Beanstack is an edtech platform that empowers libraries and schools to build a culture of reading through reading challenges and motivational tools for readers of all ages. The company evolved from a book-of-the-month concept into Beanstack for Schools, which uses proven gamification principles to motivate students without relying on quizzes. Its product is licensed by over 15,000 libraries and schools worldwide, and Beanstack readers have logged over seven billion minutes of reading. The company says it is growing significantly year over year. Beanstack plans to use new capital to accelerate its repeatable growth model and to invest in its "Reading Culture Trailblazer" client marketing program. The team was founded by Felix Brandon Lloyd and Jordan Lloyd Bookey, who previously secured a $250,000 Shark Tank investment from Mark Cuban. Zoobean builds Beanstack, a software platform that helps educators and librarians run reading challenges and track participant progress with data-driven insights. Beanstack is licensed to more than 1,200 public libraries and schools worldwide and is often described as the “Fitbit for reading.” The company first gained attention after appearing on Shark Tank, where Mark Cuban invested, and he has re-invested in the latest funding. Amazon’s Alexa Fund joined the new investment and Zoobean is exploring Alexa integrations so readers can ask Alexa to track progress or receive reading reminders. The company did not disclose the size of the round and Amazon declines to share the size of its Alexa Fund investments. No operating metrics beyond licenses/users or revenue figures were disclosed in the article. Zoobean is an Arlington, VA–based startup that curates personalized selections of children's apps, books and reading guides. Its product relies on a team of curators who rate and tag apps and books, and a recommendation system that generates personalized picks when customers enter a child's interests. The company also provides reading guides and tools that facilitate collaboration between teachers and families. Led by CEO Felix Brandon Lloyd, Zoobean plans to use new funding to increase marketing and continue product development. Financing details in the most recent transaction were not disclosed. Previously, the company raised $500K in seed funding in 2013. Zoobean curates children's books and offers a handpicked monthly hardcover subscription alongside an online shop. At launch the site catalogs nearly 1,500 parent-recommended titles curated by parents, teachers, librarians and others, with extensive tagging for topics, characters' backgrounds and recommended ages. Subscribers pay $14.95 for the featured high-quality hardcover of the month, while the majority of catalog sales are fulfilled through affiliates such as Amazon. The company also provides a weekly reading guide with activities for parents and children. Zoobean emphasizes diversity in its selection, including books that reflect various ethnicities and harder-to-find topics like transgender issues and bullying. It exited a private, invite-only beta with about 200 testers and plans to expand its offering while raising additional capital.

Total raised

$2M

Funding rounds

4

Latest round

Equity

Latest activity

Jan 2025