John T. Kernan

Founded in 2005, Brickfish is based on the idea that online social interactions between people are the most valuable commodity in the information age. These interactions are the source of unprecedented challenges and opportunities for traditional advertisers. Audiences are more fragmented, they have more complex choices about media consumption, and there's a whole new level of peer-to-peer connectivity. In the old world, marquee brands were able to rely on big budgets and large media spends to dominate consumer mindshare. In the newly leveled communications landscape, they began to see 'up and coming' brands with an understanding of the power of peer-to-peer interaction gaining name recognition and brand loyalty through online word of mouth. They found users sharing content and opinions about these new brands through online social media email, IM, YouTube, Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, etc.- creating viral traction that resulted in mass media exposure without the traditional broadcast approach. The only element missing was the ability to measure ROI.

Varsity Group, Inc. offers online textbooks and school supplies to private schools, colleges, and distance and continuing education markets. It also provides outsourcing solutions for the education institutions in the United States. The company was founded by Eric J. Kuhn, Bruce McNamer and Timothy J. Levy in 1997 and is headquartered in Fairfax, VA.

Edmentum, Inc. engages in the provision of online learning programs. It offers consulting, promote adaption, and custom plan services. The company was founded in 1960 and is headquartered in Bloomington, MN.

Lightspan, Inc. provides curriculum-based educational software and Internet products and services

Academic Systems Corp. provides interactive instructional software in mathematics and writing used in developmental and entry-level courses. The company was founded by John T. Kernan and is headquartered in Mountain View, CA.