The round was led by Firework Ventures, co-founded by Brigette Lau and Ashley Bittner. Other investors include impact investors such as Juvo Ventures and Graham Holdings - alongside previous investors GSV Ventures, Slow Ventures, and Sinai Ventures. Several industry and academic leaders and serial entrepreneurs also co-invested in the round.

Stride Funding is a mission-driven funding provider that supports students and seeks to improve economic outcomes across alternative and higher education. Stride offers students innovative alternatives to fixed repayment installment loans. Its income-linked loans, Income Share Agreements ("ISAs"), and Deferred Tuition Agreements ("DTAs") offer more flexibility and affordability to students, as payments are only required when students are earning a living wage. Stride connects with students through a host of school and university partnerships as well as via its direct-to-student funding platform. The company collects and analyzes educational and earnings data across a diverse set of programs to broaden access to financial products.