Home > News > featured news > Anthology Completes Merger with Blackboard, Launches Next Chapter in EdTech

EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY

Anthology Completes Merger with Blackboard, Launches Next Chapter in EdTech

Blackboard Inc. | October 26, 2021

Anthology, a leading provider of higher education software solutions that support the entire learner lifecycle, and Blackboard Inc., a leading global EdTech software and solutions company, today completed their previously announced merger.By bringing Blackboard and Anthology together, the combination will create the most comprehensive and modern EdTech ecosystem at a global scale for education. The company is uniquely positioned to enable deeper insights about the learner so that institutions can deliver unmatched personalized experiences and outcomes across the full learner lifecycle.

The parent company of the newly combined organization will be Anthology, with the Blackboard name continuing as an integral part of its brand portfolio. The Anthology brand represents the collection of the best and signifies the continued focus on creating the next chapter in EdTech. The company will tap its leading global position -- with more than 150 million users across 80 countries -- and a comprehensive portfolio of innovative solutions, to enable institutions to remove the historical barriers between administrative and learning ecosystems and drive learner and institutional success.

Led by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jim Milton, a team of top-tier executives has been identified across both organizations to lead the combined company. The company's headquarters will be in Boca Raton, Florida. The company also will maintain its global facility footprint including the main Blackboard office in Reston, Virginia.

"The closing of the transaction represents the next chapter for Anthology and Blackboard as our collective offerings can deliver unmatched personalized experiences and insights across the full learner lifecycle," said Milton. "Our combined broad set of capabilities – including teaching and learning, student information systems, enterprise resource planning, community engagement, student success and student engagement – will provide our clients with a full suite of enterprise-level products and services that enable institutions to not only focus on data-driven decisions but completely transform both student and institutional success."

Clients across higher education, K-12 schools, government and business sectors of the combined companies will benefit from:
  • Accelerated Investments and Innovation in Current Solutions: Anthology will continue to support the solutions of both companies with key strategic investments and a focus on accelerating innovation. It also will ensure that the various solutions integrate to a heterogeneous EdTech ecosystem.
  • The World's Largest Modern EdTech Ecosystem and Expanded Portfolio of Solutions: Clients will have access to an expanded product portfolio and global reach to meet institutions' learning and administrative needs.
  • A Commitment to Privacy, Security and Openness: Ensuring the privacy and security of clients' data is a foundational principle and the combined company will continue to meet the high privacy standards globally. The combined company believes openness is a critical element for innovation and will continue to integrate and connect with other solutions.

"With this combination, Anthology is poised to accelerate the data-driven higher ed ecosystem that the market has been demanding. Under the leadership of Jim Milton and the company's proven senior leadership team, Anthology will serve as an industry force to improve outcomes for students and institutions and ensure the advancement of connected knowledge."

Ramzi Musallam, CEO and Managing Partner of Veritas Capital

The combined entity is majority owned by Veritas Capital ("Veritas"), a longstanding technology investor with a focus on companies operating at the intersection of technology and government. Leeds Equity Partners ("Leeds"), a private equity firm focused exclusively on partnering with companies in the Knowledge Industries, holds a minority stake in the company as well as Providence Equity Partners LLC ("Providence"), Blackboard's previous majority owner.

Milbank LLP acted as legal advisor to Anthology and Veritas. Deutsche Bank served as financial advisor to Blackboard, and Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP acted as legal advisor to Blackboard. Debevoise & Plimpton LLP acted as legal advisor to Providence.

About Anthology
Anthology exists to help higher education advance and thrive using modern cloud technology and services that keep the learner at the forefront. Drawing on a fully connected data experience, Anthology solutions create operational efficiencies, provide intelligence for staff and administrators, and empower institutional leaders to support and guide students on a path to success.

The full suite covers admission and enrollment management; student success and retention; institutional and learning effectiveness; alumni and advancement; and enterprise applications and infrastructure, offering solutions to the challenges facing campuses today. Working with more than 2,000 colleges and institutions in over 30 countries, Anthology is constantly discovering new ways to revolutionize higher education. 

About Blackboard
Blackboard is a leading EdTech company, serving higher education, K-12, business and government clients around the world. We connect a deep understanding of education with the power of technology to continuously push the boundaries of learning. Our mission is to advance learning together with the world's education community, so that all learners, educators and institutions can realize their goals today and prepare for tomorrow. 

About Veritas Capital
Veritas is a longstanding technology investor with a focus on companies operating at the intersection of technology and government. The firm invests in companies that provide critical products, software, and services, primarily technology and technology-enabled solutions, to government and commercial customers worldwide. Veritas seeks to create value by strategically transforming the companies in which it invests through organic and inorganic means.

Leveraging technology to make a positive impact across vitally important areas, such as healthcare, education, and national security, is core to Veritas. We are proud stewards of national assets, improving the quality of healthcare while reducing cost, advancing our educational system, and protecting our nation and allies. 

About Providence Equity Partners
Providence Equity Partners is a premier global private equity firm with approximately $45 billion in aggregate capital commitments. Providence pioneered a sector-focused approach to private equity investing with the vision that a dedicated team of industry experts could build exceptional companies of enduring value. Since the firm's inception in 1989, Providence has invested in over 170 companies and is a leading equity investment firm focused on the media, communications, education, software and services industries. Providence is headquartered in Providence, RI, and also has offices in New York and London. 

About Leeds Equity Partners
Leeds Equity Partners is a New York-based private equity firm dedicated exclusively to partnering with management teams in the education, training and information services industries (the "Knowledge Industries"). The firm was founded in 1993 and currently manages $3.9 billion of capital across a broad spectrum of companies within the Knowledge Industries. Leeds Equity seeks to leverage its sector-focused expertise and market insights to create long-term value for its partner companies.

Spotlight

E-learning platform LMS for creative minds

E-learning platform LMS for creative minds The keys to the success of our Learning Management System are its ease of use, design and clarity.

More featured news

Spotlight

E-learning platform LMS for creative minds

E-learning platform LMS for creative minds The keys to the success of our Learning Management System are its ease of use, design and clarity.

Related News

EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY

ScreenBeam Announces Grant Program for Accredited K-12 Education Institutions

ScreenBeam Inc. | February 02, 2023

On February 1, 2023, ScreenBeam Inc., a global leader in wireless display and conferencing solutions, offered a new Grant Program for accredited K-12 education organizations in the United States and Canada. As schools return to in-class activities, with a few remote students, IT teams require technology that meets modern content sharing, connectivity, and collaboration requirements for teachers and students. The Spring K12 Grant Program from ScreenBeam offers top solutions to achieve equitable hybrid and distance learning across campus. The SBWD1100P (ScreenBeam 1100 Plus) with ScreenBeam Conference Software, provided in the grant, provides wireless display from the teacher and student devices, simplifying connection and collaboration with in-room and remote students. In addition, ScreenBeam Conference software makes it simple to connect to in-room peripherals like cameras, microphones, and speakers. The SBWD1100P is built with a unique multi-network architecture that includes three physical network interfaces for connecting teacher and student devices. It allows for maintaining security, digital signage, HDMI input, instant alerts and notifications to classroom displays, and centralized management. The solution comes with a three-year warranty and no subscription fees. Spring K12 Grant Details: • ScreenBeam will provide 1.06 units of SBWD1100P for every unit of SBWD1100P purchased. For example, purchasing 200 units will avail the buyer of 212 additional units through the grant. • Customers must buy and take delivery of a minimum of 200 SBWD1100P units between February 1, 2023, and March 31, 2023, to qualify for the grant. • A customer can get 500 units at most from the grant. • Products may be bought through ScreenBeam Authorized Resellers. • Proof of purchase is required before shipping granted units. About ScreenBeam Inc. Headquartered in San Jose, California, ScreenBeam Inc. is a wireless display and conferencing technology pioneer. It is the only app-free wireless presentation solution that removes all contact points and easily integrates with UC devices to combine the technologies into a single collaborative system. Users can wirelessly present and annotate content on in-room displays for a natural workflow with the solution. In addition, Integrated HTML-based digital signage can convey safety policies to guests and employees when displays are not in use. The company is Microsoft's only co-engineering partner for wireless display and enables seamless hybrid collaboration in any meeting or learning space.

Read More

EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY

Goodwill and Coursera Introduce Goodwill® Career Coach and Navigator Professional Certificate

Coursera | January 18, 2023

On January 17, 2023, Goodwill Industries International and Coursera announced a collaboration to create the Goodwill Career Coach and Navigator Professional Certificate. The very first certificate of its kind will provide educational content developed from 120 years of Goodwill's history of industry expertise to those who are pursuing a career in workforce development and career navigation. This self-paced course enables development and learning for Goodwill coaches and career navigators by leveraging the power of Coursera's cost-effective online platform. Workforce development resources and tools are also provided to the Goodwill navigators and coaches to enable them to better assist job seekers across the U.S. and Canada. The online training, based on the expertise and experience of local Goodwill career services teams, prepares professionals for employment in the emerging career coaching and navigation profession. Career counselors and navigators help over one million people find jobs, education, and necessary support service, playing an essential role in Goodwill's mission. Accessible, career-focused learning courses that lead to professional certificates help job seekers find good jobs, earn a living wage, and boost local economies. Aspiring professionals who are looking to upscale their skills and enhance workforce development, including Goodwill's nonprofit and community partners, can benefit from the Goodwill Career Coach and Navigator Professional Certificate. Chief Mission Officer of Goodwill Industries International, Martin Scaglione, said, "Goodwill provides career services to help individuals facing barriers reach their potential through the power of work. Employers in local communities find Goodwill to be a trusted source for talent," He further mentioned, "The Goodwill Career Coach and Navigator Professional Certificate not only benefits career services professionals and employers, but most importantly it is a game changer for the individual they both serve, by opening access to opportunity. (Source – GlobeNewswire) About Coursera Launched in 2012 by Stanford Computer Science professors Daphne Koller and Andrew Ng, Coursera's mission is to offer universal access to top-notch learning. With 102 million registered learners as of March 31, 2022, it is one of the world's largest online learning platforms. Coursera collaborates with over 250 leading industry partners and universities to provide a diverse collection of professional certificates, courses, guided projects, specializations, and bachelor's and master's degrees. Coursera is employed by organizations worldwide to reskill and upskill their employees, students, and citizens in areas such as technology, data science, and business.

Read More

TALENT DEVELOPMENT

edX Launches MicroBootCamps for Innovation in Training Programs

edX | March 08, 2023

On March 07, 2023, edX, a global online learning platform of 2U, launched MicroBootCamps, a stackable credential solution for on-demand learning and expert-led technology training programs, developing progressive skills in key technical fields. MicroBootCamps directly address the demand for credentials from companies and provides a scalable solution for enhanced recruitment, retention and maintenance of a trained workforce. These credentials help companies to reskill and upskill their employees for business-critical technology-related roles. The boot camp programs on the edX platform have driven career readiness through a structured schedule. MicroBootCamps provides learning for the same skills and industry outcomes but with a more flexible and compact schedule. In addition, it offers a more personalized and targeted learning experience with features like live tutorial sessions with experts, individualized feedback, and real-time and on-demand tutoring. The first MicroBootCamp program on Front End Development with additional programs based on in-demand technical topics will be available. This program offers entry-level learning, job relevance, and practical skills for different front-end development roles. In addition, its programs will provide stackable learning pathways, building their skills progressively for in-demand roles like back end and full stack development. Co-Founder and CEO of 2U, edX's parent company, Christopher Paucek said, "As one of the largest producers of technical talent in the world, we've seen the incredible power that a high-quality, scalable tech training model brings to bear on universities, companies, and learners around the world." He added, "Expanding and innovating on our boot camp model to offer MicroBootCamps underscores our continued commitment to building a new ecosystem of stackable, alternative credentials—like MicroMasters® programs and MicroBachelors® programs—that provide seasoned and entry-level professionals alike with the opportunity to gain the skills they need to succeed in today's digital economy." (Source – Cision PR Newswire) About edX Headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, edX, an e-learning solutions provider, specializes in education, e-learning, technology, career advancement, ed-tech, and online education. It has been connecting learners, universities, and companies worldwide since 2012. It supports learners at every stage of their learning journey to achieve their goals. With no limitation of cost and location, it empowers every learner with access to education and knowledge, realizing their potential, skills and strengths. It offers free and open courses, professional certificates, credit-bearing micro-credentials, boot camps, and undergraduate and graduate degrees. In addition, it provides purpose-built online programs in technology, business, healthcare, science, education, social work, and sustainability.

Read More

EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY

ScreenBeam Announces Grant Program for Accredited K-12 Education Institutions

ScreenBeam Inc. | February 02, 2023

On February 1, 2023, ScreenBeam Inc., a global leader in wireless display and conferencing solutions, offered a new Grant Program for accredited K-12 education organizations in the United States and Canada. As schools return to in-class activities, with a few remote students, IT teams require technology that meets modern content sharing, connectivity, and collaboration requirements for teachers and students. The Spring K12 Grant Program from ScreenBeam offers top solutions to achieve equitable hybrid and distance learning across campus. The SBWD1100P (ScreenBeam 1100 Plus) with ScreenBeam Conference Software, provided in the grant, provides wireless display from the teacher and student devices, simplifying connection and collaboration with in-room and remote students. In addition, ScreenBeam Conference software makes it simple to connect to in-room peripherals like cameras, microphones, and speakers. The SBWD1100P is built with a unique multi-network architecture that includes three physical network interfaces for connecting teacher and student devices. It allows for maintaining security, digital signage, HDMI input, instant alerts and notifications to classroom displays, and centralized management. The solution comes with a three-year warranty and no subscription fees. Spring K12 Grant Details: • ScreenBeam will provide 1.06 units of SBWD1100P for every unit of SBWD1100P purchased. For example, purchasing 200 units will avail the buyer of 212 additional units through the grant. • Customers must buy and take delivery of a minimum of 200 SBWD1100P units between February 1, 2023, and March 31, 2023, to qualify for the grant. • A customer can get 500 units at most from the grant. • Products may be bought through ScreenBeam Authorized Resellers. • Proof of purchase is required before shipping granted units. About ScreenBeam Inc. Headquartered in San Jose, California, ScreenBeam Inc. is a wireless display and conferencing technology pioneer. It is the only app-free wireless presentation solution that removes all contact points and easily integrates with UC devices to combine the technologies into a single collaborative system. Users can wirelessly present and annotate content on in-room displays for a natural workflow with the solution. In addition, Integrated HTML-based digital signage can convey safety policies to guests and employees when displays are not in use. The company is Microsoft's only co-engineering partner for wireless display and enables seamless hybrid collaboration in any meeting or learning space.

Read More

EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY

Goodwill and Coursera Introduce Goodwill® Career Coach and Navigator Professional Certificate

Coursera | January 18, 2023

On January 17, 2023, Goodwill Industries International and Coursera announced a collaboration to create the Goodwill Career Coach and Navigator Professional Certificate. The very first certificate of its kind will provide educational content developed from 120 years of Goodwill's history of industry expertise to those who are pursuing a career in workforce development and career navigation. This self-paced course enables development and learning for Goodwill coaches and career navigators by leveraging the power of Coursera's cost-effective online platform. Workforce development resources and tools are also provided to the Goodwill navigators and coaches to enable them to better assist job seekers across the U.S. and Canada. The online training, based on the expertise and experience of local Goodwill career services teams, prepares professionals for employment in the emerging career coaching and navigation profession. Career counselors and navigators help over one million people find jobs, education, and necessary support service, playing an essential role in Goodwill's mission. Accessible, career-focused learning courses that lead to professional certificates help job seekers find good jobs, earn a living wage, and boost local economies. Aspiring professionals who are looking to upscale their skills and enhance workforce development, including Goodwill's nonprofit and community partners, can benefit from the Goodwill Career Coach and Navigator Professional Certificate. Chief Mission Officer of Goodwill Industries International, Martin Scaglione, said, "Goodwill provides career services to help individuals facing barriers reach their potential through the power of work. Employers in local communities find Goodwill to be a trusted source for talent," He further mentioned, "The Goodwill Career Coach and Navigator Professional Certificate not only benefits career services professionals and employers, but most importantly it is a game changer for the individual they both serve, by opening access to opportunity. (Source – GlobeNewswire) About Coursera Launched in 2012 by Stanford Computer Science professors Daphne Koller and Andrew Ng, Coursera's mission is to offer universal access to top-notch learning. With 102 million registered learners as of March 31, 2022, it is one of the world's largest online learning platforms. Coursera collaborates with over 250 leading industry partners and universities to provide a diverse collection of professional certificates, courses, guided projects, specializations, and bachelor's and master's degrees. Coursera is employed by organizations worldwide to reskill and upskill their employees, students, and citizens in areas such as technology, data science, and business.

Read More

TALENT DEVELOPMENT

edX Launches MicroBootCamps for Innovation in Training Programs

edX | March 08, 2023

On March 07, 2023, edX, a global online learning platform of 2U, launched MicroBootCamps, a stackable credential solution for on-demand learning and expert-led technology training programs, developing progressive skills in key technical fields. MicroBootCamps directly address the demand for credentials from companies and provides a scalable solution for enhanced recruitment, retention and maintenance of a trained workforce. These credentials help companies to reskill and upskill their employees for business-critical technology-related roles. The boot camp programs on the edX platform have driven career readiness through a structured schedule. MicroBootCamps provides learning for the same skills and industry outcomes but with a more flexible and compact schedule. In addition, it offers a more personalized and targeted learning experience with features like live tutorial sessions with experts, individualized feedback, and real-time and on-demand tutoring. The first MicroBootCamp program on Front End Development with additional programs based on in-demand technical topics will be available. This program offers entry-level learning, job relevance, and practical skills for different front-end development roles. In addition, its programs will provide stackable learning pathways, building their skills progressively for in-demand roles like back end and full stack development. Co-Founder and CEO of 2U, edX's parent company, Christopher Paucek said, "As one of the largest producers of technical talent in the world, we've seen the incredible power that a high-quality, scalable tech training model brings to bear on universities, companies, and learners around the world." He added, "Expanding and innovating on our boot camp model to offer MicroBootCamps underscores our continued commitment to building a new ecosystem of stackable, alternative credentials—like MicroMasters® programs and MicroBachelors® programs—that provide seasoned and entry-level professionals alike with the opportunity to gain the skills they need to succeed in today's digital economy." (Source – Cision PR Newswire) About edX Headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, edX, an e-learning solutions provider, specializes in education, e-learning, technology, career advancement, ed-tech, and online education. It has been connecting learners, universities, and companies worldwide since 2012. It supports learners at every stage of their learning journey to achieve their goals. With no limitation of cost and location, it empowers every learner with access to education and knowledge, realizing their potential, skills and strengths. It offers free and open courses, professional certificates, credit-bearing micro-credentials, boot camps, and undergraduate and graduate degrees. In addition, it provides purpose-built online programs in technology, business, healthcare, science, education, social work, and sustainability.

Read More

More featured news