GradeSlam, an edtech startup founded by McGill University graduates, rebrands to Paper; scores $7.5M in funding

GradeSlam, a Montreal and Los Angeles-based edtech startup that provides educational support system to enable remote learning in schools, announced today that it has raised $7.5 million in funding to accelerate growth. Along with the funding, the startup also announced it’s rebranding to Paper to emphasize the importance that the Educational Support System places on supporting students, teachers, and administrators.

The funding was led by Reach Capital and supported by Bullpen Capital, with participation from existing investors  Birchmere Ventures, BDC Capital, Real Ventures, Google, Red House Education, Edovate Capital, and Anges Quebec. Founded in 2014 by McGill University graduates Philip Cutler and Roberto Cipriani, Paper helps improve student achievement and teacher effectiveness with its Educational Support System.

“Since inception, our mission has always been to provide true educational equity,” Cutler said. “Paper solves a compelling problem facing our public school districts – how do you guarantee every student has an equal opportunity to succeed? We support every student in their individual learning style while giving teachers the resources they need to be effective educators.”

The first in its category, Cutler is confident that Educational Support Systems (ESS) will be a transformative part of our K-12 education system, improving student achievement and increasing teacher effectiveness.

“When a school district implements Paper, they are taking real action. They are sending a message to their teachers, students, parents, and administrators that their community is going to be supported,” Cutler said when asked why districts partner with Paper. “We are simply enabling the incredible district administrators to fulfill their vision of what education looks like.”

Paper’s investors share the founders’ confidence. “Not all students are receiving the same opportunities and resources they need to excel,” said General Partner of Reach Capital Wayee Chu. “Studies continue to show that individualized learning and intervention can positively impact confidence, problem-solving skills, and intellectual independence, which is why we’re proud to support the vision Paper is putting forward.”

“Having had a front seat for the growth GradeSlam has had over the last few years, we recognize the momentum they’ve developed as a result of their team’s passion and dedication,” said Ned Renzi, Partner at Birchmere Ventures. “The 2020-21 school year will be another inflection point for how we can apply innovation in education to create meaningful, lasting and positive change.”

Cutler concluded the announcement by saying, “We are incredibly proud of what we have accomplished, but this is only the start. We are tackling one of the most important and impactful challenges facing society. Education is equity, and goes far beyond the classroom. This is what motivates us every day.”

The team also stressed that the experience of current students and teachers will remain unchanged until the end of the school year. Major enhancements will be revealed at the start of the 2020-2021 school year.