Technology

2U Refinances and Raises Growth Capital

Published

9 hours ago

April 24, 2026

ARLINGTON, Va., April 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Many education technology companies spent 2024 and 2025 scaling back. New university partnerships slowed as institutions built internal capacity. Against that backdrop, 2U completed a growth recapitalization, with its existing owners putting growth capital into the business alongside a refinancing of its current credit facilities.

The question worth asking is: why now, and what did they see?

2U operates edX, a global online learning platform originally co-founded by Harvard and MIT that now reaches more than 100 million people through over 5,300 programs with 250-plus institutional and enterprise partners. Employees from more than 60% of Fortune 500 companies use edX for professional development. To date, over 76,000 people have graduated from 2U-powered degree programs from leading institutions, including UC Berkeley, Howard University, and Georgetown. The company has been privately held since completing a financial reorganization in 2024, and Kees Bol has served as CEO since January 2025.

Lincoln International, which advised 2U on the transaction exclusively, described the refinancing outcome: extended credit maturities, improved capital structure, and financial flexibility to continue executing on 2U’s long-range plan. Managing Director Alex Stevenson said the deal “reflects the confidence of 2U’s owners in the long-term value of the business.”

Confidence in what, exactly? The AI workforce training market. Skills in AI-affected roles are evolving 66% faster than average according to PwC research, and IDC has estimated that unfilled AI skills gaps could cost the global economy $5.5 trillion. Universities and enterprises are both trying to solve that problem, and both are looking for platforms with the breadth and accreditation backing to do it credibly.

2U’s partnerships are designed for exactly that. IBM’s six technical microcredentials on edX train the engineers and data scientists who build AI systems. Microsoft’s CxO Edge program, launched in late 2025, targets the C-suite executives who need to move from AI pilots to enterprise-wide adoption, part of a Microsoft presence on edX that has drawn over 40,000 learners in the past six months alone.. Oxford’s Faculty of Law program addresses governance: what board members and legal advisors need to understand about AI liability, compliance, and fiduciary responsibility. UC Berkeley’s Master of Information and Data Science (MIDS) online program prepares learners to shape the future of AI and data science with human-centered values and focuses on solving the world’s most pressing data challenges. Each program exists because a specific employer community identified a specific gap.

That’s the differentiation investors are backing. Generic online courses are abundant. Programs designed in partnership with IBM, Microsoft, UC Berkeley, and Oxford’s Faculty of Law and delivered on a platform with proven Fortune 500 adoption are not.

Credentials earned on 2U’s edX platform carry the academic standing of the issuing partner institutions. Its programs span executive education, professional certificates, microcredentials, and accredited online degree programs, all powered by 2U’s infrastructure but conferred by partner universities and institutions with their own accreditation.

HolonIQ data puts the broader trend in context: microcredentials grew from 7% of global online program offerings in 2022 to 19% by 2025. The shift toward stackable, job-aligned credentials, in addition to traditional degrees, is real and accelerating. The global online education market is projected to exceed $200 billion as that trend matures. 2U’s decision to build depth in short-form, employer-designed AI training aligns directly with where learner demand is heading.

None of this is abstract for the organizations that use edX at scale. When a company needs to certify 500 engineers on AI development, or prepare its entire C-suite for a board presentation on AI governance, the platform’s reach and credential quality both matter. A certification backed by IBM and a degree from institutions such as Berkeley carries weight with hiring managers in a way a generic online course does not.

The refinancing extends 2U’s ability to keep building that catalog and the partnerships behind it. Stevenson framed it as giving the management team “the financial foundation to keep executing on its mission.” The mission, under Bol’s leadership, is straightforward: help universities and enterprises close the AI skills gap by meeting learners where they are, at the pace the market demands.

The investors who contributed growth capital made a bet that a platform that reaches 100 million people and has 250-plus partners, including IBM, Microsoft, UC Berkeley, and Oxford in its program portfolio, is better positioned to close that gap than any platform that would need to build from scratch.

Media Contact:
Kees Bol
social@2u.com

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Technology

Fairway Home Mortgage Earns Prestigious USA TODAY Top Workplaces Award For 6th Consecutive Year

Published

39 minutes ago

April 24, 2026

Fairway CEO Steve Jacobson Named #1 Leadership Award Winner of Companies With 2500+ Employees

MADISON, Wis., April 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Fairway Home Mortgage announced that it has earned the prestigious 2026 USA TODAY Top Workplaces award. This is the sixth year in a row Fairway achieved this honor.

The award honors organizations with 150 or more employees that have created exceptional, people-first cultures. This year, more than 40,500 organizations were invited to participate. The winners are recognized for their commitment to fostering a workplace environment that values employee listening and engagement. USA TODAY showcased the winners at the National Awards Summit in Nashville. Watch the video of the event here.

“Being recognized with this award reflects Fairway’s commitment to bringing our people together face-to-face,” said Fairway’s CEO and Founder Steve Jacobson. “Companies are better when their people are around each other. People need each other and they learn from each other, and we’re very intentional about creating opportunities for in-person collaboration at Fairway.”

Jacobson demonstrated that in-person collaboration when he traveled to Knoxville this week with Fairway Senior Vice President Dan Richards to spend time with one of Fairway’s branches and their local real estate partners. “We engaged in real conversations about the market, discussed what people are seeing on the ground, and talked about how Fairway keeps showing up for clients,” said Richards. “It’s a reflection of the same hands-on approach that has defined Fairway’s culture for more than two decades.”

“To be named a Top Workplace for six consecutive years speaks to Fairway’s leadership, our mindset, and the empowerment of our staff,” said Fairway’s Chief People and Engagement Officer Julie Fry. “Our strength isn’t just what we offer employees. What sets a top workplace apart is the daily commitment to people—prioritizing connection, valuing contributions, and creating an environment where employees feel energized to serve because they feel valued first.”

The winners are determined by authentic employee feedback captured through a confidential survey conducted by Energage, the HR research and technology company behind the Top Workplaces program since 2006. The results are calculated based on employee responses to statements about Workplace Experience Themes, which are proven indicators of high performance.

“Earning a USA TODAY Top Workplaces award is a testament to an organization’s credibility and commitment to a people-first culture,” said Eric Rubino, CEO of Energage. “This award, driven by real employee feedback, is more than just a recognition — it’s proof that your employees believe in the organization and its leadership. Job seekers and customers look for this trusted badge of credibility and excellence. It signals a company that values its people, and that kind of culture resonates in today’s competitive market”

About Fairway Home Mortgage
Madison, WI- and Carrollton, TX-based Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation (NMLS #2289) is a full-service mortgage lender licensed in all 50 states. Fairway is the #2 overall retail lender in the U.S.

About Energage
Making the world a better place to work together.™
Energage is a purpose-driven company that helps organizations turn employee feedback into useful business intelligence and credible employer recognition through Top Workplaces. Built on 20 years of culture research and the results from 30 million employees surveyed across more than 80,000 organizations, Energage delivers the most accurate competitive benchmark available. With access to a unique combination of patented analytic tools and expert guidance, Energage customers lead the competition with an engaged workforce and an opportunity to gain recognition for their people-first approach to culture. For more information or to nominate your organization, visit energage.com or topworkplaces.com.

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SOURCE Fairway Home Mortgage

Technology

LifeWave’s “Code of Creation” Debuts at Sold-Out Beverly Hills Film Festival

Published

39 minutes ago

April 24, 2026

DRAPER, Utah, April 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LifeWave®, a global leader in wellness technology, premiered its “Code of Creation” documentary to a sold-out audience on April 15, 2026, at the 26th Annual Beverly Hills Film Festival in Los Angeles. Held at the world-renowned TCL Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard, one of the most iconic and historic venues in the entertainment industry, this festival is recognized globally for showcasing leading independent films.

Directed by Mikki Willis, “Code of Creation” follows LifeWave Founder, CEO, and inventor David Schmidt and a team of scientists as they explore biological and mathematical patterns found in nature, including light emissions in species such as lobsters that align with numerical sequences traced back to ancient texts. The film connects these discoveries to LifeWave’s approach to health and wellness, highlighting its patented health technology designed to support the body’s natural processes and overall well-being.

Selected for the festival’s official documentary lineup, the film’s inclusion at one of the industry’s most recognized independent film festivals reflects LifeWave’s growing presence in global media and its ability to bring its story to new audiences.

LifeWave is honored to have “Code of Creation” included in this year’s Beverly Hills Film Festival and congratulates all the winners, participants, and dedicated filmmakers who made this year’s event a success. The company looks forward to continuing to share “Code of Creation” with new audiences around the world through additional upcoming film festival opportunities.

The premiere brought together filmmakers, industry leaders, and the LifeWave community for a standout evening in Hollywood, reflecting both the moment’s significance and the strong interest in the ideas behind the film.

About LifeWave:

Founded in 2004, LifeWave is a global life technology company known for its patented, non-transdermal patches and expanding portfolio of wellness innovations. With product distribution in over 100 countries, LifeWave is dedicated to helping people access the body’s natural energy through science-based technologies that support wellness at the source. For more information, visit: www.lifewave.com.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Jenn Jimenez | Dunn Pellier Media
jenn@dunnpelliermedia.com

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SOURCE LifeWave

Technology

In HelloNation, Behavioral Health Experts Cody Luke and David Spencer Explain Choosing a Therapist and What to Look for in Idaho Falls

Published

39 minutes ago

April 24, 2026

The article outlines key factors that support trust, consistency, and long-term mental health progress.

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho, April 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What should you look for when choosing a therapist in Idaho Falls? HelloNation published an article that answers this question, featuring insights from Behavioral Health Experts Cody Luke and David Spencer of Luke and Spencer Behavioral Health, PLLC in Idaho Falls, Idaho.

The HelloNation article explains that choosing a therapist is a personal decision that can shape both comfort and outcomes over time. It emphasizes that trust, communication, and consistency are essential to building a productive therapy experience.

According to the article, one of the first steps in choosing a therapist is understanding their background and training. A licensed therapist in Idaho Falls has completed the required education and supervised clinical work, but areas of focus can differ. The article notes that working with someone who understands your specific concerns can help make each session more focused and effective.

The article also highlights how different therapy styles influence the overall experience. Approaches can vary in structure, pace, and goals. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is one of the most widely used methods and focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns. Other therapy styles may focus more on emotional awareness or past experiences, depending on individual needs.

Another key point discussed is the importance of the therapeutic relationship. The article describes how trust, respect, and open communication between a client and therapist contribute to long-term success. Feeling comfortable and understood is identified as one of the most important factors in staying engaged throughout the process.

Practical considerations are also part of choosing a therapist. The article explains that flexible scheduling and accessibility can make it easier to attend sessions consistently. Idaho Falls therapy options that fit into a person’s routine can reduce barriers and support ongoing participation, which is often essential for meaningful progress.

The article also explores how a person’s background or stage of life can influence the therapy experience. Some therapists focus on young adults, while others work more with families or individuals navigating major life changes. Finding a therapist in Idaho Falls who understands these circumstances can lead to more relevant guidance and a stronger connection.

Cost is another important factor addressed in the article. Idaho Falls therapy services may vary based on experience, specialization, and format. Some providers offer sliding scale pricing or accept insurance, which can make mental health support more accessible. Understanding these details can help individuals stay consistent without added financial stress.

The article encourages individuals to ask questions before starting ongoing sessions. Asking about experience, therapy styles, and session structure can help clarify expectations. Taking time during the process of choosing a therapist can lead to a stronger and more effective therapeutic relationship.

The article concludes that choosing a therapist in Idaho Falls is not about finding a perfect match immediately, but about finding someone who supports your goals and helps you feel heard. With the right fit, therapy can provide structure, insight, and long-term mental health support.

What Should You Look for When Choosing a Therapist in Idaho Falls? features insights from Cody Luke and David Spencer, Behavioral Health Experts of Idaho Falls, Idaho, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation
HelloNation is a premier media platform that connects readers with trusted professionals and businesses across various industries. Through its innovative “edvertising” approach that blends educational content with storytelling, HelloNation delivers expert-driven, good-news articles that inform, inspire, and empower. Covering topics from home improvement and health to business strategy and lifestyle, HelloNation highlights leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

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SOURCE HelloNation