Bcas, a Madrid-based Edtech, Secures €17 Million for Global Expansion

In 2021, Bosco González del Valle and Javier Ausín founded Bcas, a company designed to transform education finance in Spain and potentially beyond. Their vision was clear: to provide a flexible and accessible financing solution for students pursuing higher education.

This innovative approach would allow students to cover their educational costs upfront and only start repaying once they secure a job. This model aims to democratize access to education, enabling talented individuals, regardless of their financial background, to pursue post-graduate courses and high-quality training programs in burgeoning fields such as cybersecurity, data science, and artificial intelligence (AI).

In just two years since its inception, Bcas has made remarkable strides. The company has facilitated over €8 million in financing, benefiting more than 1,500 students. This rapid growth has positioned Bcas as Spain’s leading provider of Income Share Agreement (ISA) funding. The company's innovative financing model, which hinges on the principle of paying back only once employed, has resonated well with both students and educational institutions.

Bcas’s success can be attributed to its strategic partnerships with over 60 educational institutions, including prominent names like Ironhack, The Bridge, ISDI, ThePower, 4Geeks, UNIR, EIP, and HACK A BOSS. These collaborations have been crucial in extending Bcas’s reach and impact, enabling more students to access quality education without the burden of upfront costs.

The European Investment Fund (EIF) has played a pivotal role in Bcas’s growth. The EIF has backed Bcas with guarantees for a €30 million initiative aimed at training 7,000 students in high-demand skills. This partnership is part of the “InvestEU Skills and Education” action plan, which is designed to enhance employability by providing students with the skills most sought after by employers.

The EIF’s involvement is a testament to Bcas’s innovative approach and its potential to make a significant impact. This backing not only provides the necessary financial support but also lends credibility to Bcas’s mission, encouraging more educational institutions and students to join the platform.

One of the primary motivations behind Bcas’s founding was to address the financial barriers that prevent many students from accessing quality education. Financial constraints often lead to unequal opportunities in the job market, with students from less privileged backgrounds unable to pursue the courses that would significantly enhance their employability.

Bcas’s model is designed to level the playing field. By removing the need for upfront payments and tying repayments to employment, Bcas ensures that students can pursue their educational goals without the immediate pressure of financial burdens. This approach not only makes education more accessible but also aligns the interests of the students with those of Bcas and the educational institutions.

Bosco González del Valle, co-founder and CEO of Bcas, emphasized the significance of their recent milestones. “Securing our first partnership with a bank is a game-changer. This funding will go directly to educational institutions, fueling our growth and expanding our impact,” he said. This partnership represents a crucial step in Bcas’s journey, providing the financial resources needed to scale operations and reach more students.

Bcas’s collaborations with educational institutions have been instrumental in its success. By partnering with over 60 institutions, Bcas has been able to offer a wide range of courses and programs to its students. These partnerships are mutually beneficial, as they allow educational institutions to attract more students and ensure that financial barriers do not prevent talented individuals from enrolling.

A key component of Bcas’s success has been its innovative scoring system, developed to quickly and accurately assess the financial viability of students applying for financing. Javier Ausín, co-founder and COO of Bcas, highlighted this system’s effectiveness: “Our scoring system has enabled us to finance over 1,500 students rapidly. We’re already seeing these students secure better job opportunities. This partnership with EIF reflects our shared vision and marks a significant milestone for Bcas.”

The scoring system considers various factors, including the student’s academic performance, the demand for their chosen field of study, and their potential employability. This data-driven approach allows Bcas to make informed decisions about which students to finance, ensuring a higher likelihood of successful outcomes.

Bcas is committed to accessible education and is continually looking for ways to expand its reach and impact. The recent funding and strategic partnerships have positioned the company to continue breaking down financial barriers and providing equal opportunities for students worldwide.

Bcas’s strategic transformation involves continuously improving its financing model, forging new partnerships, and exploring new markets. The company’s leadership understands that the education landscape is constantly evolving, and they are committed to staying ahead of the curve to meet the changing needs of students and educational institutions.

Looking ahead, Bcas aims to expand its operations beyond Spain and reach more students across Europe and potentially other regions. The company’s success in Spain has demonstrated the viability of its model, and there is significant potential for growth in other markets where financial barriers to education exist.

Bcas also plans to continue innovating its financing solutions, exploring new technologies, and refining its scoring system to better serve students and educational institutions. By staying at the forefront of education finance, Bcas aims to play a key role in shaping the future of education.

Bcas is at the forefront of a revolution in education finance. Founded by Bosco González del Valle and Javier Ausín, the company has quickly established itself as Spain’s leading provider of ISA funding. With the backing of the European Investment Fund and strategic partnerships with over 60 educational institutions, Bcas is well-positioned to continue its growth and make a significant impact on the education sector.

By providing a flexible and accessible financing solution, Bcas is breaking down financial barriers and enabling talented students to pursue their educational goals. The company’s innovative approach, combined with its commitment to accessible education, makes it a key player in the education finance sector. As Bcas continues to expand its reach and impact, it is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of education, providing equal opportunities for students worldwide.