CodeCombat

CodeCombat helps students learn to code by playing a game.

This educational technology (“EdTech”) company uses a game-based learning format that’s so much fun, kids want to play it.

Its custom coding engine lets learners use Python and JavaScript coding languages, while simple error messages and a smooth learning curve encourage them to improve.

CodeCombat has raised $10 million from Andreessen Horowitz, Y Combinator, and Hone Capital.

Its software is used in more than 25,000 U.S. schools, and in 26 provinces throughout China. In total, it's helped nearly 20 million people learn to code.

After generating $2 million in sales in 2019, CodeCombat achieved 75% growth in a two-month period in 2020. This was due to learners stuck at home during Covid-19.

To meet this surge in demand, the company is seeking capital. It aims to launch new online classes and a separate business-to-business product for distance learning.

Coding is a top job skill. 90% of parents want their kids to learn it. And schools are increasingly adopting coding classes into their curriculums.

In the last two years, 28 states created K-12 coding-focused computer science standards. 19 states announced requirements to teach computer science in all high schools.

But schools are struggling to scale these types of courses quickly. They’re trying to figure out how to teach:

• Engagingly: How do you get all kids excited about coding, when most don’t think it’s right for them? Among advanced placement computer science test takers, only 29% are female, and 22% are students of color.

• Effectively: How do you teach real code to young students, when even in college, traditional instruction results in 32% of students failing intro computer science courses?

• To Scale: How can you find computer science teachers to teach every student, when teachers that are proficient in coding often leave to find work as engineers?

• Online: How can you deploy distance learning that’s compatible with curriculums during Covid-19?

To solve these challenges, schools rely on CodeCombat. Its coding game uses real code and personalized learning to let any teacher teach computer science.

The company has found a "sweet spot" in teaching coding skills. Block-based competitors are too simplified. They’re good for elementary school students, but not middle school or high school students. Meanwhile, professional code engines are designed for software engineers, not beginners.

CodeCombat challenges users without making them feel overwhelmed. It teaches kids through online games that are engaging, effective, and scalable.

The company’s customers include schools, education businesses, and parents. From its $2 million in sales in 2019, $1.1 million came from middle and high schools, $600,000 from coding education partners, and the remainder from learners at home.

99% of educators report their students enjoy learning how to code with CodeCombat.

Said Caleb S., a seventh-grade student, “This is one of my favorite things to do. Every morning I wake up and play CodeCombat.”

Meanwhile, 95% of educators would recommend CodeCombat to other computer science teachers.

Said Scott Baily, a technology teacher, “When I got my hands on CodeCombat, the light bulb went on. It was just night and day from every other program that we had used. They’re not even close.”

Moving forward, CodeCombat will launch new online classes. This will include private coding lessons and small group classes.

In addition, it will launch a new product called Ozaria. After two years in development, this product will help schools adapt to distance learning, ideal for students studying at home during Covid-19. Ozaria is scheduled to launch in fall 2020.

Team Background

Matt Lott - Co-Founder & CTO

Prior to starting CodeCombat, Matt co-founded Funnel, a microblogging app for “Do-it-yourself” enthusiasts and amateur artists.

Before that, he spent seven years with Microsoft, working as a software engineer on the company’s Xbox video game team.

He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Western Washington University and a Master’s degree in Computer Science from Texas A&M University.

Nick Winter - Co-Founder & CEO

Nick has extensive experience creating educational technology software.

Prior to starting CodeCombat, he co-founded Skritter, a mobile app for learning to speak and understand Chinese and Japanese. He co-founded this company in 2008, and in 2020, Skritter was named “Best app available for learning to write in Chinese,” by MakeUseOf.com.

He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Mathematics from Oberlin College.

Bill Wang - China General Manager

Bill is CodeCombat’s General Manager in China.

He started his career as a high school teacher. After graduating from Tsinghua University, he spent a decade serving in executive and leadership roles at Google, Procter & Gamble, and McKinsey.

From there, he helped launch a handful of Silicon Valley-based tech startups, including xAd, an advertising business.

Co-Investors

Andreessen Horowitz

Stage-agnostic venture investor in Groupon, Instagram, Skype, Coinbase and Oculus VR

Peak State Ventures

A VC firm investing in early-stage startups.

OceanOne Capital

A VC firm investing in private startups.

Hone Capital

A VC firm investing in early-stage startups. Portfolio includes Cruise, Carbon Black (Nasdaq: CBLK), and SchoolMint.

Third Kind Venture Capital

A VC fund whose portfolio includes PillPack, Moat, and Tilt.

Y Combinator

Seed-stage accelerator whose alumni include Scribd, Reddit, Airbnb, Dropbox and Stripe