Simbi Raises $460K to Empower Global Literacy through Online Reading Platform

Canadian Startup Leverages Advanced Speech Recognition Technology to Assist Parents and Teachers in Supporting Literacy

VANCOUVER, Dec. 21, 2018 /CNW/ - Vancouver-based EdTech startup Simbi is shaping the future of global literacy for over 11,800 students. Through Simbi's research-backed, proprietary online reading platform, readers can improve their literacy two-fold in as little as three months by "reading-while-listening" and "reading-out-loud". These processes are noted to be the most effective way to learn to read and improve reading comprehension. Simbi's powerful literacy benchmarking system provides numerous metrics for parents and educators alike, reinforcing healthy reading habits as well as pinpointing potential literacy issues before they become major roadblocks for developing readers. Notably, Simbi is currently the only platform that encourages readers to read-out-loud by turning their voice into an engaging audiovisual book which then in turn teaches literacy skills to others in their growing community of readers throughout Europe, Africa, North America, and Asia.

Interestingly, the company's founders, Aaron Friedland, Cam Melvin, and Alexander Gillis each experienced meaningful literacy journeys. Friedland struggled with dyslexia, while Gillis was slow to read and lacked confidence due to a stutter. At age four, Melvin was already an avid reader thanks to his parents reading aloud to him, the same process that Simbi employs through their platform. While the founders were fortunate to have comprehensive support they realize that unfortunately this is not the case for all, particularly those in low-income settings. As a result, the three are passionate about promoting global literacy and assisting the 1.2 billion children and adults who are currently deemed "illiterate," as they understand that literacy is the most prevalent predictor of academic success. Simbi's seed financing was led by strategic investors located in both Vancouver, Canada and Oslo, Norway; including Kilauea Ventures, Helder Ventures, and Katapult Accelerator.

Simbi is kicking off 2019 on strong footing with school pilots across North America, an expansion targeted for Southeast Asia, and a formal partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Uganda, that will bring Simbi's literacy resources to more than 90,000 students over the next three years. The company will continue to partner with educators and parents who assist Simbi in reaching young learners, both at schools and in the home.

Simbi's Vancouver-based team of passionate literacy experts, technologists, and bookworms is currently seeking other enthusiastic and talented individuals to help illiteracy become something of the past.

SOURCE Simbi

Aaron Friedland, Chief Executive Officer, [email protected], [phone]

Related Links

www.simbi.io