CROSSING THE BRIDGE: Illuminate Education, a provider of K-12 data and assessment software, has acquired FastBridge Education, which develops computer-adaptive tests for math, reading and social-emotional well-being. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
FastBridge, founded in 2015 by researchers at the University of Minnesota, offers tools that help educators track student achievement in core academic competencies. Its products claim a footprint of nearly two million educators and students across 45 states, according to the press release. The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports that the company generated $6 million in revenue in 2017.
Illuminate Education is owned by private equity firm Insight Venture Partners, which combined it with four other education data companies in a mega-merger last year. The idea was to create a unified platform where different K-12 data points—including attendance, academics, assessments, behavior and special needs—could be more easily accessed to support and inform instructional practices. The Irvine, Calif.-based company claims its tools serve 12 million students across all 50 states.
The announcement notes that “the FastBridge Learning acquisition puts the finishing piece in place to realize Illuminate Education’s vision to simplify formative assessments for teachers.”
