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Last month was quiet in terms of funding in Asia compared to the rest of the world, but we can already tell that more deals are coming in throughout September.
Yet, thanks to a significant Series B for Chinese online course platform Xingshuai Teach, the total still surpassed $30 million in August.
Japanese Online Cram School Aoi.Co. raised $1.2 million
Aoi.Co, a Japanese edtech startup that runs online cram school Aoi Zemi, raised $1.2 million from JAFCO reports TechCrunch Japan.
Aoi Zemi streams lectures for free on the Internet, students are charged when they want to watch the recordings. The startup claims that the pass rate at entrance exams of students who took test prep on Aoi Zemi is over 85%. According to The Bridge, Aoi Zemi has attracted over 3000 users.
Further Reading
Online cram school startup Aoi.Co. raises $1.2 million from Jafco | The Bridge
Links
English Language Learning App OKpanda raised $1.6 million Seed Round
OKpanda, an English language learning app targeting Japan and other Asian countries, raised an additional $1.6 million Seed Round led by Resolute Ventures with participation from East Ventures, Beenos and existing investors Innovation Endeavors, Kapor Capital, 500 Startups as well as a group of angel investors. The round brings the total funding raised by OKpanda to $3 million.
Founded in 2012, OKpanda aims to help Asians with English pronunciation through interactive lessons and sessions with tutors. Its two apps have been downloaded over 600k times. In Japan, OKpanda targets the over 1 million learners who currently attend English conversation classes, paying between $150 - $200 per month. OKpanda is priced between $30 - $100 per month, depending on how many lessons with a tutor are included. The tutors are based in the Philippines.
Further Reading
OKpanda Takes In Another $1.6M For Its English Language Learning App For Asia | TechCrunch
Links
Online Course Platform Xingshuai Teach raised $30 million Series B
Xingshuai Teach, an online platform offering courses on creative skills like graphics, videos and design, raised a $30 million Series B from Northern Light Venture Capital and Legend Capital.
Founded in 2008, Xingshuai Teach offers users free access to all courses on the platform. The startup generates revenue through selling certifications for successfully completed courses. In 2013 revenue was at RMB 100 million (US$16.2 million), and there are rumors of a planned IPO in two years.
Further Reading
Chinese crash course education startup for designers and animators secures $30M funding | Tech in Asia