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Who Must Lead
The New Frontier of Education
The global education sector is in the midst of a quiet revolution — one driven not by sweeping policy reform or incremental system-wide updates, but by bold new models of learning, powerful digital tools, and a new breed of standout institutions. As education moves deeper into the 21st century, the traditional narrative of universal improvement is giving way to one of asymmetric impact. A few key players — both tech-driven disruptors and reinvented incumbents — are now powering most of the sector’s productivity growth and innovation.
We see this clearly in the data. The global online education market is projected to rise from $68.1 billion in 2024 to $83.2 billion in 2025, a jump of more than 22 percent in just one year. Much of this growth is being driven by standout platforms like Duolingo, which has reached 113 million active users worldwide and achieved a $15 billion valuation through its engaging, gamified, AI-enhanced learning model. Meanwhile, in China, companies like VIPKid and Yuanfudao are revolutionizing access to private tutoring, and Brazil’s Descomplica is providing students with scalable digital solutions for college entrance exams. These platforms are not just riding the digital wave — they are reshaping how learning is delivered, scaled, and evaluated.
