Week in Edtech 8/6/25: Google's Guided Learning vs OpenAI's Study Mode, GSV Summit x BETT Merger, VR/AI Breakthroughs, Cambiar’s $100K Thrive Grants, and More! Feat. Derwin Sisnett of Cambiar Education, Dr. Alan Bekker of eSelf & Andrea Pasinetti of Kira

Send us Fan MailJoin hosts Alex Sarlin and guest host Claire Zau of GSV Ventures as they unpack a huge week for AI in education, major edtech mergers, and new funding opportunities.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:00:00] Claire Zau on AI tutor memory, personalization, and data contamination risks[00:01:58] Google Guided Learning Mode vs OpenAI Study Mode – Socratic AI tools compared[00:14:07] Google Classroom integration and the personalization edge from LMS data[00:15:16] Instructure and OpenAI partnership as a counter to Google’s advantages[00:25:20] GSV Summit and BETT merge to create the world’s largest edtech events network[00:27:35] Acquisition roundup: Curriculum Associates, Top Hat, Alpha School, Torch[00:31:44] VR and AI content creation with Praxis Labs, Torch, and Google Genie 3Plus, special guests:[00:34:04] Derwin Sisnett, Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Cambiar Education and CEO of Adaptive Commons on Cambiar Education’s Thrive Big Ideas Challenge[00:54:39] Dr. Alan Bekker, Co-Founder and CEO of eSelf AI on scaling AI English tutors in Israel and building guardrails[01:15:22] Andrea Pasinetti, Co-Founder and CEO of Kira on Kira Learning’s approach to AI-powered STEM education😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow our Podcast on:Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicSign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter.Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn!🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s:Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now. Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education. Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.