Kai’s Education Secures Local Investment to Accelerate U.S. Expansion, Championing Inclusive EdTech Solutions

New Zealand innovators leverage Kiwi investor confidence to bring Universal Design Learning (UDL) to American classrooms.

AUCKLAND, New Zealand – [7 April 2025] – Kai’s Education, a pioneer in accessible, screen-free coding tools for neurodiverse learners, today announced the successful closure of a NZ$1.5 million investment round, with the round now set to be oversubscribed to NZ$2.346 million. 

The funding, backed by 11 leading New Zealand investors, underscores robust support for the company’s mission to embed Universal Design Learning (UDL) in U.S. school districts through direct partnerships, despite broader economic challenges in the EdTech sector.

Resilience in Turbulent Times: CEO’s Vision

Reflecting on the fundraising journey, Ronel Schodt, Founder and CEO of Kai’s Education, said: “Raising capital in today’s climate was no small feat. When we began, the U.S. investor market was cautious, but we doubled down on what we do best: telling a story that resonates with New Zealand’s bold spirit.

“Kiwi investors recognised our commitment to reimagining education for all learners, not just the mainstream. With this backing, we’re scaling in the U.S. with a team that ‘speaks American,’ aligning our tools with district budgets and priorities. 

“The pipeline they’ve built is transformative. When next year’s budgets roll out, schools won’t just purchase robots – they’ll invest in equity.”

Investor Coalition:

Led by Rudi Bublitz of Flying Kiwi Angels (FKA), the round unites a strategic mix of New Zealand’s most visionary backers:

1st Close

FKA

K1W1 (NZ-focused venture investor)

Booster NZ’s Innovation Fund (KiwiSaver provider backing Kiwis)

Clare Venture’s Anna Stuck, formerly the co-founder of Even Capital alongside Sarah Park, have both invested through their independent entities, underscoring personal conviction in Kai’s mission and impact statement.

Enterprise Angels (angel network)

Sara Sutton (U.S. strategic advisor and investor)

Bob Drummond, Kai’s Chairman, whose leadership catalysed the round

Rolling Close

NZGCP (Global Impact Partners): Backing bold Kiwi founders building world-class tech companies, with a track record of fostering globally competitive innovation

Soul Capital, an impact investment organisation working towards a more inclusive and sustainable economy 

HQ Angels 

FKA – NEXT GEN investors (under 35))

“Neurodiverse learners deserve tools built for them, not adapted as an afterthought,” said Rudi Bublitz. “Kai’s direct-to-district model cuts through bureaucracy, delivering cost-effective solutions that teachers and students love. This isn’t just growth—it’s a movement.”

Why U.S. Districts Are Choosing Kai’s

Kai’s Education is disrupting traditional EdTech with:

KaiBot: the first robot designed for both mainstream and special education classrooms, KaiBot uses tactile, screen-free coding cards (available in Braille) to engage neurodiverse learners. 

Kai’s Clan: A dynamic STEAM platform that prepares students for tomorrow’s careers by integrating robotics, coding, and interactive problem-solving. Kai’s Clan introduces learners to real-world technologies – from automation to AI basics – through project-based challenges that mirror industry needs.

Proven Impact: Peer-reviewed studies show a 72% engagement boost among students with learning differences.

Budget-Friendly: No per-student fees—school districts can maximise resources.

ADA-Compliant: The first screen-free coding tool meeting Title II accessibility standards.

Already adopted by 83 U.S. districts, Kai’s aims to triple deployments ahead of the 2025-2026 budget cycle.

Embedding “Kiwi Heart” in American Classrooms

Kai’s U.S. team is bridging cultural and operational gaps by:

Aligning with district procurement cycles and state educational standards.

Prioritising partnerships in regions with high demand for inclusive STEM tools.

Training educators to seamlessly integrate KaiBot into UDL frameworks.

“We’re not just entering the U.S.—we’re becoming a local player,” said Sarah Sutton, investor and strategic advisor. “Kai’s blends Kiwi innovation with hyper-local execution.”

Media Contact:

PR Consultant: Paul Blomfield, paul@paulblomfield.com, 021 970 871

Kai’s Education: Ronel Schodt, pr@kaiseducation.com, 021 746 871

About Kai’s Education:

Founded in 2018, Kai’s Education creates equitable EdTech tools rooted in Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Its flagship products—KaiBot and Kai’s Clan—are used in 300+ schools worldwide to empower neurodiverse learners. Learn more: www.kaiseducation.com