Bloomcoding, a Moldovan EdTech startup offering coding education to children using AR and VR technologies, has raised US$1.6 million (€1 million) from Credo Ventures, Inovo VC, and u.ventures.
The company plans to use the funds to accelerate its presence in CEE markets, establish a presence in SEE, hire critical senior talents, and continue to develop the AR and VR-based curriculum.
Founded in 2021 by Emil Chichioi and Mihaela Kawinska, Bloomcoding provides after-school coding education for children aged 7–14 via its online platform. Children learn how to code by developing 3D experiences for VR and AR, in small 1:4 group classes.
Speaking about the platform, Emil Chihioi, Co-founder & CEO, Bloomcoding, told Recursive,
6 years ago, a mother thanked me with crying tears for changing the life of her child. This was during the period of my life when I was leading an NGO in after-school 21st century skill learning, where we were teaching 21st-century skills through various projects aimed at primary school children. That moment sent me on a path of impact-building as I integrated the idea that education has the power to fundamentally change a life. Our core value at Bloomcoding is an obsession with changing one’s life.
In just one and a half years since its launch, Bloomcoding has shown the potential to become a market leader in online coding education for children. The EdTech startup claims to reach 1000 students monthly and has captured a significant market share in Romania and Bulgaria.
Commenting on the investment, Guillame Fournier, General Partner at Credo Ventures, said,
Every now and then you meet a founder who is so passionate about what they’re building, that you kind of want to give them money on the spot. (…) Up until now, Emil and his team have delivered beyond expectations on a shoestring budget. So we are super excited to see their product vision executed and scaled with proper funding, so it can be brought into the hands of thousands of kids.
With coding becoming paramount for children’s future success, and schools struggling to equip and engage students in the process, Bloomcoding aims to make a difference by allowing children to learn naturally through play, building games, and becoming not only users but also creators. The company’s method of teaching combines AR and VR toys with a multi-year coding curriculum adapted for three age categories, all while creating a safe environment for children to interact with technology.
Bloomcoding has offices in Moldova and Bulgaria with main markets in Romania, Bulgaria, and Poland.
