Ed-tech startup Esoma Solutions was founded in 2018 by Julius Irungu, Kelvin Kung’u, and Esborn Waithuki. It offers e-learning solutions for K-12 learners, with its flagship product, Esoma Kids, providing online foundational literacy and numeracy tools. Initially, Esoma Solutions launched Esoma-KE, an exam preparation platform for children aged 4-10.
Over time, the company has broadened its offerings to encompass Esoma Kids, an adaptable educational platform with a subscription model. This platform leverages gamification to make fundamental literacy and numeracy skills more engaging for young learners.
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Unlocking the learning power of Esoma kids
The Esoma Kids platform is based on the idea that by providing engaging activities and challenges, children will stay engaged and eager to learn
This strategy makes learning enjoyable while improving retention and comprehension of crucial concepts.
According to Irungu, the most serious gaps that are addressed through Esoma Kids are the significantly low levels of foundational literacy and numeracy proficiency in Kenya and Sub-Saharan Africa at large.
In Kenya, 60% of fourth graders cannot effectively solve mathematics problems or read a grade-three-appropriate text.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, 89% of kids cannot read and comprehend by age ten. These deficits have compelled the search for alternate and complementary approaches to providing formal education.
Turning investments into growth: Esoma’s success story
Esoma Solution has achieved a significant milestone in its funding journey, securing $112,555 in equity-free Investments. This influx of capital will supplement the company’s revenue and the founders’ initial investment, providing a boost to the startup’s growth prospects.
Other Kenyan players in the market include Angaza Elimu, Akili Kids, Ubongo, and EIDU. Esoma has witnessed a significant increase in popularity. Its exam preparation platform will have 600,000 users by 2023, and Esoma Kids, founded the same year, is following suit.
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The firm has received various funding, including grants, most recently from the Mastercard Foundation.
According to Irungu, the company’s founder, this funding will be crucial in driving Esoma Solutions towards break-even within the next 18 months.
Moreover, the Startup is poised to pursue profitability in the subsequent period, leveraging its innovative e-learning solutions and expanding its customer base to drive sustainable growth and success
Having established a solid foundation in Kenya, they are poised to take their innovative e-learning solution to the broader region.
Their expansion plans involve building strategic partnerships and entering new markets, such as Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and others, to improve education.
By expanding their wealth, they aim to positively impact education in the region, driving growth and improving outcomes for all.