Mobile-First EdTech Startup Secures $1.5 Million Seed Round

Cell-Ed, a mobile learning solution for low-skilled workers, raised a $1.5 million seed round led by Lumina Impact Ventures, the impact investing arm of Lumina Foundation. Strada Education Innovation Fund, Partners Group Impact (Verein), and Twilio.org Impact Fund also participated in the financing.

Launched in 2014, Cell-Ed is a women-led company focused on serving 100 million U.S. adults and two billion worldwide who cannot read above a sixth-grade level. The company has expanded to offer lessons in language, job and digital literacy skills over voice and SMS on devices ranging from basic flip phones to data-powered smartphones. According to the company, Cell-Ed is mobile-first because 89% of time-strapped adults cannot attend classes in person.

The company plans to use the funding to increase Cell-Ed’s workforce-related content and credentialing pathways, enhance its mobile technology, and provide greater learner personalization and reach.