Packback Announces Strategic Investment from PSG Equity
We are thrilled to share that Packback, an AI-driven writing and discussion platform within the HPA Portfolio, has received a strategic majority investment by PSG Equity, a prominent growth equity firm.
Packback’s proprietary AI technology provides inquiry-based online discussion and long-form writing support. The company’s mission is to harness the power of AI to help educators implement high quality pedagogy at scale. Packback’s AI-enabled platform helps students build and master foundational skills such as critical thinking, writing, and research.
“Now, more than ever, administrators, educators, and students are looking to embrace academically honest and safe AI technology to enhance learning outcomes and alleviate teacher burnout,” says Kelsey Behringer, CEO of Packback. “We’re grateful to have found a partner with a shared passion for education and deep empathy for the experience of the educators we support.”
Since HPA led Packback’s Seed Round in 2015, the company has empowered over 1.5M students to fearlessly explore their curiosity and express their unique voices. The company has also onboarded hundreds of dedicated employees committed to advancing this crucial mission in the educational landscape.
“Thrilled to have supported the Packback co-founding team’s journey for over a decade, since their college days”, says Corey Ferengul, Packback Board Member and HPA Member. “The team’s unwavering determination and strategic execution have built a fantastic company that will have a lasting impact on students to thoughtfully engage with the world through curiosity.”
Packback has been a foundational startup in building Chicago’s startup ecosystem. We would like to congratulate Packback Co-Founders Mike Shannon, Kasey Gandham, Jessica Tenuta, Nick Currier, and current CEO Kelsey Behringer on this great accomplishment.
Full press release here.