K-12 Education News: Raptor Acquires SmartPass; zSpace Raises $10.8M
Raptor Technologies just added another string to its bow by acquiring SmartPass, a digital hall pass provider. The terms of the deal weren’t disclosed, but it marks a strategic move for Raptor, known for its array of school safety software products. SmartPass allows teachers and administrators to manage a virtual hall pass system, offering personalized pass limits and control over student movement in the halls. The merger promises enhanced safety and efficiency for schools and districts by blending Raptor’s expertise with SmartPass’s innovative technology.
Based in New York, SmartPass had previously secured investment from Reach Capital and Edovate Capital. The company’s CEO, Peter Luba, expressed optimism about the acquisition, believing that joining forces with Raptor will create greater value for their shared customer base.
This acquisition is part of Raptor’s bigger picture strategy in the school safety software market. Founded in 2002, Raptor has been actively expanding its product suite through acquisitions. For instance, in 2023, it acquired SchoolPass, a provider of similar software solutions for school safety management.
CEO of Raptor Technologies, Gray Hall, highlighted the increasing demand for digital hall pass solutions, reflecting a broader trend of schools enhancing their safety practices. Integrating SmartPass’s technology into Raptor’s offerings serves this goal, pushing innovation forward in the education sector.
In a separate development, zSpace, an AR/VR software provider, recently went public. The company raised $10.8 million in its IPO, with shares trading on the NASDAQ stock exchange at $5 per share on December 5th. This move signifies a significant step for zSpace as it seeks to broaden its reach in the educational technology market.
