The Mumbai-based edutech startup has been facing flak on social for its advertisement across TV and digital platforms. It also invited outrage of parents and some tech experts.
So what exactly is WhiteHat Jr?
Founded in 2018, WhiteHat Jr is an ed-tech platform that teaches students coding through one-on-one video classes with instructors. The startup has been in news ever since edtech unicorn BYJU’S acquired it for USD 300 million.
Founded in 2018 by Karan Bajaj, WhiteHat Jr offers AI courses for children aged six to 14 years. WhiteHat Jr aims to empower children so that they view themselves as creators.
The app helps children learn computer programming and encourages them to create games, animations, applications and more. The startup works with a live one-on-one online teaching format and a thoroughly researched curriculum. The subjects range from data structure, app and game development to machine learning and space technology.
It offers four levels of courses -- beginner, intermediate, advanced and professional -- for students in grades 1-12. The Mumbai-based startup currently has over 7,000 teachers on its platform.
Why did Byju acquire WhiteHat Jr
Byju’s, which is valued at USD 8 billion per an independent report, said coding is fast emerging as a key skill for the future and the acquisition will help it expand offerings in the US and India. Byju’s will make significant investments in WhiteHat’s technology platform and product innovation, while expanding the teacher base to cater to demand from new markets, the statement said.
Recently, WhiteHat Jr said it is ramping up its women-only teacher base in India, adding about 220 teachers a day and plans to have about 20,000 educators on its platform by year end. The ongoing ramp-up is to match the growing base of students across multiple countries including India, the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, a statement said.
