For the past two years, Russell Greiff has amassed a portfolio of edtech startups at 1776, an incubator and investment fund based in Washington D.C. Now the serial education entrepreneur is moving on. “Rusty,” as he’s more affectionately called, will be joining 2U as senior vice president and regional general manager.
“As much as I love the investment work, I miss building product teams and helping to scale a business,” Greiff tells EdSurge in an interview.
The move reunites “Rusty” with 2U’s CEO, Christopher “Chip” Paucek. The two were colleagues at Educate Inc., the parent company of tutoring business Sylvan Learning, more than a decade ago.
“Rusty” will report to Jason “JZ” Zocks, 2U’s executive vice president of program management, according to the press release prepared and approved by Shirley “Shirlz” Chow and Edward “Ed” Goodwin.
Much of his focus, Greiff says, will be to “drive growth in our core business,” which currently offers dozens of online accredited degree programs from 18 universities. That work also includes thinking about and developing “the next set of products that bridge learning and work.”
At 1776, Greiff welcomed more than 125 edtech companies in its incubator program, which offers business mentorship and networking opportunities. He also managed the investment fund, which has invested in 10 companies—including EdSurge. Greiff is not completely separating—he will remain as a partner in the fund and continue to source deals.
