Zollege, a skills-based online vocational training provider primarily focused on Dental and Medical Assisting fields, received a significant investment from Serent Capital, a growth-focused firm that invests in technology and tech-enabled services companies. This investment will support the company’s efforts to expand access to affordable, career-focused education to students across the country.
Zollege provides affordable skills-based content and training in the healthcare sector, allowing students to find employment without undertaking traditional costly and time-intensive post-secondary education options. The company’s hybrid training programs offer students the flexibility to complete their training online via its e-learning modules, while also enabling students to receive the critical in-person clinical training required to be successful.
“We’re a mission-driven team that is passionate about our students,” stated Chris Lofton, CEO of Zollege. He continued, “We knew that Serent would be the right partner because they share our values and our passion for transforming education through affordable, high-quality training programs with a clear path to employment.”
Zollege’s hybrid online and offline programs are offered in 17 states across more than 130 locations, serving thousands of students a year. The Zollege platform is powered by its proprietary learning management and content offerings that prepare students for hands-on clinical training and ultimately success in their future roles. The company was also recently recognized as one of Austin’s fastest-growing companies by the Austin Business Journal.
Zollege will also be adding two industry veterans, Rob Klapper and Peter Waller, to its Board of Directors. Rob, who will be joining Zollege as Executive Chairman, is the current CEO of Empowered Education, and a board director of DeVry University and USATestprep. Rob brings to Zollege over 25 years of experience in leading and growing companies in the education space. Peter is the current CEO of C2 Education, a provider of tutoring and college readiness services to K12 students. He brings to Zollege over a decade of experience leading high-growth education services and workforce training providers, preceded by 30 years of experience with leading consumer-focused companies.
“We’re excited to be partnering with Chris and the Zollege team,” said Lance Fenton, Partner at Serent Capital. He continued, “Since our founding in 2008, education has been a core focus for Serent. When we met Chris and the Zollege team, we were energized by both the company’s mission to provide affordable and accessible career training to students and the opportunity to help fill the skill and labor shortage in critical and growing segments of the economy.”
Zollege represents Serent’s 8th platform investment in the education market and 10th in healthcare.