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§ Private Profile · Los Altos, CA, USA
Tynker is a technology company.
Tynker delivers a K-12 creative coding platform, enabling children to learn programming. Its core product transitions students from visual block-based coding to languages like JavaScript, Python, and Swift. The platform integrates diverse projects including game design, app development, and AI block coding, fostering foundational computer science skills accessibly.
Founded by Krishna Vedati, Srinivas Mandyam, and Kelvin Chong, Tynker arose from their recognition as parents of the critical need for accessible computer science education. Their vision was to empower young learners with essential programming and problem-solving abilities, creating a platform making coding intuitive and enjoyable for youth.
Tynker caters to students, educators, and parents globally, promoting early coding literacy. Its mission provides every child a strong computer science foundation, cultivating critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills. The company's vision prepares the next generation to innovate and thrive in a technology-driven world, shaping future digital advancements.
Tynker has raised $10.0M across 2 funding rounds.
Tynker has raised $10.0M in total across 2 funding rounds.
Tynker has raised $10.0M across 2 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $7.0M Series A in May 2016.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 1, 2016 | $7M Series A | Felicis Ventures, Krishna Bharat, Cervin Ventures, NEW Ground Ventures, Reach Capital, Relay Ventures | Bonfire Ventures, General Catalyst, GSV Acceleration, Insight Partners, Khosla Ventures, Chung MAN TAM, Farzad Nazem, Gokul Rajaram, BEN Gomes, Deborah Quazzo, John Katzman, Matt Cutts, Richard Sarnoff | Announced |
| Apr 1, 2013 | $3M Seed | — | Bonfire Ventures, Felicis Ventures, General Catalyst, GSV Acceleration, Insight Partners, Khosla Ventures, Chung MAN TAM, Farzad Nazem, Gokul Rajaram, 500 Startups, GSV Advisors, NEA, NewSchools Venture Fund | Announced |
# Tynker: A K-12 Creative Coding Platform
Tynker is a K-12 creative coding platform that teaches students aged 5-18 how to code through interactive, story-based lessons[1][2]. The company enables students to progress from block-based visual programming to text-based languages like Python and JavaScript, allowing them to build games, animations, music projects, and control real-world devices like drones and robots[1][2]. Tynker serves both schools globally and individual learners at home, with its platform powering over 100 million students and serving thousands of schools and educators worldwide[5].
The company's core mission is to make coding and computer science education fun and accessible for children by combining interactive gameplay with structured curriculum[4]. Tynker addresses a critical gap in STEM education by democratizing coding skills—traditionally seen as complex and intimidating—into engaging, age-appropriate learning experiences that build computational thinking, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills[2][4].
Tynker was founded in 2012 and launched in 2013, establishing itself as a widely-used coding education tool from its inception[4]. The company is based in Mountain View, California[1]. A significant milestone came in September 2021, when BYJU's—one of India's largest edtech companies—acquired Tynker, marking a major expansion of the platform's reach and resources[1][7].
The platform's early evolution reflected a commitment to expanding beyond software-only learning. By 2015, Tynker had already begun integrating with Internet of Things (IoT) devices, allowing students to control real-world objects like Parrot Drones, Sphero robots, and Philips Hue lighting systems through code[3]. This expansion demonstrated the company's vision of making coding tangible and practical for young learners.
Tynker operates at the intersection of two powerful trends: the global demand for STEM education and the democratization of coding skills. As artificial intelligence and software development become increasingly central to economic opportunity, early coding literacy has shifted from a niche skill to an essential competency[2].
The company benefits from several market tailwinds. Schools worldwide are integrating computer science into curricula, parents increasingly seek supplemental STEM education for their children, and the edtech sector has matured with proven business models for subscription-based learning platforms. Tynker's acquisition by BYJU's reflects the consolidation of edtech and the recognition that coding education is a cornerstone of modern K-12 learning[1][7].
By making coding accessible and engaging, Tynker influences the broader ecosystem by expanding the pipeline of computationally literate students, potentially addressing long-term talent shortages in technology fields. The platform's emphasis on creative applications—games, art, music, robotics—also challenges the stereotype that coding is purely technical, broadening appeal across diverse student populations.
Tynker is well-positioned to capture growing demand for coding education as schools and parents increasingly prioritize digital literacy. The company's integration into BYJU's ecosystem provides capital and distribution advantages, while its recent focus on AI/ML education and live coaching suggests a strategy to move upmarket and increase engagement depth.
The future likely involves deeper integration with emerging technologies—expanded AI/ML curricula, virtual reality learning experiences, and partnerships with device manufacturers. As coding becomes as fundamental as reading and math, Tynker's role as a bridge between casual interest and serious skill development will only grow more critical. The question ahead is whether the platform can maintain its pedagogical edge while scaling globally through BYJU's infrastructure.
Tynker has raised $10.0M in total across 2 funding rounds.
Tynker's investors include Felicis Ventures, Krishna Bharat, Cervin Ventures, New Ground Ventures, Reach Capital, Relay Ventures, Bonfire Ventures, General Catalyst, GSV Acceleration, Insight Partners, Khosla Ventures, Chung-Man Tam.