Kazakhstani ed-tech startup CodiPlay has secured $9 million in Series A funding. This marks its official entry into the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar markets. The expansion is set to revolutionize how schools in the MENA region adopt technology-driven learning solutions.
CodiPlay is backed by Strategic Investors
The funding round was led by Christian Eichner, a prominent business angel and senior executive vice president for strategy at Qatar National Bank. Along with him, the Global Capital investment fund, made its contribution as well. Their support highlights growing confidence in CodiPlay’s mission to make education more innovative and accessible in the MENA region.
“We’re grateful for the trust and backing of our investors,” said Zhanadil Taldybayev, CodiPlay’s founder. “This funding allows us to grow rapidly and bring modern, effective learning solutions to schools across the Middle East and North Africa. We believe education can be both accessible and impactful for everyone.”
CodiPlay Gamifies Learning with Real-World Impact
CodiPlay uses gamification to teach children programming and problem-solving. Its platform enables kids to independently build advanced IoT-enabled devices. These devices include smart home systems and drones, fostering creativity and technical skills.
Since its launch in 2021, the startup has partnered with 600 schools across 13 countries. In effect, positively impacting hundreds of thousands of students. This innovative approach has earned CodiPlay a current valuation of $100 million, making it a rising star in global ed-tech.
Expansion into Saudi Arabia and Qatar
With its recent funding, CodiPlay plans to onboard 3,000 schools from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar over the next two years. The move aligns with MENA’s increasing emphasis on digital transformation in education, particularly in regions like Saudi Arabia, where Vision 2030 focuses on advancing learning technologies.
This expansion not only broadens CodiPlay’s footprint but also brings much-needed tools for modern education to MENA schools. By empowering young learners to develop hands-on technical skills, the platform prepares them for future job markets shaped by IoT and AI technologies.
MENA’s Growing Startup Ecosystem
CodiPlay’s success mirrors the rise of innovative startups in MENA, supported by strategic funding and an entrepreneurial ecosystem. It reflects the region’s shift toward prioritizing education technology to address evolving learning needs.
This achievement also places Kazakhstani startups on the global stage. Companies like Investbanq, another Kazakh innovation, are making headlines internationally, competing for funding and recognition.
A Bright Future for EdTech
With its focus on gamified learning and practical tech skills, CodiPlay is poised to make a significant impact in the MENA region’s education landscape. As schools in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE integrate its platform, the startup continues its mission of delivering accessible and effective solutions that inspire the next generation of innovators.
