14 DAY TRIAL // One may remember Kno and its dual-tablet project for education, but it looks like the outfit is going through a business outlet change, aided by Intel, which plans to invest in its operations.
Kno did, at one point, try to promote a dual-screen tablet for the educational sector, but it seems to have failed in its attempts because of the large influx of 10-inch slates.
Eventually, the outfit decided to completely distance itself from its hardware section and focus only on making educational software and partnerships with colleges and universities.
Reports even said Intel was thinking of buying the hardware portfolio through a $30 million investment round.
Now, a press release on Intel's part reveals that plans of collaboration do exist, although they are somewhat different.
Basically, Intel will invest $20 million in Kno Inc. as part of a $30 million Series-C round led by Intel Capital and aided by Andreessen Horowitz, Advance Publications, First Round Capital, FLOODGATE and SV Angels.
"Intel and Kno have a shared goal of accelerating the global education technology market so we are very pleased to have Intel Capital's support," said Osman Rashid, CEO and co-founder, Kno Inc.
"Kno's software makes learning more engaging, effective and social for students, which we believe has the power to transform how students learn."
Kno will use the funds to develop education software capable of making learning more engaging and effective, while improving opportunities for socialization.
Kno's touch-based application will be available on Intel's educational platforms and should even help 1:1 student learning environments.
“The increasing consumption of digital content has primed the textbook market for disruption, creating an exciting opportunity for technology innovation to fundamentally change the way 1.4 billion students globally learn,” said Arvind Sodhani, president of Intel Capital and Intel executive vice president.
“Kno’s purpose-built education tablet, along with its unique software solution, delivers a learning experience that directly supports Intel’s 1:1 eLearning vision.”