Tuck Advisors on When to Sell, Scale, or Stay the Course in EdTech with Dr. Mike McKenna

Jun 16, 2025

Dr. Mike McKenna, Senior Advisor at Tuck Advisors and Chief Academic Officer in Pennsylvania, deep dives into the dynamic world of EdTech. He explores why 2025 could be pivotal for mergers and acquisitions in the sector. He highlights key purchasing trends for K-12 districts amidst funding challenges and discusses how smaller AI companies can better position themselves for acquisition. McKenna emphasizes usability as a critical factor for districts seeking AI tools, linking effective integration to real educational outcomes.

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ANECDOTE

Mike McKenna's Career Journey

Mike McKenna started in education as a teacher and principal. He later became a chief academic officer and joined Tuck Advisors to support EdTech M&A with his domain expertise.
His unique blend of educational leadership and advisory roles helps bridge the gap between schools and EdTech companies.

INSIGHT

K-12 Funding Uncertainty and Trends

K-12 districts face uncertainty in funding yet have growing needs for technology and innovation. They prefer strategic, data-driven decisions and curriculum add-ons over big system investments.
Districts are focusing on areas like science standards, multilingual learner support, special ed resources, and operational data analytics amid funding challenges.

ADVICE

Strategic Approach to EdTech M&A

EdTech companies should build long-term relationships and evaluate their readiness for M&A based on their growth goals and market timing.
Deliberate planning helps founders decide whether to pursue organic growth or look for acquisition opportunities when market conditions are favorable.

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Dr. Mike McKenna is the Senior Advisor at Tuck Advisors and also serves as the Chief Academic Officer for one of the largest school districts in Pennsylvania. With deep expertise in curriculum development, special education, and teaching and learning, Mike brings a proven track record of building inclusive, high-impact academic programs. In addition to his work in K-12 education, Mike has extensive experience in higher education and has also served as an advisory board member for multiple edtech startups and non-profits. At Tuck Advisors, Mike applies his diverse expertise to support education-focused M&A.

💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why 2025 may be a defining year for EdTech mergers and acquisitions
Key trends driving K-12 district purchasing decisions in today’s uncertain funding climate
How small AI companies can strategically position themselves for acquisition
What districts really need from AI tools—and why usability is everything
How Tuck Advisors supports EdTech founders in mapping their growth and exit strategies

✨ Episode Highlights:

[00:01:11] Mike McKenna shares his background in education and M&A
[00:03:37] K-12 districts face funding uncertainty and demand for innovation
[00:06:12] Tuck Advisors focuses on long-term client relationships and timing
[00:10:41] EdTech founders weigh bootstrapping vs. M&A for market access
[00:12:33] AI usage in classrooms is rising but remains mostly surface-level
[00:15:24] Integration and workflow impact are key for AI adoption in schools
[00:17:17] Many AI startups are better suited for acquisition than solo growth
[00:20:28] Access to student data is crucial for impactful AI solutions
[00:22:41] School districts seek data convergence and AI-enhanced insights

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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.