Education Acquisitions in 2018

Microsoft has acquired Flipgrid, a video-based social learning platform used by educators and students in over 180 countries. The acquisition brings Flipgrid's engagement-focused edtech capabilities into Microsoft's education portfolio, with Microsoft keeping the Flipgrid brand and making the platform free for schools.

Serent Capital has acquired USATestprep, Inc., a K-12 edtech provider of standards-aligned curriculum resources and test-prep solutions based in Kennesaw, Georgia. The platform serves nearly 2 million students annually and Serent — a lower‑middle market private equity firm — will back the company's next phase of growth.

Renovus Capital Partners, an education- and human-capital-focused private equity firm, acquired a controlling interest in Continuing Education Alliance, LLC and Practicing Clinicians Exchange (PCE). The deal makes PCE the fifth platform company in Renovus Capital Partners II and positions the businesses for organic growth and strategic acquisitions to expand continuing medical education for nurse practitioners and physician assistants.