Minnesota, USA-based educator-driven technology company Creatively Focused raised USD 3 million in seed funding. York IE led the financing for the firm. Mairs & Power Venture Capital, Groove Capital, and Gopher Angels joined in the investment.
As part of the deal, Marshall Everson, Vice President of Investments & Strategy at York IE, also joined the Creatively Focused Board of Directors.
Purpose of investment for Creatively Focused
With the latest financing, Creatively Focused seeks to expand its reach to all 50 states to ensure all special educators have access to the tools and support they need to serve their students. The students have protection under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
In addition, the company intends to continue to scale its impact on the national special education shortage crisis by focusing on the learning and development needs of teachers and paraprofessionals as they navigate the daily demands of working in a passionate and highly regulated field. The company also plans to continue to grow in public K12 school districts across all 50 states to add to more than 1,000 special educators already using support of axis3.
What the company’s official has to add
Elizabeth Orme, founder and CEO of Creatively Focused, said, “We’re thrilled to have closed this round with investors who see the great opportunity we have to impact education. Every special educator who chooses to do this work deserves to feel like it can be their career, and students deserve passionate, committed, and supportive educators. This funding positions Creatively Focused to ensure all school districts across the U.S. are aware there is a solution to increasing the retention and recruitment of these valued educators.”
In addition, Joe Keeley, CEO of JustiFi Technologies and Creatively Focused board member, said, “As the former CEO of a leading childcare and education platform, the Creatively Focused vision is one I truly believe in. Unfortunately, many leaders are forced to put a bandaid on the retention issues plaguing our school systems today. Elizabeth and her team are getting to the root of the problem with both technology and resources, allowing educators to focus on what matters most – their students.”
What the investors have to comment
Marshall Everson further said, “There is a major retention problem in the educator ecosystem today. Elizabeth and her team are helping to bridge this gap with both technology and professional development – making these educators’ jobs more sustainable. We envision a world where every classroom is powered by Creatively Focused.”
In addition, Sarah McGuire, Executive Director Cannon Valley Special Education Cooperative, said, “Creatively Focused and axis3 are major contributors to my work-life balance.”
What the Northfield Public Schools’ official
Sara Pratt, Director of Special Services at Northfield Public Schools, further said, “Creatively Focused embodies what it means to be a true partner. The platform has been incredibly simple to both implement and use, making it easy for our staff to get up and running. Working with Creatively Focused has also proven to be financially beneficial for our district, enabling us to be more cost-effective. Thanks to Creatively Focused, our staff has the resources they need at their fingertips – requesting additional support less often because they are finding the answers to their questions in axis3!”
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