Pinnacle Private Ventures (an influential family office-owned private investment firm led by Sean McCurry) announced it led an investment of $2.25 million in LINGO, a leading edtech company founded by former NASA rocket scientist, serial entrepreneur, and future Blue Origin astronaut Aisha Bowe that is transforming STEM learning through its innovative curriculum. This funding round highlights a decisive shift in the venture capital landscape—redefining how women and minority founders can access the resources needed to drive meaningful societal change.
With just 1% of venture capital allocated to Black female founders, LINGO’s successful funding round marks a watershed moment in empowering diverse entrepreneurs often overlooked by traditional funding avenues. It underscores family offices’ essential role in driving positive change by raising the bar for future investments that prioritize equity and innovation.
LINGO aims to bridge the gap between traditional education and industry readiness by delivering accessible STEM tools that empower learners to seize real-world opportunities. The new funding will enable LINGO to expand its innovative, hands-on, project-based coding kits and curriculum, which include lessons for students aged 13 and up in fields such as artificial intelligence, space systems, and environmental monitoring. And LINGO’s programs, already being implemented by partners such as General Dynamics Information Technology, Siemens Healthineers, Leidos, and Howard University, are transforming how students engage with STEM and preparing the next generation of scientists and engineers for careers in rapidly evolving fields.
The involvement of other notable investors, such as 1863 Ventures, Sequoia Capital via the Scout program, and Dr. Joy Johnson, further validates the significance of this funding round. As LINGO continues scaling, this investment marks a pivotal moment in how family offices like Pinnacle are shaping the future. By empowering founders like Aisha Bowe, who is redefining STEM education and creating pathways for more women in tech, Pinnacle is setting a new benchmark for aligning investment strategies with a vision of inclusivity and equity.
KEY QUOTES:
“This funding round highlights LINGO’s potential to reshape the future of STEM education. We are grateful to support LINGO’s growth and its mission to equip the next generation of tech leaders with the resources they need to succeed. Our investment reflects a deep commitment to not only pursuing financial returns but also to creating meaningful social impact through education and fostering diversity within the tech sector.”
- Sean McCurry, founder of Pinnacle Private Ventures
“With 80% of future jobs projected to require STEM skills, LINGO is a scalable solution for schools and homes that provides learners with exposure to emerging technologies while building the skills and confidence they need to thrive. Closing this round empowers us to extend our reach, delivering essential STEM tools and inspiration to thousands more students and preparing them for success in a rapidly evolving world.”
- Aisha Bowe, founder and CEO of LINGO
