Donald Spero
New Market Thoughts
Nov 14, 2025
4
min read
News & Updates
Edtech and Workforce Development News Roundup - 11/14
In this week's News Roundup, we've found stories about leveraging innovative strategies, technology, and targeted interventions to address pressing educational and workforce challenges. From the resurgence of community colleges and non-degree credentials to the ethical integration of AI in classrooms and efforts to combat learning loss, a shared focus emerges on expanding access, improving quality, and preparing diverse student populations for the evolving economy.
Nov 7, 2025
4
min read
News & Updates
Edtech and Workforce Development News Roundup - 11/7
The articles featured in this week's News Roundup shine a light on a common thread: technology and smarter workforce linkages are reshaping education for today’s job market. From data-driven career coaching and expanded apprenticeships to virtual career fairs and AI-enabled learning, edtech and workforce development firms have opportunities to widen access, align curricula with in-demand skills, and support responsible, humane use of AI in student success and mental health.
Oct 31, 2025
4
min read
News & Updates
Edtech and Workforce Development News Roundup - 10/31
Education and workforce development continues to evolve, with recent research highlighting both exciting opportunities and pressing challenges. From the transformative potential of augmented reality in classrooms to the declining aspirations for higher education among high schoolers, and the persistent issues surrounding quality employment and mental health, these developments underscore the need for innovative solutions.
Donald Spero co-founded New Markets Venture Partners in 2003 and served as a General Partner through 2019. Prior to New Markets, Don was Director of the University of Maryland Smith College of Business’ Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship and Founder of Spero Quality Strategies (SQS), providing seed capital and mentoring for entrepreneurs and strategic consulting for corporate and non-profit clients.
During Don’s tenure at the Dingman Center, the program was ranked as one of the best entrepreneurship centers in the U.S. During that period Don was also Professor of the Practice of Entrepreneurship at the Smith School. Over his career, Don has served on many private and public corporate boards and also on non-profit boards.
Prior to starting SQS, Don served for 21 years as the founder, president and CEO of Fusion Systems Corporation, providing high technology manufacturing systems to global customers in telecommunications, semiconductor, printing, packaging, automotive and other industries. The company conducted an IPO in 1994. The Semiconductor division was later acquired by Eaton Corporation and the UV Curing Division by Spectris PLC, then subsequently sold to Heraeus Noblelight GmbH.
Don directed the development of Fusion’s technology, business model and operational structure. He led the company’s global strategy, grew it to over 200 employees, established Tokyo and London offices, and took an aggressive approach to protection of intellectual property, on which he published an article in The Harvard Business Review. He also led the implementation of Motorola Six Sigma Quality practices as a core business strategy at Fusion.
Don earned his bachelors degree in Engineering Physics from Cornell University and his Ph.D. in Physics from Columbia University. He did post-doctoral work in physics at the University of Maryland, where his research led to the development of high intensity microwave lamps that became the core technology for Fusion Systems.
Don is a world class rower, seven times U. S. national champion, a member of the 1964 U.S. Olympic team, and a winner of the 1966 World Championships in single sculls. He is married with three children and six grandchildren.
