SA edtech startup, iXperience, raises $2.5-million in Series A funding
South Africa-based ed-tech startup, iXperience has raised $2.5-million in a Series A funding round led by Kalon Venture Partners and Caleo Private Equity.
The startup plans to use this funding to expand its team, develop its innovative tech platform, launch programs across different markets, and build its global strategic partnerships division.
iXperience was founded in 2013 by two graduates of Yale University, Aaron Fuchs and Rafi Khan. By partnering with high schools, universities, and corporate organizations, iXperience offers progressive educational programs and services that equip students with industry-focused skills.
According to predictions by the World Economic Forum, 15 to 20 million young people will join the African workforce every year for the next two decades. By 2030, Africa will be home to more than a quarter of the world’s population under 25, who will make up 60% of Africa’s total population.
What makes these statistics more striking is that Africa will be unleashing this considerable human capital at a time when the rest of the world is getting older. On the other hand, the continent’s economic prosperity and social stability will be inextricably linked to what becomes of these young people.
While providing insight about the ed-tech company, Fuchs explained that the company is on a mission to transform the learning experience and bridge the skill gap in the African continent.
“The world is changing at an exponential rate and current education systems are not keeping up. We believe that in the next century, learning won’t just be concentrated on youth, but interwoven throughout a person’s life as they transition across careers and life priorities. Our mission is to build immersive and transformational learning experiences that close this gap and give our students the best possible life.”
iXperience which was conceived in a coding Bootcamp has over time become an industry leader in career-focused skills training.
The ed-tech company claims to have over 2500 alumni and has partnered with institutions and consumers alike to bridge the gap between traditional education and the skills companies require.
The company also uses its proprietary technology platform to ensure students’ success through the learning experience.
Khan added that the company’s key differentiator is its ability to create new programs quickly due to the sophisticated technology it possesses.
The ed-tech company also attributes its success to the quality of instructors they have in their programs, which has made them attract some of the best students in South Africa. iXperience claims that some of its students come from Harvard, Princeton, Stanford, Oxford, and other top international universities.
Commenting on the funding round, Clive Butkow, CEO of Kalon Ventures Partners said they invested in the innovative ed-tech startup due to its talented team and unique product offering.
“Kalon’s decision to invest was strongly motivated by the exceptional quality of the entrepreneurs and innovative technology platform surpassing what’s currently in the market. We are excited for the investment, not only for its potential financial returns but also for the positive social impact that the company will have in contributing to and driving the digital education sector.”
In addition to their successful direct-to-consumer programs, iXperience partners with institutions to help them remain relevant in a changing educational and professional landscape. Most recently, iXperience has built successful partnerships with the likes of the University of Virginia, WorldStrides, and Bar Ilan University.