The global education technology (edtech) market is booming, projected to surpass $142 billion. At the forefront of this transformation is Instructure, a trailblazing edtech company renowned for its flagship product, Canvas, a powerful learning management system (LMS) reshaping education across the globe.
Strong Financial Performance and Market Leadership
As education models evolve, with 53% of students enrolled in some form of distance learning and lifelong learning becoming more critical, Instructure is poised to lead. With its strategy of scaling Canvas to become the most widely used LMS, expanding its ecosystem, and transforming learning into job opportunities through Parchment, Instructure has unlocked a vast industry where it reigns as the leader.
Instructure has not only become a financially stable and disciplined company but has also earned the trust of educational institutions worldwide. This is particularly impressive in a sector where many competitors struggle for sustainability. Canvas, now the preferred platform for both users and a wide range of partners, is trusted by all ten of the top universities in the U.S., providing Instructure a solid foundation for future growth.
Canvas vs. Blackboard: Disruption and Market Share Shift
Once a dominant force with an 80% market share, Blackboard has seen its position diminish to 17%, largely due to Canvas’ rise. Unlike Blackboard’s on-premise solution, Canvas is a nimble SaaS platform with open standards, offering flexibility and customization for educational institutions. Instructure’s commitment to hiring former educators (over 30% of employees come from education) has also helped them deeply understand and address the needs of educators, fueling their market disruption.
Canvas: The Heart of Instructure’s Learning Ecosystem
Canvas is more than just an LMS; it serves as the core of Instructure’s Learning Ecosystem, seamlessly connecting learners, educators, and employers. Its intuitive interface and robust features have made it a favorite among students and teachers alike, resulting in high customer satisfaction and loyalty.
This widespread adoption across K-12, higher education, and professional organizations has created a network effect, where learners who use Canvas in elementary school often continue throughout their academic and professional journeys. This “stickiness” ensures strong customer retention.
Expanding Beyond the LMS
Instructure has grown beyond just an LMS provider. It now serves a diverse set of learners across all stages of education, from K-12 to higher education and into professional development. With over half of the top K-12 institutions and 83% of research universities (including the entire Ivy League) using Canvas, Instructure is increasingly recognized as a lifelong learning platform, serving over 4 million lifelong learners.
Instructure’s partnerships with tech giants like Google, Apple, AWS, and Microsoft, alongside over 900 partners, further expand the reach of its platform.
Addressing Critical Challenges in Education
Instructure is committed to solving some of the most pressing issues in education, including the need for personalized learning and accessibility. Through its LearnPlatform acquisition, Instructure equips educators with research-driven insights, allowing them to choose the most effective edtech tools for their classrooms.
In addition, Parchment, a leader in credential management, helps learners create comprehensive profiles that include transcripts, diplomas, badges, and more. This streamlines transitions between educational institutions and provides a holistic view of a learner’s achievements, making career transitions smoother.
Shaping the Future of Education
Instructure’s strong financial health, the continued success of Canvas, and its dedication to addressing challenges in education make it a driving force in the expanding edtech market. By building a true learning ecosystem, fostering innovation, and promoting connectivity within the education sector, Instructure is transforming how learning takes place across a person’s lifetime.
As the edtech market continues to expand, Instructure is perfectly positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities and shape the future of education.
