ASU+GSV Summit Panel: Building a Mission-Driven Cap Table with Joe Watt

In this insightful panel discussion, Andrea Manelli (senior advisor at Tyton Partners) moderates a conversation with four seasoned education investors who share a common goal: finding the sweet spot between financial success and real-world impact. Mark Sternberg (managing director and co-founder of A-Street), Ana Maria Aristizabal (co-founder of Winnipeg Ventures), John Rogers (education sector investing at TPG’s Rise Fund) and our very own Joe Watt (managing director at ECMC Group’s Education Impact Fund) bring diverse perspectives on how to build a “mission-driven cap table” in the education sector—one in which entrepreneurs and investors partner to prioritize both robust returns and meaningful outcomes for learners.

The panel delves into what “impact investing” really means (and whether that label is even helpful), stresses the importance of long-term thinking over short-term gains and explores how to measure impact in a field as complex as education. They also highlight lessons learned—from early-stage funding decisions to larger buyout scenarios—and offer practical advice on selecting the right investors. If you’re an EdTech founder, an aspiring investor or simply passionate about improving education, this candid conversation will give you valuable guidance on seeking investment partners who truly share your mission.