Chicago-based Avathon Capital, an impact-oriented investment firm focused exclusively on the education and workforce management markets, has invested in ReUp Education. ReUp partners with universities and community colleges to find and engage students who dropped out of college without receiving a degree.

“ReUp partnering with Avathon is a natural fit,” said Sarah Horn, co-founder of ReUp. “After a thoughtful search, we’ve found a committed partner whose long-standing history of driving impact and working with technology-forward education companies tightly aligns with our mission. I am incredibly proud of the company and culture we’ve worked so hard to build and am confident Avathon’s investment and involvement will allow us to build on that success and support even more learners who we know are out there.”

“We believe deeply in the mission and see an incredible opportunity for ReUp and Avathon to radically change the way adult learners consider and gain access to educational options, support services, and career navigation pathways,” added Shoshana Vernick, managing director at Avathon. “The platform that ReUp has built is scalable and unique, and we’re looking forward to working closely with the incredible team to take the Company to the next level of impact and growth.”

To support this next phase of growth, industry veteran Terah Crews will join ReUp as chief executive officer. Co-Founder Horn will remain with the organization in the newly created role of chief impact officer.

Crews said, “I was first introduced to ReUp five years ago and immediately connected with its mission as a stopout student. As the organization reached more learners and in new ways, I only grew to admire it more and I am thrilled to be a part of its next chapter. I am already getting to know ReUp’s learner centered culture and am working to grow the team and implement our go-forward strategy. Access to education changed not only my future but my entire family’s. I am excited to help ReUp empower even more learners achieve their hopes and dreams.”

East Wind Advisors represented ReUp in the transaction. Gunderson Dettmer and Baker Hostetler provided legal advice to ReUp and Avathon, respectively.