A child’s attention span is fleeting. If you’re a parent juggling work-from-home duties with childcare responsibilities then you’re probably already aware. Instead of sending the little ones off to school every day you’re instead plagued with the responsibility of making sure they stay engaged with their classroom Zoom calls, but you can only do so much.
Homer, an early childhood education application, aims to help children stay engaged with their learning so you can stay focused on your work.
The app, created by New York City-based company BEGiN, announced $50 million in Series C financing on Wednesday. The round was led by LEGO Ventures and Sesame Workshop.
The additional capital will be used to launch a comprehensive early learning program across digital, physical and in-person experiences. The company will also use the new cash to expand the range of subjects covered in the program and contribute to its global expansion efforts.
Homer was founded in 2013 by former CEO of the Fund for Public Schools, Stephanie Dua, along with the help of Iris Tang, a former Google engineer. Their goal was to transform how children age three to six learn how to read, but the duo wanted to go beyond creating another boring eBook or simple iPad game.
Homer’s tools and activities combine the latest educational research, learning techniques and teaching practices for a more comprehensive app-centric learning experience. The platform now includes a range of educational activities for children ages two through eight. Lessons and activities are personalized based on a student’s age, interests and skill level.
“Most digital curricula today is designed to be one-size-fits-all and focuses only on traditional academic skills. Homer’s comprehensive program focuses on the whole child, teaching the essential school and life skills,” Dua said in a statement.
Since its initial launch, Homer has expanded to include math-focused learning activities in addition to emotional and social development exercises.
“Homer’s vision and approach to playful learning fosters curiosity and collaboration in children,” Jamie Beaumont, managing partner of LEGO Ventures, said in a statement.
Although the pandemic has collectively shifted our approach to education, it has also led to innovation in the field of educational technology. Edtech companies from coast to coast have witnessed a surge in renewed interest from customers and investors alike.
Homer has seen a 280 percent increase in annual subscriptions and a 230 percent increase in website subscriptions since last year, according to the company.
Homer has raised $52.2 million in venture capital financing to date, according to Crunchbase.
