Transitioning an EdTech Organization from Non-Profit to VC-Backed

Dive into a discussion with , an entrepreneur transforming education through innovative solutions. With a track record of founding three impactful organizations, including two non-profits and a VC-backed edtech startup, Mallory offers invaluable insights at the intersection of education, venture capital, and workforce development.

In this session, she will share her journey with Craft Education, acquired by Western Governors University, and its mission to upskill 10 million people through apprenticeship degree pathways by 2035. Mallory will discuss aligning founder and investor goals, managing venture capital nuances, and the essential role of education in tackling labor and talent challenges.

As Executive Director at Craft Education within WGU, Mallory will showcase how her work influences adult education and labor solutions. Whether you’re a founder, involved in EdTech, Future of Work, Human Capital, or passionate about education, this event offers a unique opportunity to learn from her experiences and vision for the future.

Prepare to engage with fellow founders eager to address challenges in education and talent development.

Join us for opening remarks with Dina Fattom, Member Success Manager at Founders Network, to get the latest updates from the Network and opportunities for getting involved.

Mallory Dwinal-Palisch is the founder of three organizations: Oxford Day Academy (charter high school, 2017), Reach University (non-profit, 2020), and Craft Education (VC-backed edtech startup, 2020).

Craft Education started as a groundbreaking tool for teacher training data and evolved into a robust platform for apprenticeship degree programs before exiting to Western Governors University (WGU). This transition transformed Craft into a free public data utility, significantly enhancing access to educational resources.

As Executive Director at WGU, the largest university in the U.S. with around 170,000 students, Mallory leverages open-source data tools and innovative educational models to tackle labor market challenges. Her mission is to upskill 10 million individuals through apprenticeship degree pathways by 2035.

With firsthand experience navigating the complexities of venture capital, Mallory emphasizes the importance of founder-VC alignment and cap table management. She advises at General Catalyst, promoting a thoughtful approach to venture funding as a specialized tool for specific needs.

Mallory's dedication to education and entrepreneurial spirit inspire those around her, establishing her as a prominent voice in edtech and workforce development.

Stage-Based Roundtables @ 10:00am PT

Are you a full-time tech founder? Be our guest! We’re making our events available to tech founders everywhere. Enjoy a complimentary ticket to come learn from fellow tech founders, partners and investors. Already used your complimentary guest pass? to see if you qualify for membership.

About Founders Network:

Founded in 2011, Founders Network offers lifelong peer mentorship to over 600 tech startup founders globally. Our platform, programs and high-touch service facilitate authentic experience sharing, warm introductions and long-term professional relationships. Additional benefits include over $500k in startup discounts and promotion to 2,000 newsletter readers. Members are located in San Francisco, New York City, Los Angeles, Vancouver, Toronto, London and other tech hubs. Each month our Membership Committee admits a new cohort of full-time tech founders who are nominated by an existing member. Learn more about us here

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Event Venue

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