Perlego, a London-based edtech startup, has announced a €20 million funding round (approximately $21.5 million) to accelerate the development of its artificial intelligence capabilities and drive expansion into new international markets. The investment, backed by Ithaka, represents a significant milestone for the company as it moves forward with its mission to democratise access to educational resources.
Founded in 2015, Perlego operates a subscription-based digital library containing over 1.5 million academic books, complemented by AI-driven research tools and accessibility features designed to support diverse learning needs. The company has now raised over €70 million in total funding, positioning itself as a notable player in the competitive European edtech landscape.
Addressing Student Access Challenges
The platform was created to tackle a persistent problem in higher education. As co-founder Gauthier Van Malderen noted, “Students were sharing books or turning to illegal websites because they couldn’t afford to buy them.” This observation reflected the financial barriers many learners face when attempting to access essential academic materials through traditional publishing channels.
Perlego’s subscription model offers an alternative approach, providing affordable access to a vast collection of textbooks and academic resources. The service targets students, educators, and institutions seeking cost-effective solutions for educational content consumption.
Strategic Investment Focus
The newly secured capital will be deployed across several key priorities. The company plans to scale its artificial intelligence research tools, which help users locate and synthesise information more efficiently within its extensive library. Additionally, Perlego intends to enhance its accessibility features to ensure the platform serves learners with varying abilities and requirements.
International expansion represents another major focus area for the investment. By extending its presence across new geographic markets, Perlego aims to replicate its success beyond its current user base. The company will also channel resources into developing interactive learning experiences, recognising the growing demand for engaging, dynamic educational content that extends beyond traditional text-based formats.
European Edtech Growth
This funding announcement reflects broader momentum within the European startup ecosystem, particularly in the education technology sector. As traditional publishing models face disruption and student demand for accessible, affordable alternatives grows, platforms offering innovative solutions have attracted considerable investor interest.
Perlego’s trajectory demonstrates how European startups are addressing genuine pain points in education through technology. With competition intensifying from both established players and emerging alternatives, the company’s investment in artificial intelligence and user experience enhancement positions it competitively as it pursues continental and global growth.
The edtech landscape continues to evolve, with funding rounds like Perlego’s indicating sustained confidence among investors in digital education solutions that balance affordability, accessibility, and quality.