Upswing International, Inc.

Upswing International, Inc. is a US-based company, founded in 2013, that specializes in providing comprehensive student support services for non-traditional and historically marginalized college students, enhancing their educational journey towards graduation. Upswing International, Inc. offers a holistic student support platform aimed at aiding non-traditional and historically marginalized college students.

The company, headquartered in Austin, US, was co-founded by Alex Pritchett and Melvin Hines, with Melvin Hines serving as the CEO. In March 2021, Upswing completed its Series A funding round, raising USD 5. 00 mn with backing from investors such as Imaginable Futures and JP Morgan Asset Management. The company has closed seven deals to date, with its most recent deal occurring on March 29, 2021.

Upswing provides a holistic student support platform designed to aid non-traditional and historically marginalized college students in their journey toward graduation. The core offerings include a virtual platform that integrates various support resources such as tutoring, mental health services, advising, assignment review, and an SMS engagement tool named Ana. This platform facilitates on-demand access to academic and personal support, addressing the critical need for timely assistance that can impact student retention. By collaborating with colleges and universities, Upswing ensures that these resources are easily accessible to students, no matter their location.

The services primarily target institutions in the United States and Canada, enhancing educational outcomes for students across community colleges, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). Upswing's revenue structure revolves around partnerships with educational institutions, providing subscription-based access to their comprehensive support platform. Institutions typically enter into agreements to utilize Upswing's services, which may include the integration of campus-specific tutors or Upswing's own tutoring staff. The pricing model encompasses different tiers of service, allowing colleges to select the modules that best fit their needs, including tutoring, advising, and mental health support.

Transactions are conducted through annual or multi-year agreements, ensuring a steady revenue stream as institutions invest in enhancing their student support systems. Upswing's innovative approach to holistic student support positions them as a valuable partner in educational settings, leading to improved retention and success rates among students. In March 2021, following the successful Series A funding round where Upswing raised USD 5. 00 mn, the company plans to expand its student support services, particularly focusing on enhancing its engagement tool Ana and developing a new Mental Health and Wellness Module.

Additionally, Upswing aims to extend its reach within the educational sector by targeting new markets, particularly aiming to grow its presence in different regions across the US and Canada. The funds raised will support these expansions, allowing Upswing to improve and diversify its offerings to meet the needs of more students.