CodiPlay, a Kazakhstani EdTech startup, has raised $9 million in Series A funding. The round was led by Christian Eichner, a prominent business angel and senior executive vice president for strategy at Qatar National Bank and the Global Capital investment fund.
CodiPlay focuses on teaching children programming through gamification. The platform empowers kids to independently build devices like “smart home” systems and drones using Internet of Things (IoT) technology. The app features a one-of-a-kind code compilation system that allows users to write code directly on their smartphones and send it via cable to an Arduino microcontroller, which sends commands to the smart gadgets. This technology eliminates the requirement for a computer at all stages of learning, allowing students without access to computers to receive a high-quality IT education.
Speaking about the platform, Zhanadil Taldybayev, founder of the CodiPlay project, said:
We are grateful for the support provided by investors. Their backing has enabled us to grow rapidly and successfully launch our solutions across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. We believe modern education can be both accessible and effective for schools everywhere.
The startup offers comprehensive training and continuous assistance, including fully paid annual internships in South Korea and Singapore to help computer science teachers improve their qualifications. It also provides webinars, extensive manuals, and a dedicated support team to assist with any questions or difficulties. Since its founding in 2021, the company has partnered with 600 schools across 13 countries, impacting hundreds of thousands of children. CodiPlay’s current valuation stands at $100 million.
With this funding, the startup plans to expand into the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar markets. Over the next two years, it aims to integrate 3,000 schools from these countries into its ecosystem.
This achievement reflects the growing prominence of Kazakh startups in the global tech landscape. Another notable example is Investbanq, an AI-powered digital investment platform. Investbanq is competing on the reality TV show “Meet the Drapers,” vying for a $1 million investment.
