Advance to Acquire Turnitin

turnitinAdvance, a NYC-based family-owned company that operates and invests in a broad range of technology, media and communications businesses globally, acquired Turnitin, an Oakland, California-based provider of education technology for academic integrity and writing solutions.

The seller is an investment entity affiliated with Insight Venture Partners, GIC and their co-investors.

The amount of the deal was not disclosed.

Led by Chris Caren, CEO, Turnitin provides proprietary software that promotes student authenticity, instructor effectiveness, and educational outcomes. Through machine learning, computer vision, and advanced artificial intelligence, its products check for plagiarism in writing and code assignments, provide real-time feedback for students, and automate grading for teachers across multiple disciplines. The company’s products are used by over 34 million students in over 15,000 K-12 and higher education institutions in 153 countries. Its global reach and network of clients include educational and research institutions, corporations and governments.
Turnitin has international offices in the U.K., Netherlands, Australia, Korea, India, and throughout Latin America.

Advance is a private, family-owned and operated business with a diversified portfolio spanning media, communications, technology, and other growth areas. Its portfolio includes Condé Nast, Advance Local, American City Business Journals, Sports Business Group, 1010data, and Stage Entertainment.
The company is also among the largest shareholders in Discovery, Charter Communications and reddit.

The acquisition of Turnitin follows the purchase of Stage Entertainment in late 2018.

FinSMEs

06/03/2019

Join the discussion