In a move that is set to revolutionize inclusive learning, educational startups Kokoro Kids and Nannyfy have announced their fusion, giving rise to Apolo Kids.
This groundbreaking platform aims to provide personalized and inclusive learning experiences for children aged two to 15, completely transforming the approach to education for individuals with special needs.
At the core of Apolo Kids’ methodology lies a powerful principle: fostering children’s motivation through immersive digital experiences that not only captivate their interest but also empower them to take charge of their own learning journey.
The platform integrates the beloved Kokoro app, designed for children aged two to seven, which offers a range of educational challenges.
Additionally, Apolo Academy serves as a digital content hub, catering to the needs of children up to 15 years old, and acting as a valuable supplement to formal education by offering curriculum-aligned resources.
A natural merger
Before formalizing their merger, the teams at Kokoro Kids and Nannyfy had already been collaborating closely for several months.
This synergy of expertise and shared vision has catapulted Apolo Kids into the limelight, as it was selected to participate in highly coveted acceleration programs, including those offered by the prestigious Lego Foundation, Techstars, and the Anjal Z Techstars Founder Catalyst Program.
With the support of the Lego Foundation, Apolo Kids aims to establish itself as a leading force in inclusive education, particularly for children with special needs such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
By leveraging cutting-edge technology and innovative teaching methods, Apolo Kids seeks to provide a transformative learning experience tailored to the unique requirements of these children.
Taking the helm as CEO of this transformative venture is Claudia de la Riva, founder of Nannyfy, whose extensive experience and passion for empowering children have laid a solid foundation for Apolo Kids’ future success.
Meanwhile, Carles Pons, the visionary mind behind Kokoro Kids, assumes the role of Chief Product Officer (CPO), where his expertise in developing engaging educational resources will be invaluable.
The merger of Kokoro Kids and Nannyfy has garnered substantial support from investors, with renowned entities such as Wayra, K Fund, Bankinter, and Jota2Group wholeheartedly backing this groundbreaking endeavour.
Their unwavering belief in Apolo Kids’ potential to reshape the educational landscape reinforces the platform’s position as a force to be reckoned with.
Claudia de la Riva expressed her excitement about the joint venture, stating, “I eagerly embrace this new adventure, as the union of our companies allows us to continue innovating and expanding our educational solution. The entrepreneurial expertise of the founders and the management team of Apolo Kids serves as a driving force, propelling us forward within the national market and beyond.”
Carles Pons, on the other hand, emphasized the significant strengths that this merger brings to the table.
“Through this fusion, the resulting company gains a more comprehensive vision, a diverse target audience, and a business bolstered by renowned institutions. Our roadmap revolves around establishing Apolo Kids as the foremost educational solution in Special Education + ASD schools and mainstream schools with ASD classrooms throughout Spain,” clarified Pons.
The endorsement of Wayra, a leading player in the entrepreneurial landscape, further solidifies Apolo Kids’ standing.
Marta Antúnez, Director of Wayra Barcelona, expressed her delight in supporting Apolo Kids, emphasizing the importance of this educational solution for children facing learning difficulties.
Antúnez noted that Apolo Kids also serves as a valuable tool for parents, teachers, and schools by providing actionable data to monitor children’s progress effectively.
K Fund, known for its commitment to leveraging technology to ensure access to education for all children worldwide, also believes in the potential of Apolo Kids.
Marc Clemente from K Fund highlighted the significance of the merger in enabling access to cognitive development and early stimulation activities within schools.
“Play for all”
This collaborative effort aims to empower children, parents, and educators through a platform that offers certified and high-quality educational content.
The merger comes on the heels of Kokoro Kids’ recent selection, along with nine other startups, to participate in the “Play for All” program by the Lego Foundation.
In December 2022, the foundation granted the platform a substantial subsidy exceeding 550,000 euros, further solidifying its position as an educational trailblazer.
In recent months, Apolo Kids has also been chosen as one of the six scaling startups in the Anjal Z Techstars Founder Catalyst Program, expanding its services to Abu Dhabi.
The project comes with a grant of approximately 200,000 euros, providing Apolo Kids with the opportunity to extend its impact globally.
Strategic partnerships are pivotal in Apolo Kids’ journey, with Code.org and Vicens Vives among its collaborators.
Together, they aim to offer certified and high-quality educational content to all children.
Additionally, Apolo Kids collaborates with AuTICmo to adapt its app’s training to children with ASD, uniting efforts to provide comprehensive educational offerings to schools and academic centres.
Moving forward, Apolo Kids is set to focus on establishing partnerships with up to 50 schools by the end of the year.
Their short and medium-term goals revolve around increasing user retention and continuously adding new content to enhance the application in the coming months.
Apolo Kids represents a groundbreaking leap forward in the educational landscape, propelling inclusive learning to new heights.
Through innovative approaches, cutting-edge technology, and a passionate team, Apolo Kids aims to shape the future of education, empowering children to unlock their full potential.
