The founders of EdTech start-up Azoomee have raised more than £173k of a £450k equity crowdfunding target on Crowdcube with help from Cambridge-based advisers. Azoomee needs the investment to fund what it calls “a safe, fun and creative app made to inspire and empower young children.” The firm has been working on its expansion strategy with Enterprise Europe Network, based at St John’s Innovation Centre. The company says its “intuitive and password-protected app is packed with carefully selected content including 100s of hours of videos, games, tutorials, audiobooks, an art app and secure messaging.” There are no in-app purchases nor advertisements; this is to ensure the highest level of internet safety, which has been recognised by the NSPCC with whom Azoomee has a strategic partnership. “We are delighted to see this fantastic crowdfunding campaign,” said Kirsten Masson, an Enterprise Europe Network adviser based at St John’s who has been working with Azoomee. ‘I wish there had been something similar available when my children were young.” The company’s mission is to teach young children how to be “smart, safe and kind online.” Azoomee ran a series of free, web-based learning sessions this summer based on their animated series ‘Search It Up’, which teaches children about digital literacy and online safety in a fun and engaging way. Douglas Lloyd, co-founder of Azoomee, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be crowdfunding. It gives us a great opportunity to reach a huge audience and invite them on our journey to keep children safe online.” • You can check out the campaign at www.crowdcube.com/azoomee
Education technology start - up initiative has secured over £ 173,000 out of £ ##500 required crowd funding via crowd - funding service providers . The company intends to provide a “ safe , fun and creative platform to inspire and empower young children ” . Working alongside the National Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children ( NSPCC ) , it will offer hundreds of hours of resources such as videos , games and apps without in - app purchasing mechanisms or advertisements .