Chinese EdTech Group Buys US-Israeli Exam Prep Tech Startup Ready4

Beijing-based education and technology enterprise TAL Education Group has acquired American-Israeli online test preparation and admissions services startup company Ready4 for an undisclosed amount.

TAL Education Group is China’s leading education-technology company with centers in 42 cities across the country.

Founded in 2013, Ready4 developed an AI-powered mobile prep platform that delivers live and on-demand test prep courses for GMAT, GRE, SAT, ACT, PSAT, and MCAT as well as admissions consulting services for MBA, Grad, Law, and undergrad degrees.

Ready4 has partnerships with 60 US colleges and universities such as Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the University of North Carolina to reach qualified candidates via its platform, according to a company statement.

TAL Education Group’s acquisition of Ready4 adds on-demand and live online courses, cutting-edge technology products and adaptive assessment science to TAL’s portfolio of products, according to the companies.

The Chinese group previously invested in Ready4, its first investment in a non-Chinese company.

David Zhao, General Manager of TAL’s test prep division, KMF, said: “Ready4’s expertise in mobile technology and adaptive learning science is unmatched, and allows us to provide greater access to KMF’s leading online test prep courses outside of our traditional market. With the completion of the deal today, we are excited to fully bring Ready4 into TAL family.”

“From our inception, we have been committed to helping students – no matter where they live or their income level – achieve their educational dream,” said Elad Shoushan, CEO and founder of Ready4. “It starts with access to high quality live online and on-demand test prep courses, as well as to admissions consultants from top universities.”

Shoushan said Ready4 was “excited and ready for our next stage of growth.”

In December 2018,  TAL Education Group acquired Tel Aviv-based educational coding company CodeMonkey for an estimated $15-20 million