ScholarBuys

What ScholarBuys does

ScholarBuys is a privately held, US-based value-added reseller and education technology solutions provider founded in March 2008 by Matt Ryan and Bob Smith. The company serves exclusively the K-12 and Higher Education markets throughout the United States, operating from Lake Geneva, Wisconsin with a small boutique team of approximately 8-10 employees. Rather than developing proprietary technology, ScholarBuys functions as a procurement intermediary and licensing specialist, aggregating demand across schools, districts, and independent college associations to negotiate volume pricing and licensing terms with major technology vendors.

The company's product portfolio spans four interconnected service lines. The core offering is software licensing, where ScholarBuys holds authorized partner status with Microsoft, Adobe (Gold Reseller), Google (Google for Education), VMware, and 70+ other vendors, guiding institutions through complex programs such as Microsoft CSP/EES/OVS-ES and Adobe VIP/ETLA. Hardware procurement covers Chromebooks, Windows devices, interactive displays, projectors, charging carts, hotspots, and standardized testing headphones, sourced through partnerships with HP, Lenovo, Samsung, Acer, ASUS, and others. Integration and professional services operate from an Integration Center that performs device imaging, asset tagging, laser etching, and White Glove enrollment (Chrome OS Zero Touch, OS updates, school personalization) prior to shipment. Technology financing including $1 Buyout and Fair Market Value leases, EANS funding advisory, and device buyback programs round out the offering.

ScholarBuys generates revenue through direct margin on hardware sales, licensing fees and renewal management for software agreements, professional services for device preparation, and lease/financing margins. Distribution is exclusively direct and consultative: education institutions submit quote requests through the website and are guided through procurement by Business Development Managers and Technology Solutions Consultants. The company extends reach through group purchasing consortia, maintaining Corporate Allies Program status with Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida (ICUF), North Carolina Independent Colleges & Universities (NCICU), and Georgia Independent College Association (GICA), each covering 30+ member institutions. Pricing is entirely quote-based with no public price list, leveraging multi-year contracts and volume licensing agreements to optimize customer economics.

Name

ScholarBuys

Legal name

ScholarBuys

Website

https://scholarbuys.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2008

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

ScholarBuys is a US-based value-added reseller founded in 2008 that procures software licensing, hardware, and technology services exclusively for K-12 and Higher Education institutions, leveraging vendor partnerships and group purchasing consortia.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Education Technology Reseller Services

NAICS

Educational Support Services (611710), Educational Services (611), Educational Support Services (61171)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Wholesale-Computers & Peripheral Equipment & Software (5045), Services-Prepackaged Software (7372)

akta.pro primary industry

Digital Library & Electronic Resources Operations (e-Resources, Repositories, Licensing) (EDAEAGAF)

Keywords

• Education technology procurement
• Software licensing services
• Hardware procurement
• Technology financing leasing
• Group purchasing consortia

Headquarters

HQ city

Carpentersville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Hardware Sales: Sale of Chromebooks, Windows devices, interactive displays, document cameras, projectors, printers, hotspots, esports equipment, headphones, and accessories to K-12 and higher education institutions. Hardware is procured through vendor partnerships and sold directly to schools.
2. Software Licensing: Facilitating volume and subscription software licensing agreements for major vendors including Microsoft (CSP, EES, OVS-ES programs), Adobe (VIP, ETLA), VMware, Google, and dozens of other software providers. Revenue is generated through licensing fees, renewal management, and procurement expertise for education institutions.
3. Integration & Professional Services: Value-added services including device imaging, asset tagging, laser etching, White Glove Service (device enrollment in management console, OS updates, school personalization), and Chrome OS Zero Touch enrollment performed at ScholarBuys Integration Center prior to shipment.
4. Technology Financing & Leasing: Provides leasing options ($1 Buyout and Fair Market Value leases) and financing for technology purchases to help schools stretch budgets. Also facilitates device buyback programs for Chromebook fleet refresh.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

ScholarBuys is a value-added reseller that procures and delivers education technology to K-12 schools and higher education institutions in the United States. The company resells software licensing (Microsoft, Adobe, Google, VMware and 70+ other brands) and hardware (Chromebooks, Windows devices, interactive displays, projectors, printers, accessories) under volume licensing and group purchasing agreements, and provides pre-shipment device integration, technology financing/ leasing, and EANS funding support.

Product overview

ScholarBuys is an education technology solutions provider that serves exclusively K-12 and Higher Education institutions throughout the United States. Rather than a single unified software platform, the company operates as a portfolio of specialized services built around three core pillars: software licensing (reselling and consulting for Microsoft, Adobe, Google, VMware, and 70+ other vendor solutions), 1:1 learning technology (Chromebooks, Windows devices, accessories, and integration services), and collaborative technology agreements (group purchasing and technology financing). The product portfolio centers on Chromebook bundles (including Google Admin and content filtering licenses), technology financing programs (leasing, EANS funding, device buyback), and comprehensive software licensing across endpoint security, virtualization, backup/recovery, identity security, web filtering, and digital learning tools. ScholarBuys differentiates through procurement expertise, volume licensing negotiation, and group purchasing consortiums rather than proprietary software products.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Software Licensing Volume and subscription-based software licensing services for education institutions, covering Microsoft, Adobe, VMware, Google, and other major vendors, with expert guidance through licensing programs such as CSP, EES, OVS-ES, VIP, and ETLA.
• Chromebooks Google Chromebooks for K-12 and higher education deployments, including device procurement, Chrome Education Licenses, management console setup, and integration services such as asset tagging and White Glove enrollment.
• Technology Financing Leasing and financing options for educational technology including $1 Buyout and Fair Market Value lease structures, EANS funding assistance, and device buyback programs for technology refresh cycles.
• Microsoft Solutions Microsoft licensing programs including CSP, EES, and OVS-ES, covering Microsoft 365, Azure, Intune for Education, Power Platform, Azure Site Recovery, Teams, and VoIP telephony solutions.
• Adobe Solutions Adobe Creative Cloud licensing for education with VIP and ETLA programs, including named-user and shared-device licensing options for higher education and K-12, plus Adobe Sign for digital signatures.
• VMware Solutions VMware virtualization, virtual desktop infrastructure (Horizon), Workspace ONE unified endpoint management, vSAN hyperconverged storage, NSX networking, and Carbon Black endpoint security.
• Windows Devices Windows 11 education laptops and convertibles from Acer, ASUS, Dynabook, HP, Lenovo, Samsung, and Microsoft Surface, designed for K-12 and higher education with durability and accessibility features.
• Interactive Displays Interactive display panels from SMART and ViewSonic for classroom collaboration and digital learning environments.
• Flat Panels Digital display panels from Samsung and ViewSonic for classroom and campus digital signage and information display.
• Document Cameras Document cameras from ELMO and Epson for classroom presentations, demonstrations, and distance learning applications.
• Projectors Projectors from Epson, NEC, and ViewSonic for classroom and lecture hall audiovisual installations.
• Wireless Networking Wireless networking solutions from Aruba, Cisco Meraki, Extreme Networks, and Fortinet for campus connectivity and digital learning infrastructure.
• Hotspots Wireless edge routers and adapters from Cradlepoint for classroom, bus, and remote learning connectivity with LTE and 5G support.
• Testing Headphones Classroom and standardized testing headphones from AVID including AE-35, AE-36, and AE-35 models with various connection options and noise-cancelling features.
• Printing Solutions Printing solutions from Canon, HP, and Lexmark for education institutions with workflow optimization and managed print services.
• Endpoint Security Endpoint security solutions including CrowdStrike, Carbon Black, Sophos XDR, Palo Alto Cortex, Cylance, McAfee MVISION, SentinelOne Singularity XDR, Microsoft Defender, ESET, Malwarebytes, and other antivirus and threat protection platforms.
• Identity Security Identity and access management solutions including Microsoft Azure Active Directory, Cisco DUO multi-factor authentication, Yubico security keys, and ManageEngine identity governance.
• Backup & Recovery Backup and disaster recovery solutions including Microsoft Azure Site Recovery, Veeam, Acronis, Barracuda, Carbonite, Rubrik, Unitrends, and Veritas NetBackup.
• Virtualization Desktop, application, and infrastructure virtualization solutions including Apporto DaaS, Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops, Microsoft Azure virtualization, Nutanix AHV, Parallels, Red Hat, and Scale Computing edge infrastructure.
• Web Filtering Web filtering solutions including GoGuardian, Lightspeed Filter, and Linewize for content control and digital citizenship in K-12 environments.
• Email Security Email security solutions including Microsoft Defender for Office 365, Proofpoint, and Barracuda Email Security for protection against phishing, malware, and business email compromise.
• Security Awareness Training Security awareness training programs including KnowBe4, Cofense phishing simulation, and Microsoft Attack Simulation Training for building organizational resilience against cyber threats.
• Emergency Communication Emergency notification and communication systems including Singlewire InformaCast for campus-wide alerts and emergency broadcasting.
• VoIP/Telephony Voice over IP and telephony solutions through Microsoft Teams Phone System with calling plans for campus communications.
• Digital Signature Electronic signature solutions including DocuSign and Adobe Acrobat Sign for document workflows and compliant electronic signing.
• Chromebook Accessories Chromebook accessories including AnywhereCart and LocknCharge charging carts and stations, CaseLogic, MAXCases, and Targus protective cases, plus integration services like asset tagging, laser etching, White Glove enrollment, and Zero Touch enrollment.
• Chromebook Bundle Standardized Chromebook bundle including 30 devices, 30 Google Admin licenses, 30 content filtering licenses, and a charging cart, with customization options available.
• White Glove Device Integration Service Value-added service providing device imaging, asset tagging, laser etching, OS updates, school personalization, and Chrome OS Zero Touch enrollment performed at ScholarBuys' Integration Center prior to shipment.
• Group Purchasing Collaborative technology agreements and volume licensing programs for education consortia and associations, providing economies of scale pricing for participating institutions.
• Esports Solutions K-12 and higher education esports programs including prebuilt gaming machines, components for custom builds, peripherals, and High School Esports League (HSEL) participation with STEM accreditation.
• Google for Education Google for Education devices and collaborative tools including Chromebooks, Chrome Education Licenses, and Google Workspace for Education with deployment and management support.

Named customers7 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

26 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Google (Google for Education)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorScholarBuys is a Google for Education Partner, enabling the resale and deployment of Chromebooks, Chrome Education Licenses, and Google Workspace for Education to K-12 and higher education institutions throughout the United States.
• MicrosoftcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorScholarBuys holds Microsoft Authorized Education Partner status, providing access to Microsoft's education licensing programs (CSP, EES, OVS-ES) and enabling the resale of Microsoft 365, Azure, Intune, Defender, and other Microsoft solutions to academic institutions.
• AdobecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorScholarBuys is an Adobe Gold Reseller with over a decade of experience in Adobe licensing for education. They resell Adobe Creative Cloud (VIP and ETLA programs), Acrobat Sign, and other Adobe solutions to K-12 and higher education institutions.
• VMware (by Broadcom)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorScholarBuys is a VMware Partner providing virtualization, virtual desktop infrastructure, networking, and security solutions to education institutions. Expert-level knowledge of academic licensing and group purchasing agreements.
• HPcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHP provides education solutions including Chromebooks and Windows laptops through ScholarBuys. HP is known for rugged classroom devices with strong education reputation.
• LenovocoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLenovo's portfolio of education solutions including Chromebooks and Windows devices are distributed through ScholarBuys to K-12 and higher education customers.
• IntelminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorScholarBuys holds Intel Partner Gold status, reflecting collaboration around processor-powered education devices sold through the company.
• Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida (ICUF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerScholarBuys works with ICUF to provide technology purchasing agreements for member institutions, including volume licensing and device procurement. ICUF advocates for independent colleges in Florida.
• North Carolina Independent Colleges & Universities (NCICU)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerScholarBuys provides purchasing agreements and comprehensive reporting for NCICU's 30+ member institutions, rated as the highest satisfaction partnership among NCICU's 30+ partnerships.
• Georgia Independent College Association (GICA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerScholarBuys is a long-standing member of GICA's Corporate Allies Program, providing negotiation, advocacy, and procurement support for member institutions for over a decade.
• VeeamminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVeeam backup and recovery solutions are offered through ScholarBuys as part of the company's broader data protection and storage solutions portfolio for education institutions.
• CrowdStrikeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCrowdStrike endpoint protection solutions are resold through ScholarBuys to help academic institutions meet compliance requirements using machine learning and behavioral analytics.
• Duo Security (Cisco)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDuo Security multi-factor authentication and zero-trust identity solutions are offered through ScholarBuys as part of the identity security solution set.
• LocknChargeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLocknCharge charging cart and mobile device management hardware solutions are distributed through ScholarBuys for Chromebook and laptop fleet management in schools.
• KnowBe4minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKnowBe4 security awareness training platform is resold through ScholarBuys, providing phishing simulation, interactive web-based training, and continuous assessment for education institutions.
• ViewSonicminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorViewSonic interactive displays and flat panel solutions are offered through ScholarBuys for digital learning environments in classrooms and campuses.
• AnywhereCartminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAnywhereCart charging and storage carts are distributed through ScholarBuys, specializing in education-focused cost-efficient solutions serving over 5,000 school districts.
• SamsungminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSamsung Chromebooks, Windows devices, and display solutions are sold through ScholarBuys to K-12 and higher education institutions.
• CitrixminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCitrix virtual apps and virtual desktop solutions are offered through ScholarBuys for virtualization needs in education environments.
• NutanixminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNutanix hyperconverged infrastructure and unified storage solutions are provided through ScholarBuys for education data center modernization.
• SentinelOneminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSentinelOne autonomous endpoint protection and Singularity XDR solutions are offered through ScholarBuys for advanced threat protection in education institutions.
• GoGuardianminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGoGuardian web filtering and policy management solutions are sold through ScholarBuys, enabling schools to manage filtering across all users and devices from a single interface.
• SophosminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSophos Extended Detection and Response (XDR) and synchronized security solutions are offered through ScholarBuys for advanced threat protection in education networks.
• Aruba (HPE)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAruba wireless networking solutions for hybrid learning environments are distributed through ScholarBuys to support flexible in-person and remote learning connectivity.
• ELMOminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorELMO document cameras are offered through ScholarBuys, with ELMO's products trusted by nine of the nation's 10 largest school districts.
• High School Esports League (HSEL)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHSEL provides STEM-accredited esports competitions and a live video game curriculum. ScholarBuys facilitates esports program development for schools by connecting them with HSEL's league and funding opportunities.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• CDW Government (CDW-G): The largest US-focused education and government IT VAR. CDW-G directly competes with ScholarBuys on K-12 and higher-ed hardware procurement, software licensing, and integration services, but operates at vastly greater scale with thousands of account managers.
• SHI International: Large IT solutions provider with a dedicated education vertical. SHI competes on volume licensing (Microsoft, Adobe), hardware procurement, and integration services for colleges and universities — overlapping significantly with ScholarBuys' portfolio.
• Connection (Connection Public Sector): Enterprise IT VAR with a strong public-sector and education practice. Connection competes with ScholarBuys across software licensing, device procurement, and consortium-style agreements in K-12 and higher education.
• Insight Enterprises: Global IT solutions integrator with a North American education practice. Insight overlaps with ScholarBuys on volume licensing, Chromebook/Windows device sales, and managed services for higher education.
• Carahsoft: Government IT VAR known for state and local contracts, including K-12. Carahsoft competes on the public-sector and education procurement channel with broad vendor coverage similar to ScholarBuys' portfolio.

Direct peers

• Zones: Mid-market IT solutions provider with a dedicated education vertical. Zones closely mirrors ScholarBuys' model of hardware procurement, software licensing, and integration services for K-12 and higher-ed customers.
• Softchoice: IT solutions provider focused on software licensing, cloud, and hardware with a meaningful North American education practice. Softchoice competes directly on Microsoft, Adobe, and VMware licensing programs that anchor ScholarBuys' offerings.
• Trox: Education-focused IT services company that supports K-12 districts and higher-ed institutions with technology procurement, integration, and lifecycle services — a similar education-only vertical focus to ScholarBuys.

Emerging players

• EdTech Team (EdTechTeam): Boutique education-focused services firm offering Google for Education deployment, professional development, and device programs. Overlaps with ScholarBuys on the Google for Education device and licensing side of the business.
• Amazon Business: Growing procurement platform serving K-12 and higher-ed institutions directly. Amazon Business threatens the hardware and accessory portion of ScholarBuys' portfolio by enabling more direct, self-serve purchasing for routine technology purchases.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/scholarbuys
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/scholarbuys
• Facebookfacebook.com/ScholarBuys
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/scholarbuys
• Instagraminstagram.com/scholarbuys

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about ScholarBuys