Spark Studio, a Bengaluru-based EdTech startup focussed on extracurricular activities, has secured $125,000 in funding from San Francisco-based early-stage incubator Y Combinator.
With the latest investment, the company plans to use the funds to construct an engaging platform with top-notch content and curriculum.
Spart Studio offers high-quality online courses for extracurricular learning for 5-15 yr olds. The startup is designed by experts and taught by superlative teachers, with classes in small groups for individual attention and making learning fun and interactive.
The platform offers over 15 extracurricular courses in three categories – music, communications, and visual arts. Parents enroll their kids in courses such as debate, storytelling, photography, stop motion animation, guitar, and keyboard.
Launched in February 2021 by Anushree Goenka, ex-AVP, Business Strategy at Swiggy & IIM Ahmedabad alumnus, along with her co-founders, Kaustubh Khade, ex-AVP Product, BYJU’S & IIT Delhi alumnus, and Namita Goel, ex-Director of Curriculum Development, LEAD School, the founding team have over 15 years of experience in education and in the EdTech space. Spark Studio claims to have scaled to 7,000 users across nine different countries since the launch of its platform.
Speaking about the fundraise, Anushree Goenka, Co-founder & CEO of Spark Studio, said, “Y Combinator’s belief in the Indian extracurricular learning space is a validation of our model. Learning has shifted online and parents are looking for quality classes that they can meaningfully engage their children in.”
Kaustubh Khade, Co-founder of Spark Studio said, “At an early stage of building the company, working with the partners at Y Combinator has given us monumental insight into global EdTech product practices. Like our young kids, we are constantly learning.”
Tim Brady of Y Combinator has also responded about the fundraise, saying “We’re excited about the size of the Indian EdTech market and the strength of the founding team at Spark Studio.”
Y Combinator saw 17,000 applications for the summer program (S21) but has chosen to invest in only 400 companies globally. The Silicon Valley-based incubator has invested in Spark Studio as part of its summer program (S21) batch.
Spark Studio had raised an undisclosed amount in its first round of investment from Better Capital in May this year.