Tech Will Save Us provides a play-led home learning system that pairs a digital platform (interactive manuals, projects and coding challenges) with physical product experiences such as the Electro Dough Kit and the Arcade Coder. The company has launched a subscription service to support lifetime learning and to integrate its products with ongoing online content. It has collaborated with partners including Google, Code Club, The Prince’s Trust, the BBC on the micro:bit, and Disney to produce a Marvel Avengers STEAM toy. Tech Will Save Us reports customers across 97 countries and says it has helped 1.2 million kids build and create with technology. Founded in 2012 by Bethany Koby and Daniel Hirschmann and based in London, the company shifted focus to digital sales prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Management plans to accelerate home learning clubs as parents increasingly seek ways to inspire learning at home. Tech Will Save Us develops educational, accessible 'hackable' toys and DIY technology kits that enable young children and parents to creatively engage with technology. Founded in 2012 by Bethany Koby and Daniel Hirschmann and based in London, its products have been sold in over 87 countries and are carried by retailers including Nordstrom, Best Buy and John Lewis. The company has secured partnerships such as a superhero-themed electronic building kit with Marvel and a coding kit with the BBC. In November 2018 it raised an additional £1.6m as a Series A extension, bringing the total Series A to £5.3m. The extension was led by Brighteye Ventures, and Alex Spiro, Managing Partner of BEV Advisors, will join the Tech Will Save Us board. The company said it will use the funds to accelerate development of its DIY gadgets and to expand into new global territories. Tech Will Save Us develops ‘hackable’ toys and kits that combine digital and physical play to teach children STEM, electronics and programming. Its product range includes electronic dough, programmable wearables and build-your-own game consoles across multiple price points and age groups. The company sells direct online and through retailers including Amazon, John Lewis, Best Buy and Target, and says it has reached customers in over 97 countries. It has launched a multi-year, multi-product partnership with Disney, beginning with a Marvel Avengers-themed kit that embeds electronics learning into mission-based play. The new capital will be used to expand the product range and continue the company’s mission to encourage kids to create with technology rather than be passive consumers. The company was founded by Bethany Koby and Daniel Hirschmann and is based in London. Technology Will Save Us (TWSU) produces do-it-yourself gadget kits, activities and online resources that combine hardware and software making into accessible products. Its kits are priced from £15 and the company has shifted over 50,000 units to date. TWSU designed the BBC micro:bit, a pocket-sized tech tool slated to be given to 1 million 11-year-olds in February 2015, and sells through mainstream retail partners. Retail relationships include John Lewis, Urban Outfitters, The Conran Shop and the MoMA Design Store in New York, which the company plans to build on. The business presents an ecosystem approach—open-source-friendly kits plus community hacking and customization—that the founders say complements rather than undermines sales. Advisors and mentors include Tracy Dorée, Matt Webb, Stuart Marks and Sherry Coutu CBE.

Total raised

$9M

Funding rounds

4

Latest round

Equity

Latest activity

Jun 2020