While private equity’s involvement with EdTech is nothing new, GVC America’s investment in Hawkes Learning is unique

CHICAGO, IL., September 12, 2024 – GVC Americas today announced that its investment in EdTech innovator Hawkes Learning has been featured in Buyout magazine as a noteworthy and unique EdTech investment. Private equity has long been interested in the education sector – due to the sector’s recessional resiliency, the impact of technology, and the potential for attractive financial returns. However, GVC America’s interest in Hawkes learning went beyond these macro considerations to leverage strategic networks and proprietary playbooks that have enabled Hawkes to embark on a journey of renewed growth.

With a legacy of investing alongside accomplished owner operators, GVC Americas has a unique perspective. Leveraging it’s network, GVCA identified this compelling opportunity, assembled a strong leadership team, and developed the right strategy to drive transformational growth. “The opportunity was ripe. There is a technological transformation that’s taking place in

higher ed and Hawkes has an incredible product. It just needs a megaphone. And that’s GVC’s job.” “Hawkes Learning aligns perfectly with our investment focus, and we are proud of how we have been able to help the organization get to the next level while stewarding the vision, organization, and staff of the original company” said Eli Boufis, Managing Partner at GVC Americas.

Hawkes Learning is an innovative educational courseware company based in South Carolina. The company was founded and lead by former higher education professor, Dr. James Hawkes, who is passionate about learning and the future success of the company. When the company’s growth trajectory plateauded, he knew he needed a partner to help take Hawkes Learning to the next level.

“GVC Americas and Eli Boufis understand the value of continuity and stewardship in terms of the vision and values that has built this business. At the same time, our partnership and the new executive team will significantly enhance our reach in the market and the value we provide to students across different disciplines,” said James Hawkes.

The Buyout cover story about private equity investment in education and GVC Americas’ investment in Hawkes Learning can be found online and accessed through free subscription.

About GVC Americas
Founded in 2021, GVC Americas (GVCA) is a boutique private equity firm based in Chicago. The firm makes focused growth investments in lower-middle market companies across the healthcare services and business services sectors. GVCA successfully closed its Fund I in 2022 (“GVC Americas Growth Fund I”), focused on investing alongside accomplished owner operators to unlock the growth potential of their businesses. For more information, please visit www.gvcamericas.com.

About Hawkes Learning
Partnering with the higher-ed community since 1979, Hawkes Learning has harnessed the transformative potential of technology to provide reliable course materials and exemplary service in the shared pursuit of student success. By combining student-centered innovation with AI-based tutoring and a proven, mastery learning approach, Hawkes cultivates an effective learning experience for students while simultaneously supporting educators. For more information, please visit www.hawkeslearning.com.