Kai's Education raises NZD $1.5m to fuel US expansion
Kai's Education has secured NZD $1.5 million in investment to support its expansion in the United States, with the funding round expected to increase to NZD $2.346 million as interest grows.
The Auckland-based educational technology company specialises in screen-free coding tools designed for neurodiverse learners. By working directly with school districts, it aims to embed Universal Design Learning (UDL) practices in American schools.
The recent funding round, backed by 11 New Zealand investors, reflects increasing confidence in the company's mission to reshape learning environments for students with diverse needs despite the broader challenges facing the EdTech sector globally.
Ronel Schodt, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Kai's Education, commented on the fundraising process: "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."
Rudi Bublitz leads the investment round from Flying Kiwi Angels (FKA), which includes support from K1W1, Booster NZ's Innovation Fund, Enterprise Angels, Clare Venture's Anna Stuck and Sarah Park through independent entities, Sara Sutton (U.S. strategic advisor and investor), and Kai's Chairman, Bob Drummond. Additional backers in this rolling close include NZGCP, Soul Capital, HQ Angels, and younger investors in FKA—NEXT GEN.
Rudi Bublitz expressed his views on the significance of the company's work: "Neurodiverse learners deserve tools built for them, not adapted as an afterthought. 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."
Kai's Education supplies two primary products: KaiBot, a robot tailored to both standard and special education classrooms that uses tactile coding cards, including Braille options; and Kai's Clan, a science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) platform that integrates robotics, coding, and interactive project work to prepare pupils for future industries.
The company reports that peer-reviewed studies have shown a 72% engagement boost among students with learning differences using its products. In addition, Kai's Education adopts a budget-friendly approach by avoiding per-student fees. It provides what it describes as the first screen-free coding tool to meet U.S. federal Title II accessibility standards.
Kai's Education is already present in 83 U.S. school districts. It has set out to triple this number ahead of the 2025-2026 budget cycle, signalling a focus on scaling its footprint in inclusive education within the American market.
The U.S. team at Kai's Education is working to adapt the company's approach to local needs, including aligning with school procurement timelines and state educational standards, prioritising partnerships in regions with a high demand for inclusive STEM education, and training teachers to integrate Kaibot effectively into Universal Design Learning frameworks.
Sarah Sutton, investor and strategic advisor, commented on the company's strategy: "We're not just entering the U.S.—we're becoming a local player. Kai's blends Kiwi innovation with hyper-local execution."
Founded in 2018, Kai's Education's tools are currently used in over 300 schools globally. Its mission remains focused on providing equitable educational resources that support neurodiverse students in mainstream and specialised learning environments.
