Imagine K12

Imagine K12 was a pioneering EdTech accelerator and seed fund based in Redwood City, California, established with the mission to support companies creating products and services for the K-12 education industry. Founded by Geoff Ralston, Alan Louie, and Tim Brady, it quickly gained recognition as a specialized "Y Combinator for education," aiming to foster innovation in a critical sector. Its model was highly hands-on, providing not just capital but also intensive mentorship, strategic guidance, and access to a robust network of educators, entrepreneurs, and investors.

During its independent operation, Imagine K12 focused on early-stage startups, typically offering seed capital in exchange for equity. The firm's standard initial investment ranged from approximately $20,000 to $100,000, often for around 6-7% equity. This structured approach, combined with a program designed to accelerate product development and market fit, helped numerous promising companies get off the ground. Imagine K12's unique value proposition lay in its deep understanding of the education market and its ability to connect founders with the specific resources and expertise needed to navigate this complex landscape.

Imagine K12 played a significant role in shaping the early EdTech ecosystem, investing in approximately 100 companies before its integration into a larger entity. Its impressive portfolio included now-prominent names such as ClassDojo, Remind, Clever, and Newsela, demonstrating its keen eye for high-potential ventures. In a significant development for the EdTech community, Imagine K12 officially merged with Y Combinator in 2016. Following the merger, its EdTech vertical became fully integrated into YC's broader accelerator program, marking the end of Imagine K12 as a standalone investment firm but solidifying YC's commitment to the education technology sector. Its legacy endures through the successful companies it nurtured and the foundational support it provided to the EdTech startup community.