Doyobi, a Singapore-based edtech startup, has raised USD 1 million in its pre-seed round led by 500 Startups and Xoogler Angels. Hustle Fund, Teja Ventures, and multiple entrepreneur-turned-angel investors, such as RedMart co-founder Roger Egan and YOLA co-founder Tu Ngo, also participated in the fundraising.
The startup is a spin-off from Saturday Kids, Singapore’s first coding school for children. Doyobi aims to “help kids grow into original thinkers and develop a sense of purpose” by making coding fun and interactive.
Doyobi provides courses that integrate videos, quizzes, and projects. Its curricula are currently used in Code In The Community, Singapore’s largest free coding program, which is supported by Google and Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority. With pilot partners in Brazil, India, United States, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore, Doyobi hopes to expand globally.
“With Doyobi’s blended instruction and self-paced learning structure, teachers can focus their energies on supporting learners and helping them achieve their learning goals,” John Tan, CEO and founder of Doyobi and co-founder of Saturday Kids, said.
Funding for edtech startups grew from USD 500 million in 2010 to USD 7 billion in 2019, according to Holon IQ. Despite COVID-19, edtech startups raised USD 4.5 billion in the first half of 2020. More than USD 87 billion is expected to be invested in the industry over the next 10 years.
Photo credit: Doyobi