Teesas, an innovative Nigerian edtech startup, has raised $1.6 million in a pre-seed funding round to accelerate its growth across Africa. Founded by Osayi Izedonmwen, who previously led Imose Technologies, Teesas offers a range of educational services, including video lessons and digital learning tools tailored to Nigeria’s national curriculum.
The company, which was officially launched in November 2021, has quickly gained traction, amassing over 150,000 downloads on the Google Play Store with a growth rate of 20% per week.
Teesas provides both live and recorded classes in a variety of subjects, with a focus on subjects where learners commonly struggle.
The startup uses a subscription-based model starting at $6 per month, making education accessible to a wide range of users. The platform also offers classes in local languages to further enhance the learning experience.
Looking ahead, Teesas plans to expand its content offerings to include full-curriculum modules for children up to 12 years old. The goal is to create a platform where students can complete their entire curriculum online, eliminating the need for in-person classes and preparing them for key exams like secondary school entrance tests.
In addition to academic subjects, Teesas will introduce life skills courses in 2022, including anti-bullying lessons, responding to a rise in bullying incidents in Nigerian schools. These new offerings are part of the startup’s mission to equip learners with the skills needed for personal growth and success in the future.
The company has ambitious expansion plans for 2022, including the launch of a tutor marketplace and entry into new markets in Francophone, East, and Southern Africa.
Teesas’ development was inspired by leading edtech companies in India, with Izedonmwen taking a hands-on approach by spending time in India to learn from successful models and adapt them for the African context. Local culture, including art, food, animals, and languages, has been incorporated into the platform to make learning more relatable and engaging.
Izedonmwen’s journey into edtech marks a significant shift from his background in the tech hardware industry. While he continues to serve as chairman of Imose Technologies, he is now fully committed to leading Teesas, confident in its potential to revolutionize education in Africa. Prior to founding Imose Technologies, Izedonmwen spent 15 years working in the oil and gas sector, including a role as operations manager at ExxonMobil in Nigeria.
Teesas joins a growing cohort of African edtech startups that are receiving attention and funding from investors. Companies like Kenya’s Kidato, Craydel, and Nigeria’s Edukoya and ULesson are similarly capitalizing on the surging demand for digital learning solutions, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The funding round was led by Haresh Aswani, the Africa managing director at Tolaram Group, with contributions from Olivegreen Advisory Partners and other angel investors. Aswani expressed confidence in Teesas’ mission, stating, “We believe in the vision that Osayi Izedonmwen and his team have, and we are certain that they are well-positioned to tackle the challenge of improving access to quality education across Africa.
“Teesas is now poised for significant growth as it expands its reach, empowering students across the continent to achieve their educational goals through innovative technology solutions.
