Wonder Workshop, Inc. (www.makewonder.com), makers of the industry-leading Dash and Dot robots that teach kids computer science and coding fundamentals, today announced its $20 million Series B financing round and move into China as they work with several partners in order to make coding and STEM education accessible to kids everywhere.
The financing round, co-led by WI Harper Group and Idea Bulb Ventures with participation from Learn Capital, Charles River Ventures, Madrona Venture Group and TCL, will enable Wonder Workshop to drive expansion into new international markets, with a focus on Asia, grow its management team and make new product investments. It will also help the company continue to broaden its vast network of educators using Wonder Workshop to teach computer science and STEM subjects in the classroom.
Founded in 2012, Wonder Workshop robots are currently used by more than 7,000 elementary schools around the world, nearly tripling its lead from the start of 2016; with 4,000 schools across the U.S. and 3,000 internationally.
“As parents and technologists, we founded Wonder Workshop to make the world a better place for children, and create age appropriate tools to inspire the future innovators,” said Vikas Gupta, co-founder and CEO of Wonder Workshop. “We are proud to have such passionate investors join us in our mission to lower the barrier to entry for children to learn and enjoy STEM subjects, such as coding and robotics.”
The company’s Dash and Dot robots and suite of apps for kids bring the magic of coding and robotics to life for kids as young as six. Packed with advanced tech and design capabilities including lights, sounds, and sensors, Dash and Dot are real robots that turn complex computer science principles into a fun filled world of learning and exploration.
“Wonder Workshop provides an excellent robotics platform that helps children around the world learn in fun and engaging ways,” said Peter Liu, Founder and Chairman of cross-border VC Firm WI Harper Group. “We led this round of financing because the company creates industry leading products that are loved by children, teachers and parents around the world. This clear product-market fit is complimented by an excellent leadership team, top-tier investors, and influential strategic partners. WI Harper looks forward to working closely with Wonder Workshop as they enter the China market.”
With a diversified executive team – most recently welcoming new CFO Monica Hushen, who previously served as CFO at uBeam, SoundHawk and Zeepro – the company will continue to penetrate the education and retail markets domestically and overseas.
“It is rare to see a young company gaining such strong momentum worldwide and plans of rolling out to China in such a short time span: it is proof of the strength of Wonder Workshop’s Dash and Dot robots. We are a leader in education and AI investments in China, and backing Wonder Workshop is a unique opportunity that leverages our strengths,” said Mr. Kai-Fu Lee, former head of Google China and Chairman of the early stage venture capital firm China’s Innovation Works (????). Idea Bulb Ventures is the U.S.-based investment firm working with China’s Innovation Works.
