BEGiN

About BEGiN

BEGiN is an education technology company focused on early childhood learning for ages 2-10. Founded in 2011 by Neal Shenoy, Noelle Millholt, and Stephanie Powell Dua, the New York-based firm operates as a comprehensive provider of activity-based educational solutions. The company's mission is to give children the best possible start by developing foundational skills through a combination of digital and physical play-based products.

The company's strategic direction is significantly shaped by CEO and Co-Founder Neal Shenoy, a serial entrepreneur with a background in investment banking and a history of building consumer media ventures. His experience includes co-founding the music streaming service Saavn and the venture firm MEDIA. This background in media and technology has influenced BEGiN's approach to creating engaging, multi-platform learning experiences. Co-founder Noelle Millholt serves as the Chief Revenue Officer, overseeing business development.

BEGiN's business model centers on a portfolio of subscription-based products that integrate digital apps, physical activity kits, and tutoring services. The company generates revenue through these memberships sold directly to families. Its ecosystem of brands addresses different learning areas. HOMER, which BEGiN acquired in 2017, is a personalized digital program focused on reading, math, and social-emotional skills. This was expanded in 2021 with the acquisition of codeSpark Academy, a learn-to-code app for kids, extending the company's reach to STEM education for children up to age 10. The acquisition of Little Passports in late 2021 added hands-on activity kits to their offerings. The company also partners with recognized names in childhood development like LEGO Ventures and Sesame Workshop for curriculum co-development and distribution.

The core of BEGiN's educational philosophy is the "5 C's": Core Skills, Creativity, Critical Thinking, Curiosity, and Character. This framework guides the development of its products, which include the learning apps HOMER, codeSpark, and Learn with Sesame Street, as well as one-on-one instruction through KidPass Tutors. This multi-faceted approach allows the company to cater to various aspects of a child's development, combining screen-time with tangible play to prepare children for a rapidly changing world.