of Geniebook, puts it:
"Geniebook provides students with what they need through personalization, using innovation and AI (artificial intelligence). Since 2017, we have been harnessing the power of AI to personalize the content for students: we have our Smart Question Bank, live classes, and GenieAsk–a real-time Q&A platform where parents and students can post questions. Recently, we have expanded into our hybrid model."
In Vietnam, Prep has gained over 100,000 users by addressing the shortcomings of traditional classrooms. Founder Tu Pham explains:
"For example, a Chinese Mandarin or an English class only has one teacher and about 40-50 students in a traditional classroom. That doesn't work, because students would have no interaction time directly with the teacher and they would not be able to improve right?"
The B2C segment, particularly in areas like early childhood education, upskilling, reskilling, and study abroad consultancy, is seeing increased attention. Meanwhile, B2B models are gaining traction as businesses and schools seek robust learning management system (LMS) solutions.
Three main factors are fueling the growth of EdTech in Southeast Asia:
Additionally, the adoption of hybrid learning models, AI integration, and gamification is reshaping the way education is delivered. Evan Heng, CEO of Zenith Learning Group, highlights the impact of gamification:
"We try to look at it from a very microscopic level in terms of every single micro-decision in the platform. Is it tied back to the children's interests? Is it really motivating or interesting to them? And I think ultimately what we're able to discover is that when you add that gamification element to it, students are actually more motivated to learn."
This evolving landscape creates a wealth of opportunities for strategic acquisitions.
The investment climate in Southeast Asia is strong, with substantial funding flowing into EdTech ventures. Recent investments in companies like Vietnam Education Group EQuest, MindX, Teky, and Vuihoc highlight the region's appeal to investors.
While direct-to-customer (D2C) models remain popular, B2B approaches are gaining momentum due to the growing demand for LMS services. For SMB acquirers, platforms like Kumo provide access to diverse deal opportunities, helping investors align acquisitions with their strategic goals. With strong market fundamentals, supportive policies, and increasing digital adoption, Southeast Asia is shaping up to be a prime destination for EdTech investments in 2025.
Here's a snapshot of five key EdTech markets projected for 2025. Each region brings unique opportunities and challenges that can shape acquisition strategies and influence returns.
Market | Market Size (2024) | Projected Size (2030/2033) | CAGR | Key Acquisition Drivers | Typical Deal Size | Prime Opportunities for SMBs |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
United States | Dominant 35.62% global share | $80.19B increase by 2029 | 17.8% | Infrastructure consolidation, profitability focus, sustainable growth | $10–50M revenue range | Corporate training platforms, assessment tools, learning analytics |
India | Part of a $31.04B Asia Pacific market | $88.15B Asia Pacific by 2030 | 15.6% | Fast digital adoption, affordable broadband, educational infrastructure gaps | 2x–3x trailing revenue | K–12 learning platforms, skill development, language learning |
Europe | $47.98B | $142.44B by 2033 | 12.85% | Cross-border expansion, regulatory support, corporate training demand | 2x–3x trailing revenue | Language learning, professional certifications, compliance training |
Latin America | $16.26B–$27.84B | $50.44B–$112.46B by 2033 | 12.40%–16.78% | Underserved markets, mobile learning growth, demographic trends | 2x–3x trailing revenue | Mobile-first platforms, vocational training, basic literacy tools |
Southeast Asia | Not reported | Not reported | Not reported | Fastest-growing EdTech adoption with a dynamic market | Early-stage valuations | Early-stage investment opportunities in innovative EdTech solutions |
For small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) using tools like Kumo to identify acquisition targets, aligning with markets that balance regulatory support, demographic trends, and technological infrastructure is key. Current valuations averaging 2x–3x trailing twelve-month recurring revenue present favorable conditions for strategic buyers, especially as venture funding has dropped 35% year-over-year.
Focusing on regions with strong growth potential, such as Latin America and Southeast Asia, or mature markets like the U.S. and Europe, can help SMB acquirers secure deals that align with long-term goals. Whether it's tapping into India's vast user base or leveraging Europe's cross-border opportunities, the strategic landscape is ripe for well-informed acquisitions.
The EdTech acquisition scene in 2025 is brimming with opportunities, spanning established markets in the U.S. to rapidly growing regions like India, Europe, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. Each market brings its own strategic advantages for small and mid-sized business (SMB) buyers. The United States continues to dominate with a 35.62% revenue share, making it a prime target for those seeking well-established companies. Meanwhile, India's swift embrace of digital education fuels demand for platforms focused on K–12 and skills development. Europe presents exciting possibilities for cross-border expansions, ideal for multi-country strategies.
Latin America is gaining attention with its underserved markets and increasing appetite for mobile-first education solutions. In Southeast Asia, part of the dynamic Asia Pacific region, early-stage investments hold strong potential for forward-thinking buyers. With such a diverse range of opportunities, SMB acquirers need a sharp, efficient approach to identify and secure deals that deliver real value.
This is where platforms like Kumo play a critical role. By streamlining the deal-sourcing process, Kumo helps buyers focus their energy on evaluating and closing deals, rather than wasting time searching across scattered sources.
Ultimately, SMB buyers who leverage tools like Kumo will be better prepared to navigate these varied markets. Whether pursuing mature markets like the U.S. and Europe or targeting growth hotspots like Latin America and Southeast Asia, success will hinge on the ability to quickly identify, assess, and act on opportunities. The wave of EdTech consolidation is already underway, and those equipped with the right strategies and tools are poised to lead the charge.
India's EdTech sector is on a fast track, thanks to growing smartphone usage, better internet connectivity, and a massive, young population looking for affordable and flexible learning options. By 2030, the market is projected to hit an impressive $29 billion, with an annual growth rate of 15.34% expected between 2025 and 2035.
For small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), this creates exciting opportunities to invest in localized and forward-thinking EdTech solutions that cater to India's diverse socio-economic landscape. Acquisitions in this space could open doors to emerging trends like digital learning platforms, AI-powered educational tools, and content in regional languages - areas where demand is rising steadily.
The EdTech sector in 2025 is showing signs of a more balanced market, with median revenue multiples landing between 1.6x and 8.1x. This reflects a shift toward prioritizing sustainable growth and profitability. Instead of chasing high-risk opportunities, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are now leaning toward acquiring niche, profitable ventures with strong long-term potential.
Adding to this cautious outlook, EdTech funding has dropped a staggering 89% since its peak in 2021. As a result, SMBs are focusing more on strategic due diligence and precise valuation assessments. This careful approach is essential for uncovering opportunities that align with their goals for financial stability and steady growth.
SMBs stepping into the Southeast Asian EdTech market face several hurdles. These include navigating intricate regulatory systems, adapting to a mix of cultural and linguistic differences, and dealing with uneven technological infrastructure across the region. Together, these factors can make market entry and scaling a difficult task.
That said, the potential rewards are hard to ignore. The EdTech market in Southeast Asia is expected to hit $41.5 billion by 2033, with a 14.7% CAGR driving this growth. Increasing internet access and active government support for digital education are paving the way for new opportunities. Countries like Vietnam and Indonesia stand out as hotspots for foreign investment, creating an environment primed for innovation. SMBs that focus on addressing local demands and crafting strategies tailored to the region can carve out a strong position in this fast-growing market.