Dave Benoit is an edtech entrepreneur who has helped to create and lead some of the major innovations in US classrooms over the past three decades. He has started five edtech companies, frequently serving as founding President/CEO. His career has tracked with the evolution of technology in schools - in the early stages he led efforts to implement networked instructional software in classrooms, and when the internet emerged he developed the first web content for teachers and pioneered the birth of virtual charter schools. He followed his early successes by creating a foreign language software business, developing pathways to get 3D printers in schools, delivering virtual diplomas to students in SE Asia and pioneering the use of AI in educational software. Dave’s successful ventures include Lightspan (IPO-2000), Co-nect (sold to Pearson in ‘05), Connections Academy (sold to Pearson in ‘11), Middlebury Interactive Languages (sold to K12 in 2016, won award for excellence at Serious Play Conference in 2011), and ScholarCentric (sold to Advance Path in 2015). He also received the EdNet Rookie of the Year Award as best new company and product (Waking Minds, Writing) in the K-12 market for CDI America, an English language company he launched in 2004. His recent work includes the launch of Hudson Global Scholars (built OPM Model for Catholic mkt) launching the go-to-market strategy for Riiid Labs (Softbank-funded S. Korean AI developer), and creating an innovative software engineering program for a medical AI company working with an Ohio college. Turning his focus to teacher training, he partnered with Eduscape to expand access to its online PD platform. He created new partnerships with edtech companies (white labeling the platform) from Korea and the US (Capstone), as well as a major tech partner(Intel). These partnerships will reach thousands of teachers and fuel new growth. Dave recently transitioned from advisor to serve as CRO for immersionED, an innovative game-based learning company that is launching in over 1,000 schools this fall. He also serves on several boards and advises a number of edtech companies.
Listed skills include Strategy, Leadership, Start Ups, Strategic Partnerships, and 26 others.