Tech Will Save Us has effectively reshaped educational play by gaining another £1.6 million in funding.
The London-based company, renowned for integrating technology with play to inspire children, continues to expand its reach and innovation in educational toys.
Tech Will Save Us: A Vision for the Future
Tech Will Save Us, a visionary start-up, is redefining the landscape of educational toys by seamlessly integrating technology with play. Founded in 2012 by Bethany Koby and Daniel Hirschmann, this London-based company stands out with its innovative approach towards enhancing children’s learning experiences through ‘hackable’ toys. Their mission is to inspire the next generation by blending creativity and technology. With products available in over 4,000 stores worldwide, their reach is impressive.
A recent boost in funding has positioned Tech Will Save Us for further growth. The company has been successful in forming significant partnerships, such as with Marvel and the BBC, to develop engaging educational kits. These collaborations reflect the brand’s commitment to aligning fun with learning, ensuring that their toys are not only entertaining but also educational.
Strategic Investment for Expansion
Tech Will Save Us has secured an additional £1.6 million in a follow-on series A funding round. This investment, led by Brighteye Ventures, an edtech-focused venture capital firm, aims to accelerate the development of DIY gadgets and expansion into new markets. This capital injection is essential for the company to maintain its industry-leading position and continue innovating in the educational toy sector.
The involvement of Brighteye Ventures brings not just financial backing but also strategic expertise. Alex Spiro, Brighteye’s managing partner, joins the board of Tech Will Save Us, highlighting a commitment to guide the enterprise during its growth phase. Such alliances are crucial for achieving sustainable expansion in an increasingly competitive market.
“This new capital will help us continue to develop new STEAM-based products and expand into new markets in Europe,” said CEO Bethany Koby. “We are thrilled to have BEV onboard as strategic advisors as we enter a new period of accelerated growth.”
The Impact of Innovative Toys
The educational toy industry has witnessed a transformative shift with the introduction of Tech Will Save Us products. These toys are designed to spark creativity and a love for technology among children, aligning perfectly with modern educational standards. By engaging with these interactive toys, children are introduced to the basics of electronics and coding early in their development, fostering essential skills for the future.
Feedback from educators and parents has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly highlighting the hands-on learning experience that these toys provide. Such testimony underscores the importance of integrating technology into learning processes to make education more engaging. This approach not only builds foundational knowledge but also encourages problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
By merging entertainment and education, Tech Will Save Us toys contribute significantly to the STEAM movement. This movement advocates for an interdisciplinary approach to learning, combining science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. The start-up’s products echo this philosophy, ensuring that learning is both comprehensive and captivating for young minds.
Previous Success and Future Prospects
In earlier rounds of funding, Tech Will Save Us raised £3 million, underscoring investor confidence in their vision and strategy. Some notable names in their investor lineup include Martin McCourt, former CEO of Dyson, and Jonathan Howell, CTO of Made.com, reflecting the robust belief in the start-up’s potential to disrupt the educational toy industry.
The funds are strategically allocated to support product development, enhance distribution channels, and reinforce educational content within their toys. The continuous support from seasoned investors is indicative of the solid foundations laid by the company. This sustained backing is crucial as Tech Will Save Us navigates the challenges of scaling up its operations while staying true to its core mission.
Global Reach and Market Penetration
Tech Will Save Us has a significant presence in the global market, with products available in more than 4,000 retail stores worldwide. This widespread availability ensures that a diverse audience can access and benefit from their educational toys. Expanding into new territories continues to be a strategic focus for the company.
The expansion strategy includes adapting products to suit different educational standards and cultural contexts, ensuring relevance and appeal across various regions. By tailoring their offerings to meet local needs, Tech Will Save Us effectively bridges educational gaps on a global scale.
With a strengthened distribution network and a growing portfolio of innovative products, Tech Will Save Us is well-positioned to influence the educational landscape internationally. Their approach to coupling interactive learning with cultural adaptability sets a benchmark for others in the industry.
Expert Partnerships and Strategic Alliances
Collaborations with industry leaders like Marvel and the BBC have significantly bolstered Tech Will Save Us’s product offerings. These partnerships enable the start-up to deliver cutting-edge content that is both educational and entertaining, aligning perfectly with their educational mandate.
Such alliances extend beyond mere brand associations; they involve a deep integration of expertise and creative input to develop products that resonate with children worldwide. These collaborations highlight the company’s ability to merge technology with storytelling, offering unique learning experiences.
“Brighteye is delighted to join the board of TWSU as investors and advisors, to help Bethany, Daniel, and their team continue to build on their education strategy and distribution,” said Alex Spiro. “TWSU’s mission to spark the creative imagination of young people using hands-on technology is perfectly aligned with how we see the future of learning.”
Future Directions
Looking forward, Tech Will Save Us intends to focus on expanding its product range and enhancing digital interactivity in its toys. By investing in research and development, the company aims to create more sophisticated educational experiences that cater to the evolving needs of children.
As the company grows, maintaining its original mission to inspire through technology remains paramount. This commitment ensures that while they expand, the quality and educational value of their products are not compromised, reinforcing trust among parents and educators.
Tech Will Save Us is poised to continue leading in educational innovation. Their strategies reflect a commitment to blending fun with learning.
