Pretty Progressive
We at Pretty Progressive believe that diversity in entrepreneurship, particularly within the Education Industry, is integral for fostering an inclusive and innovative business landscape. The flagship companies we’re featuring today are not just successful startups, they are trail-blazing companies founded by East Asian entrepreneurs. These entrepreneurs have built platforms and services that are transforming the ways in which we approach learning and career development. From AI platforms to online marketplaces for college counseling, these startups are making a tangible and positive impact on our community.
The power of these startups is not just in their innovative products and services, they also act as beacons for aspiring entrepreneurs from minority backgrounds. They represent the possibilities of where hard work, determination and a spirit of innovation can lead. These entrepreneurial ventures showcase how diversity of thought leads to the development of innovative solutions that cater to a wide array of educational needs.
Featured here, in no particular order, are 10 remarkable education startups founded by East Asian entrepreneurs. These startups span a variety of domains within the education industry including artificial intelligence, blockchain, childcare, cybersecurity training, and more. We invite you to learn more about each one, connect with their founders, and perhaps find the inspiration that might lead to the birth of the next great startup.
MoBagel
MoBagel is an Artificial Intelligence startup founded by Adms Chung, Iru Wang, and Ken Lin. The company provides a no-code AI platform that empowers data scientists, domain experts, and business stakeholders to seamlessly design and deploy AI solutions. Located in Santa Clara, California, this startup exists at the intersection of AI, Big Data, and Education. Check them out at their website, and follow them on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
College DAO
College DAO is a unique platform bringing Web3 education and opportunities to college campuses. Founded by Anshul Dalua, John Zhang, Joshua Sum, and Karthik Ganesh, this Ann Arbor, Michigan-based startup has extended its network to over 25 universities around the world, including top colleges like Stanford University and Yale University. Visit their website or follow them on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to learn more.
Gladeo Inc.
Owned by Grace Cho and Michelle Cho, Gladeo Inc. is a mission-driven company focused on creating a more inclusive, equitable and prepared workforce of the future. Based in Santa Monica, California, this startup offers storytelling career navigation platforms and career-related e-courses to a range of institutions – from high schools to non-profits. Visit their website or follow them on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to learn more.
Tinycare
Tinycare, started by Michael Lai, operates a network of modern, micro centers serving infants, toddlers, and preschoolers in San Francisco. The startup aims to provide the safest, cleanest, highest quality licensed daycares in the city. Visit their website and LinkedIn to find out more.
Safeguard Scholar
Founded by Chloe Sng, Jonathan Edwards, and Tanu Chellam, Safeguard Scholar intends to reimagine corporate cybersecurity training software, making it more engaging, relatable, and enjoyable for employees. This startup is based in Princeton, New Jersey. Check out their website, and follow them on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to learn more.
Coding Dojo
Founded by Michael Choi and Richard Wang, Coding Dojo is an education technology company that teaches three full technology stacks and courses on emerging technologies in a single 14-week program. Coding Dojo is based in Bellevue, Washington. Visit their website and follow them on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to connect and learn more.
Swing Education
Founded by Asha Visweswaran, Mike Teng, and Oz Feng, Swing Education provides substitute teachers to fill hard-to-fill staff absences. Not only does this startup support students’ learning, but also alleviates the burden on administrators. Swing Education is based in San Mateo, California. Find out more at their website and follow them on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
ActivityHero
ActivityHero, co-founded by Peggy Chang and Shilpa Dalmia, serves as an online portal to connect parents with after-school activity providers and summer camps. Founded in 2012 and based in Palo Alto, California, this startup specializes in the fields of Ed-tech, education, family, and marketplace. Visit their website and follow them on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to keep updated.
Backer
Founded by Abby Chao and Jordan Lee, Backer is a social savings platform that helps parents invest tax-free for their child’s education. Based in San Francisco, California, Backer has already helped families avoid over $500M in student debt, with much of the savings coming from extended family and friends. Visit their website and follow them on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn for more information.
Coursicle
Coursicle, co-founded by Joe Puccio and Tara Aida, offers students an intuitive and visually appealing course search and scheduling tool. This New York-based startup also provides an iOS and Android app that notifies students when a class they want has an available seat. Visit their website and follow them on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn for more details.
Mocaa
Launched by Connie Zhang and Kerry Wang, Mocaa is an online marketplace connecting college applicants with admissions advisors. The Los Angeles-based platform provides students and parents a transparent and customizable college application experience. Visit their website and follow them on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to learn more.
