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Lives on WhatsApp
No new app to download. No data bundles wasted. Just message Professor Hoot like any other contact.
AI Tutoring · WhatsApp Native · Built in Africa
Every child deserves a tutor who knows their name.
iFunza puts an AI-powered personal tutor in the pocket of every African student — through the WhatsApp they already use. Meet Professor Hoot.
Backed by Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship · Top 30 AfricaTech Award 2026 (Deloitte/VivaTech) · Partner to 120+ schools
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Professor Hoot 🦉
online
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Students learning today
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Partner schools across Kenya
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Professor Hoot availability
And we're just getting started. iFunza is scaling to reach 1 million African learners by 2028.
In Kenya, one teacher can serve 50+ students. Personalized learning is a luxury.
Students fall behind not because they can't learn — but because no one has time to meet them where they are. Private tutors cost more than most families earn in a month. And a smartphone in every home still isn't a teacher.
“We asked: what if the teacher lived inside the phone?”
Meet Professor Hoot 🦉
A patient, curious AI tutor who teaches in English, Kiswahili, and Sheng — and actually understands how Kenyan kids learn.
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Knows your child
Adapts to each student's pace, curriculum (CBC-aligned), and learning style. Remembers what they struggled with last week.
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Safe for kids
Built with strict guardrails, parent visibility, and zero tolerance for off-topic content. Approved by educators.
Math word problem
If a matatu carries 14 people and we are 3 groups of 5, do we all fit?
Smart question! 3 × 5 = 15. The matatu fits 14. So one person needs the next ride 🚐
Kiswahili grammar
Nisaidie na ngeli ya A-WA tafadhali
Sawa! Ngeli ya A-WA ni ya viumbe hai. Mfano: mtoto anacheza, watoto wanacheza ✨
Science explained
Why does the sky turn orange at sunset?
Sunlight scatters! Blue scatters more during the day. At sunset, light travels further so red & orange win 🌅
Exam prep
KCPE is in 2 weeks 😰
We've got this. I'll quiz you 10 mins a day on your weak spots. Ready for question 1?
A pep talk
I failed my mock. I'm not smart.
Failing one test is data, not destiny. Show me what you missed — we'll turn it into your strength 💪
Because learning doesn't stop at the lesson.
iFunza partners with leading African financial institutions to remove the financial barriers that keep kids out of school.
School Fees Financing
Flexible school fees loans so no child misses a term.
Solar for Schools
Reliable power for rural classrooms through our operating-lease partnership with Power-Blox hardware.
Teacher Salary Advance
Supporting the educators who show up every day.
In partnership with ABSA Bank Kenya and Britam Insurance.
For Schools
Bring iFunza to your school.
Join 120+ schools across Kenya giving every student access to a personal AI tutor — and unlocking new revenue, engagement, and learning outcomes.
- Seamless onboarding in under a week
- CBC-aligned curriculum coverage
- Weekly insights for teachers and parents
- Works on any phone with WhatsApp — even basic smartphones
- Revenue share for partner schools
120+partner schools
“A child in Kisumu should have the same shot at a world-class education as a child in Cambridge.”
01 · Reach
Built for the 600M+ African learners under 18
02 · Access
Zero-cost entry on WhatsApp
03 · Outcomes
Measurable learning gains, tracked per student
Recognized by
- Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship
- AfricaTech Award 2026 — Top 30
- Baobab Network
- Grand Challenges Canada
- develoPPP Ventures
Built by Africans, for Africa.
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Martin Kariithi, CFA
CEO & Co-Founder
Williams College '05. Former Financial Economist at Fannie Mae.
15+ years in risk modeling, AI/ML, and African capital markets.
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Caroline Ndiangui
Executive Director & Co-Founder
Operator, educator, and founder of Itso Coffee. Leads iFunza's school partnerships and curriculum strategy.
Backed by a growing team of engineers, educators, and data scientists across Nairobi, Mombasa, and Toronto.
Questions, answered.
How much does iFunza cost for families?
Free on WhatsApp for core tutoring; premium features through school partnerships.
What subjects does Professor Hoot cover?
Full CBC curriculum: Math, English, Kiswahili, Science, Social Studies, and more. Grades 4–12.
Is it safe for my child?
Yes. Strict guardrails, parent dashboard, no off-topic conversations, and no ads.
Does it work without smartphones?
Yes — any phone with WhatsApp, including entry-level Android devices.
How do schools get started?
Book a partnership call. Most schools are live within 7 days.
Is iFunza open to investors?
Yes, we're currently raising our Seed round. Reach out to [email protected].