News

Impact investors see opportunity in education

Education SDG ‘in peril’ but impact investors have taken an interest

Achieve Partners Bets on Apprenticeships to Uplift Careers—and Investment Returns

The impact investor has raised $450 million to acquire companies that address workforce disruption caused by rapid technological shifts like AI

The Fate of This Federal Program Helps Explain Trump’s Win

I thank Paul Gottlieb, an economics professor at Rutgers University, for inspiring today’s newsletter. He wrote to me recently to point out “one of the least-covered stories in economics during the Biden...

America’s Factory Era Isn’t Coming Back. Where the Jobs of the Future Really Are.

If the market reaction means anything, President Donald Trump’s trade policy may not be playing out as he expected. That is almost certainly the case when it comes to his stated goal to bring back lost manufacturing jobs.

How ChatGPT will raise the bar for millions of entry-level jobs

Getting a job fresh out of college may get harder as AI snaps up good entry-level positions, this work futurist says. Employers will be looking for more skills and experience than many early-career workers have.

This is the Dawning of the Age of Apprenticeship

If you’re looking for proof that everything old is new again, look no further than the widely circulated list of guidelines from the 1918 influenza pandemic. Many of the directives from a century ago—wear a mask, wash your hands—sound very familiar today...

UltraViolet Cyber launches Equinox to map detection gaps

UltraViolet Cyber has launched Equinox, a detection engineering platform designed to assess detection coverage across customers' security tools.

Working and Learning

New approaches in college and career could reshape what higher education has to offer

Ascend Partners Joins Forces with Pigment to Scale AI-Driven Enterprise Decision-Making

Ascend Partners (Ascend), a leading EPM advisory firm, today announced its partnership with Pigment, an AI-native planning and performance management platform designed to help organizations adapt quickly as conditions change. Through this partnership...

Should AI Make Students More Comfortable or Less?

Talking to people is stressful—even and especially when it comes to talking about networking. That was users’ feedback on a new feature being piloted by FutureFit AI, a workforce platform connecting employers and jobseekers. The team recently built...

Ascend Partners Acquires InnoFin Solutions To Expand Office Of The CFO Technology Practice

Ascend Partners has acquired InnoFin Solutions, expanding its Office of the CFO digital transformation capabilities and adding specialized expertise in Oracle Enterprise Performance Management implementations.

‘We believe in college’: inside Andreessen Horowitz’s $42m unaccredited academy that will charge Harvard prices without degrees

For elite students, college has never looked like a worse deal. Tuition is nearly half a million dollars, AI is threatening to destroy the entry-level jobs a degree used to...

InnoFin Solutions Joins Ascend Partners to Accelerate Office of the CFO Digital Transformation

Global FP&A leader taps popular Oracle EPM practice to drive financial and data transformation at commercial and government organizations across North America

Spotlight On: Gene Scheurer, CEO, Optimum Healthcare IT

Optimum’s acquisition by Infosys significantly expands its healthcare technology capabilities. AI, cloud migration, and EHR optimization are driving healthcare’s digital transformation. Optimum is helping providers cut costs while improving technology and patient care.

The Future of College Enrollment

Can institutions survive declining student numbers? Colleges find themselves at the intersection of several challenging trends: demographic drop-off leading to fewer Americans of traditional college age, rising student debt, the effect of AI on jobs...

PD Platform Secures Investment From PE Firm Achieve Partners

The company behind professional development platform KickUp secured a strategic investment from Achieve Partners, the private equity firm announced Thursday.

Achieve Partners' Ryan Craig on his new $450M fund, apprenticeships, and the future of work

Ryan Craig discusses innovative workforce development strategies, including apprenticeship programs, talent gaps in various sectors, and the future of work in the age of AI. He shares insights...

The Apprenticeship Returns to Fill the AI Talent Gap

Daniel Pianko of Achieve Partners discusses his firm's strategy to arm portcos with much-needed AI talent

Achieve Partners invests in edtech firm Alchemy

Achieve Partners has made an investment in Alchemy, a Charleston, South Carolina-based firm that helps companies build and manage internship programs.

Can AI be an effective career coach?

AI-powered tools promise to help people find jobs and help employers find workers

Building the Infrastructure of Opportunity

The U.S education and training system has been quietly transformed over the past generation. Credential Engine calculates that nearly 1.9M unique credentials are offered by more than 134K providers, with $2.34T invested annually in education...

What Happens in College Doesn’t Stay in College

The rise of prediction apps on campuses poses major financial risks for an already challenged generation.

AI is coming for Workday (but not in the way you think)

A recent Andreessen Horowitz argument about “Workday’s last Workday” landed because it captured a frustration many HR leaders already feel. Workday is indispensable in many large organizations, but it is rarely loved. HR teams know the pain...

The Apprenticeship Renaissance: How Achieve Partners is Reengineering Workforce Entry with Daniel Pianko

Is the $1.8 trillion student debt crisis a symptom of a broken "Iron Triangle" in higher education? In this episode of An Educated Guest, Todd Zipper sits down with Daniel Pianko, Co-Founder and Managing Director at Achieve Partners...

Want Students to Build a Healthier Relationship With Technology? Start With The Arts

Arts classrooms demonstrate what technology integration at its best can look like

Achieve Partners Closes $450 Million Workforce Fund II

Achieve Partners has closed Achieve Partners Workforce II LP (Fund II) with $450 million of capital. Limited partners in the new fund include Cambridge Associates, J.P. Morgan Asset Management, Prudential, Ingka Investments and ZOMA Capital.

The three scenarios where college is still worth it

The class of 2026 is graduating into one of the toughest job markets in years. While there are early signs entry-level hiring is improving, the unemployment rate for recent college graduates has risen above the national average for all workers. As AI does more routine...

The 4 Rs: A Practical Framework for Aligning Curriculum with ACT College and Career Readiness Standards

Educators across the country share a common goal: preparing students for success after high school. For many districts, that includes ensuring students are prepared for college-level coursework and can demonstrate that readiness through assessments such as the ACT.

Apprenticeship Can Solve The U.S. Economy’s Entry-Level Worker Paradox

Today’s job market is exceptionally tough for both new entrants to the workforce and the companies that traditionally hire them. Whether it’s due to a “low-hire, low-fire” labor market, an unpredictable economy, concerns over the skills of new graduates...

FutureFit AI: Strategic Investment From Achieve Partners To Scale Workforce Development Technology

FutureFit AI, a workforce technology company focused on AI-powered career navigation and talent marketplaces, announced a strategic investment from Achieve Partners, led by investor and author Ryan Craig.

Achieve Partners backs FutureFit AI to help young workers navigate the AI economy

The fast-growing AI economy is displacing young, entry-level workers. Impact investors see an opportunity to use the same technology to help young professionals’ identify transferable skills, build new ones, and connect to higher-skilled...

FutureFit AI Receives Strategic Investment

FutureFit AI, a NYC-based AI-powered workforce development technology company, raised an undisclosed amount in funding. The round was led by Achieve Partners. The company intends to use the funds to expand operations and its development efforts.

FutureFit AI Announces Strategic Investment to Help Governments and Industries Navigate AI's Impact on People and Jobs

FutureFit AI, a global leader in AI-powered workforce development technology, today announced an investment from Achieve Partners, led by investor and author Ryan Craig, to accelerate its mission of helping more people navigate to better jobs faster and cheaper at scale.

Apprentice Nation: Why Work-Based Learning Is the Future of Careers | Author & Investor Ryan Craig - EdVenture Podcast

In this episode of Edventure, Ahmad Mansur sits down with Ryan Craig, Managing Director at Achieve Partners, a venture investment firm focused on edtech innovation and new models for developing skills in the future of work. Ryan has been a leading voice advocating for work-based learning...

Achieve Partners Closes $450 Million Fund to Expand AI Workforce Apprenticeships

Achieve Partners has closed a $450 million fund aimed at addressing AI-related labor market disruptions through large-scale apprenticeship programs across key industries.

Axios Pro Rata

Airline deal activity may heat up this summer, even if United has ended its pursuit of American Airlines. The big picture: Global jet fuel prices are skyrocketing, and supply is dwindling, due to the U.S.-Iran conflict that feels no closer...

Achieve Partners Closes $450M Workforce II Fund

Achieve Partners has closed Achieve Partners Workforce II, a $450 million fund aimed at addressing talent shortages created by artificial intelligence and accelerating workforce development through apprenticeship-based models.

Since colleges are failing to prepare students for tech jobs, it’s time to bring back apprenticeships

Infosys's recent acquisitions could mark a structural shift in its positioning — from a traditional IT services firm to a more end-to-end digital transformation player, particularly in healthcare, according to Amit Khanna, Partner...

What does Infosys stand to gain from deals in US healthcare market? Expert weighs in

Infosys's recent acquisitions could mark a structural shift in its positioning — from a traditional IT services firm to a more end-to-end digital transformation player, particularly in healthcare, according to Amit Khanna, Partner...

Jacksonville Beach IT Firm Snapped Up In $465 Million Infosys Power Play

Jacksonville Beach-based Optimum Healthcare IT has struck a deal to sell to India’s Infosys in a transaction valued at up to $465 million, the company said last Wednesday. The buyout pulls a fast-growing local healthcare IT consultancy...

Infosys to Acquire US-based Optimum Healthcare IT for $465 Mn

The deal is aimed at strengthening Infosys’ presence in the healthcare provider segment, particularly across hospitals and health systems in the United States.

Infosys: $465 Million Acquisition Of Optimum Healthcare IT To Expand Digital Transformation Capabilities

Infosys has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Optimum Healthcare IT for $465 million, strengthening its position in the rapidly growing healthcare technology sector. The all-cash transaction is aimed at expanding...

Infosys to acquire Jacksonville Beach firm

A New York private equity firm that took a controlling stake in the Jacksonville Beach company six years ago will exit its investment as part of the transaction.

Infosys to acquire Optimum Healthcare IT in $465M deal

India-based IT services firm Infosys announced Wednesday that it has a definitive agreement in place to purchase Optimum Healthcare IT. Infosys will buy Jacksonville Beach, Fla.-based Optimum for $465 million in an all-cash deal...

Infosys to buy Optimum Healthcare IT, Stratus in deals worth up to $560 million

IT services major Infosys Ltd on Wednesday (March 25) approved the acquisition of Optimum Achieve Holdings, Inc, along with its subsidiaries, including Optimum Healthcare IT, LLC, for up to $465 million, and Stratus Global LLC, US, for up to $95 million.

Infosys to acquire Optimum Healthcare IT for $465M

Infosys has agreed to acquire digital transformation company Optimum Healthcare IT for up to $465 million. The deal, which gives the tech consulting giant a footprint in health IT...

Infosys to acquire US firms Optimum Healthcare IT for $465 million, Stratus for $95 million

Indian IT services firm ​Infosys (INFY.NS), said on ‌Wednesday it had entered into ​separate agreements ​to acquire U.S.-based ⁠technology companies ​Optimum Healthcare IT ​and Stratus in all-cash deals.

Beanstack Launches ‘Joyful’ New Brand After Acquiring Comics Plus; Solution Tree Scoops Up PD Provider

Four months after receiving a round of private equity backing, reading engagement platform Beanstack has made its first acquisition. Beanstack said it acquired digital comics subscription service Comics Plus...

The experience gap: Why Gen Z’s career launch needs a reboot

Gen Z faces an “experience gap” as AI and employer expectations rise. Co-ops, apprenticeships, and hands-on learning are now essential.

AI is Killing Entry-Level Jobs – But Colleges Can Change That

Colleges must invest in programs that give students real work experience before they graduate.

The Apprentice: Why Higher Ed Is Leaning Into Earn-and-Learn

Young graduates can’t find jobs. Colleges know they have to do something. But what?

A fallen Indian tech star and the hunt for its missing millions

The collapse of education start-up Byju’s has resulted in US court sanctions and cast a shadow over the country’s tech sector

The Campus AI Crisis

Young graduates can’t find jobs. Colleges know they have to do something. But what?

Impact Capital Managers Announces 2026 Impact Award Winners

Daniel Pianko of Achieve Partners, Noelle Laing of Builders Vision, and Emma Sissman of Goldman Sachs Asset Management to be Honored in New York City

From Teacher of the Year to CEO of EdTech Company Beanstack: A conversation with Felix Lloyd

In this conversation, Felix Lloyd, CEO of Beanstack, shares his journey from being a teacher to leading an EdTech company focused on motivating reading in children. He discusses the evolution of Beanstack, its partnership with Achieve, and the importance of fostering...

The Spirit of College Radio

Long live college radio and other student-run entrepreneurial organizations.

Mark Cuban-Backed Beanstack Secures Investment from Private Equity Firm

Private equity firm Achieve Partners made an undisclosed investment in Beanstack, an app that gamifies student reading programs, the companies announced Tuesday.

Achieve Partners invests in edtech firm Beanstack

Beanstack was previously backed by Riverside Acceleration Capital.

Reframing the Conversation Around Apprenticeship Degrees and Higher Ed

In this episode of Apprenticeship 2.0, Joe and Kiko chat with Kelly Field, freelance journalist and author of The Slow Rise of the Apprentice Degree; Ryan Craig, Managing Director at Achieve Partners; and Dr. Pam Eddinger...

Preparing the Workforce for Tomorrow

Recently, in an exclusive interview with Higher Education Digest, Dana shared insights into his entrepreneurial journey and vision for transforming education and workforce development. Dana emphasized the importance of collaboration...

Today’s American workforce isn’t sustainable

If recent headlines are any indication, America’s promise of upward mobility and economic opportunity is rapidly disintegrating. Recent college graduates are struggling to find jobs as artificial intelligence disrupts entry-level hiring. Higher...

What even is work-based learning? Here’s a guide

With the fall semester reaching its midpoint and a new academic year in full swing, students are settling into routines on campus—but for many recent graduates, the season brings a different reality.

Florida National University Rolls Out Virtual Work-Based Learning Opportunities

Florida National University is partnering with online learning marketplace platform Riipen to provide its business students with work-based learning opportunities that connect classroom learning to career skills.

UltraViolet Adds AppSec Services Depth With Black Duck Deal

Black Duck AppSec Services Buy Marks Shift Toward Offensive Assessment Services

A "College Guide" For Kids Who Think Differently

From gap years to bootcamps and debt-free, two-year college options, today's high school students are looking for new and different options after graduation.

Students’ New Imperative: Always Be Networking

Erica Li’s parents immigrated to the United States from Taishan, China, and settled in Brooklyn. Her father is a mail carrier and her mother has a secretarial position at a hospital. Neither went to college, and, says Li, they couldn’t provide much specific guidance...

Ecolab delivers optimized experience-based learning for all associates with Workday Extend.

Two Workday Extend apps set up Ecolab’s workforce for success through personalized, scalable learning programs.

UltraViolet Cyber Acquires Black Duck’s Application Security Testing Services Business

Acquisition establishes new scale for the fast-growing unified security operations provider’s application security testing capabilities.

Westside Children’s Therapy Secures Backing from Achieve Partners, Hires Sarah Trautman to Lead Clinical Efforts

Westside Children’s Therapy’s first order of business after securing backing from a new investor is to rework its leadership structure. That includes hiring a high-profile industry executive...

UltraViolet Cyber Named to Inc. 5000 List of America's Fastest-Growing Private Companies in 2025

Unified cybersecurity provider brings together offensive and defensive solutions to support Fortune 500 and government clients

Maclean’s x Riipen: Virtual Fireside Chat with Dana Stephenson, Co-Founder and CEO, Riipen

Maclean’s x Riipen: Virtual Fireside Chat with Dana Stephenson, Co-Founder and CEO, Riipen

Achieve Partners Backs Chicago-Based Pioneer in Pediatric Therapy

Achieve Workforce Fund II announces strategic investment in Westside Children’s Therapy

Optimum Healthcare IT Becomes Workday Deployment Partner

Optimum Healthcare IT, a Best in KLAS healthcare digital transformation and consulting firm, announced today that it has become a services deployment partner for Workday, Inc. for Workday Contract Lifecycle Management...

Pentagon Contract Cuts Are a Clear Message: Bring Back American Jobs

The administration's cancellation of key Defense Department consulting contracts sends a clear message that we need to build talent pathways to ensure those jobs can be filled.

The Hire-Train-Deploy Model: Entry-Level Workforce Development in the Age of AI

The widespread use of artificial intelligence (AI) has dramatically increased the skill level required for entry-level jobs — leading employers to hire fewer inexperienced workers into traditional entry-level jobs where they can develop critical skills. In the Hire-Train-Deploy model...