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Imagine K12

Imagine K12 launched in 2011 as the first startup accelerator focused on education technology.I

Mountain View, CA, USA

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Description

Imagine K12 was a Y Combinator–affiliated accelerator focused exclusively on education technology (EdTech) startups. Founded by experienced education entrepreneurs and investors, Imagine K12 became one of the most influential early platforms for backing startups transforming K-12, higher education, workforce training, and lifelong learning. In 2016, Imagine K12 was formally acquired and fully integrated into Y Combinator, and today operates as part of YC’s EdTech investment track rather than as a standalone program.
Specific Funding Stage
Pre-Seed / Seed (Exclusive Focus)

  • Imagine K12 invested at the earliest stages—often idea, prototype, or very early traction.

  • Many companies raised their first institutional capital through Imagine K12.

Post-Acquisition (YC EdTech Track)

  • After integration, EdTech startups are funded directly through Y Combinator, with no separate Imagine K12 cohort.

Investment Amount and Percentage Equity (Company-Level)
Check Size (Historical – Pre-2016)

  • Imagine K12 followed the standard Y Combinator model at the time:

    • Approximately $100K–$120K initial investment per company.

Equity Taken

  • Standard YC-style terms:

    • Roughly 6–7% equity at entry (varied slightly by cohort and year).

  • Terms were standardized, not negotiated case-by-case like traditional VC funds.

Current Structure

  • Today, EdTech startups accepted into Y Combinator receive YC’s current standard terms, not Imagine K12-specific terms.

Equity Structure
  • Investments were structured as standard seed equity or convertible instruments, consistent with YC norms.

  • Value delivered was capital + accelerator access, not passive investing.

Application / Submission Method
Historical (Imagine K12 Era)

  • Founders applied through Imagine K12’s accelerator application, similar to YC’s process.

  • Companies participated in a structured accelerator program culminating in Demo Day.

Current (Post-Integration)

  • Founders apply directly to Y Combinator, selecting EdTech as their category.

  • There is no separate Imagine K12 application today.

Eligibility

Sector Focus

  • Education technology, including:

    • K-12 learning platforms

    • Higher education & credentialing

    • Workforce training & upskilling

    • EdTech infrastructure & tools

    • Education data, assessment, and outcomes platforms

Geography

  • Historically global; today follows YC’s global founder model.

Stage

  • Very early stage:

    • Idea to early traction

    • Founder-driven companies with strong insight into education problems

Team Profile

  • Founders with deep empathy for educators and learners, often former teachers, operators, or domain experts.

Process

  1. Application Review: Evaluation of problem clarity, founder insight, and ambition.

  2. Founder Interviews: Deep dives into education pain points and product vision.

  3. Cohort Selection: Small, focused EdTech cohorts.

  4. Accelerator Program: Product iteration, user testing, and fundraising prep.

  5. Demo Day: Investor presentations and fundraising.

(Today, this process is fully handled within Y Combinator’s standard selection flow.)

What an Applicant can Obtain

Historically (Imagine K12)

  • Early Capital: ~$100K–$120K at formation.

  • EdTech-Specific Mentorship: Access to education-focused partners and operators.

  • Demo Day Exposure: Introductions to top seed and Series A investors.

  • Credibility: Strong signaling in the EdTech ecosystem.

Today (YC EdTech Track)

  • YC Standard Funding: Current YC deal terms.

  • Global Investor Access: One of the strongest fundraising platforms globally.

  • Category Visibility: Strong EdTech alumni network and investor attention.