Brisk’s AI Leap: Transforming Classrooms with a $15M Investment in Edtech Innovation

Transforming Classrooms with AI: Brisk’s Bold Leap

Brisk, an innovative edtech startup, is rethinking the way modern classrooms operate with a powerful suite of AI classroom tools. Combining practicality with advanced technology, Brisk has raised $15 million in funding to expand its capabilities, making it a frontrunner in education technology innovation.

Building an Integrated AI Toolbox

Gone are the days when educators had to manage an overwhelming number of separate applications—often totaling over 140 in a single school year. Brisk, founded by Arman Jaffer (whose background at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative informs the vision), is developing an integrated suite of AI tools designed for the classroom. Available through a user-friendly Chrome extension for teachers, this platform offers roughly 40 features that assist with lesson planning, test creation, grading, and even a writing inspector designed to flag potential misuse of generative AI by students.

“The existing edtech stack as we know it, which is around 140 different tools that the average teacher in the U.S. uses in a given school year, is not ready for AI… We’re trying to build the AI-native edtech stack.” – Arman Jaffer, CEO of Brisk.

Funding, Growth, and Market Impact

Following a $5 million seed round in September 2024, Brisk has experienced rapid growth: a five-fold increase in its user base and a 40x surge in revenue. With over 2,000 schools in 100 countries now utilizing its innovative tools and one in five K-12 teachers in the U.S. installing the Chrome extension as of February 2025, the startup’s progress signals an enthusiastic embrace of AI in education. This momentum is reinforced by strong investor backing from Bessemer Venture Partners, alongside support from Owl Ventures, South Park Commons, and Springbank Collective.

“We’re big believers at this AI moment in tracking sectors like education technology, which have a reputation for being tech phobic… with LLMs all of that can change.” – Kent Bennett, Bessemer Venture Partners.

Innovative Features Tailored for Educators

Brisk’s platform simplifies the work of teachers by offering targeted feedback features that personalize student support. The writing inspector, for example, helps uphold academic integrity in a landscape increasingly challenged by generative AI. Rather than aiming to replace educators, Brisk provides a digital toolbox that streamlines routine tasks and empowers teachers to focus on creativity and genuine student engagement.

A planned integration with Microsoft products, slated for autumn 2025, will further enhance accessibility for schools deeply rooted in the Microsoft ecosystem, broadening the platform’s market reach while maintaining its emphasis on personalized AI-assisted learning.

Addressing Key Concerns in AI-Powered Education

While the benefits of these AI-driven tools are considerable, balancing efficiency with ethics remains crucial. Educators must remain vigilant about data privacy and the risks of over-reliance on automation. Brisk is expected to implement robust security protocols and strict data handling procedures to safeguard sensitive classroom information, ensuring compliance with educational data regulations.

Another challenge arises with maintaining accuracy, particularly when automated systems flag potential plagiarism. Successful integration of these tools depends on teachers combining automated insights with their professional judgment, ensuring that the nuances of student creativity are never lost in translation.

Key Takeaways and Considerations

  • How will data privacy be ensured?

    Brisk is expected to deploy stringent security protocols and adhere to strict data handling standards to protect sensitive information in educational environments.

  • Can AI truly capture the nuances of student creativity?

    While AI greatly assists with routine tasks, human oversight remains crucial in appreciating and nurturing the unique creative expressions of students.

  • What is the impact of the planned Microsoft integration?

    This integration will likely widen Brisk’s appeal among schools that rely on Microsoft products, making it easier for teachers to adopt and benefit from streamlined AI tools.

  • How do educators balance AI efficiency with potential risks?

    Teachers must blend automated insights with their professional judgment to avoid pitfalls like false plagiarism accusations and ensure fair assessments.

  • How might the role of teachers evolve with increased AI adoption?

    AI is set to handle repetitive tasks, freeing educators to focus on inventive lesson planning and deeper student engagement, though human oversight will always play a key role.

Empowering the Future of Education

Brisk exemplifies the transformative potential of AI in education. By consolidating a myriad of tedious tasks into one accessible platform, it equips teachers to elevate the quality of classroom instruction and enrich the overall learning experience. The journey to revolutionize education is filled with challenges—from ensuring data privacy to maintaining academic integrity—but the promise of a smarter, more efficient educational system is too compelling to ignore.

How about them apples?

8