Guiding Edtech Entrepreneurs Through Big Decisions with Mark Miller of Good Harbor Partners

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Mark Miller is the founder and Managing Director of Good Harbor Partners (GHP), a boutique M&A advisory firm specializing in the education technology and publishing sectors. With over 20 years of experience as an edtech entrepreneur and advisor, Miller has a proven track record in guiding Pre-K-12, Higher Education, and Workforce clients through strategic growth, fundraising, and successful exits. A co-founder of LearnLaunch and a dedicated member of Cornell’s Entrepreneurship Advisory Board, Miller is widely respected for his contributions to the edtech ecosystem and frequently shares his insights as a speaker at industry events.

💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How to decide when to stay and grow or pursue an acquisition.
• The importance of a clear capital strategy in today’s funding landscape.
• Key factors edtech entrepreneurs should consider at major inflection points.
• How AI developments are influencing the edtech M&A landscape.
• Challenges in securing sustainable funding for K-12 and higher ed amid economic uncertainties.

✨ Episode Highlights

[00:03:13] From Cornell to edtech, winning a business plan competition to building companies
[00:10:18] Creating 'Take Note' as an early publishing venture at Cornell
[00:19:51] Transition to M&A, guiding entrepreneurs on growth and exit decisions
[00:26:19] Profitability and sustainability as essentials in today’s edtech
[00:32:17] Common pitfalls in capital strategy and valuation for startups
[00:47:27] AI and M&A, how big edtech views acquisitions in the AI market
[01:03:10] Key resources from top thinkers in edtech policy and strategy

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