Edtech Insiders

Week in Edtech 8/6/25: Google's Guided Learning vs OpenAI's Study Mode, GSV Summit x BETT Merger, VR/AI Breakthroughs, Cambiar’s $100K Thrive Grants, and More! Feat. Derwin Sisnett of Cambiar Education, Dr. Alan Bekker of eSelf & Andrea Pasinetti of Kira


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Join hosts Alex Sarlin and guest host Claire Zau of GSV Ventures as they unpack a huge week for AI in education, major edtech mergers, and new funding opportunities.

✨ Episode Highlights:

[00:00:00] Claire Zau on AI tutor memory, personalization, and data contamination risks
[00:01:58] Google Guided Learning Mode vs OpenAI Study Mode – Socratic AI tools compared
[00:14:07] Google Classroom integration and the personalization edge from LMS data
[00:15:16]
Instructure and OpenAI partnership as a counter to Google’s advantages
[00:25:20] GSV Summit and BETT merge to create the world’s largest edtech events network
[00:27:35] Acquisition roundup: Curriculum Associates, Top Hat, Alpha School, Torch
[00:31:44] VR and AI content creation with Praxis Labs, Torch, and Google Genie 3

Plus, special guests:
[00:34:04]
Derwin Sisnett, Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Cambiar Education and CEO of Adaptive Commons on Cambiar Education’s Thrive Big Ideas Challenge
[00:54:39] Dr. Alan Bekker, Co-Founder and CEO of eSelf AI on scaling AI English tutors in Israel and building guardrails
[01:15:22] Andrea Pasinetti, Co-Founder and CEO of Kira on Kira Learning’s approach to AI-powered STEM education

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🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s:

Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead.

Tuck Advisors is the M&A firm for EdTech companies. Run by serial entrepreneurs with over 25 years of experience founding, investing in, and selling companies, Tuck believes you deserve M&A advisors who work as hard as you do.

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Edtech InsidersBy Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell

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