Strive School is a Berlin-based online coding bootcamp founded in 2019 that trains the next generation of professional-grade software engineers in Europe through a six-month full-stack web engineering program. It targets STEM students and graduates, addressing the gap left by outdated and theoretical university curricula by focusing on practical, job-ready skills and soft skills like teamwork and real-world project application. Students pay a small upfront fee (€990) and then a portion of their future salary once employed, using an income-sharing agreement (ISA) model. Strive School has demonstrated early success by placing most of its inaugural cohorts into jobs and operates fully remotely with live interactive classes and project-based learning[1][2][3][4][5].
Origin Story
Strive School was founded in 2019 by Tobia De Angelis and Diego Banovaz, both with backgrounds in computer engineering, consultancy, and education. The idea emerged from De Angelis’s observation that European universities often provide outdated STEM education that does not meet the current demands of the tech job market. The founders designed Strive School to combine the rigor of a master’s degree with the practical pace of a bootcamp, creating a "Mastercamp" that equips students with relevant skills employers seek. Early traction included successful student placements and acceptance into Y Combinator’s Summer 2020 batch, which helped accelerate growth and credibility[1][3][6].
Core Differentiators
- Income-sharing agreement model: Students pay only after securing a job, reducing upfront financial barriers.
- Curriculum focus: Emphasizes both technical skills (full-stack web and AI engineering) and soft skills like teamwork and real-world problem solving.
- Remote, interactive learning: Combines synchronous live classes with asynchronous materials, enabling flexible yet engaging education.
- Strong industry alignment: Curriculum designed by practicing engineers and scientists, with partnerships like Supabase to teach open-source development.
- Community and support: Includes coaching, pair programming, code reviews, and international guest lectures.
- European focus: Leverages Europe’s free university system by recruiting STEM students who want more practical, job-ready training[1][4][5][6].
Role in the Broader Tech Landscape
Strive School rides the growing trend of alternative tech education models that challenge traditional university degrees by offering faster, more practical, and outcome-driven training. The timing is critical as Europe faces a shortage of job-ready software engineers despite a strong STEM education tradition. The ISA model aligns incentives between the school and students, promoting success and accessibility. By focusing on open-source software and modern full-stack skills, Strive School prepares talent for the evolving demands of the tech ecosystem, influencing how tech education and workforce development evolve in Europe[1][6].
Quick Take & Future Outlook
Strive School is well-positioned to expand its impact as demand for software engineers grows and employers seek candidates with practical, up-to-date skills. Future trends shaping its journey include increased adoption of income-sharing agreements, deeper integration with open-source communities, and potential expansion into AI and data science education. Its influence may grow as a model for scalable, accessible tech education that bridges the gap between academia and industry, especially in Europe’s diverse and evolving tech markets[1][6].
