MobLabs

MobLabs provides a game-based learning platform designed to make the study of economics, business, and social sciences more interactive. The company was established in 2011 by Walter Yuan and Stephanie Wang, two scientists from Caltech who aimed to bring the experiential nature of scientific labs to social science education. Their idea was to create a virtual laboratory where students could actively participate in experiments, transforming abstract theories into tangible experiences.

The core of MobLabs' offering is a suite of over 70 interactive games and experiments that can be played on mobile devices or web browsers. These games cover a wide range of topics, including game theory, managerial economics, behavioral economics, and supply chain management. Instructors at educational institutions, from high schools to universities, are the primary clients. They can select games, customize parameters, and integrate them into their lesson plans for either in-classroom or remote learning. The platform provides real-time data and downloadable results, which eliminates the need for manual calculations and allows instructors to monitor student engagement and understanding.

MobLabs' business model centers on providing this educational platform to institutions. The revenue model appears to be subscription-based, with partnerships playing a key role in its distribution strategy, such as the one with Macmillan Education to integrate games with textbook content. The company has received funding from investors including Learn Capital and the Andrew Nikou Foundation to expand its offerings, particularly to improve economic and financial literacy for younger learners. Headquartered in Pasadena, California, the company also has offices in Chengdu and Taipei, reflecting its global reach.

Keywords: educational technology, game-based learning, economics education, social sciences, interactive experiments, classroom engagement, behavioral economics, virtual laboratory, edtech platform, student engagement, higher education tools, financial literacy games, experiential learning, game theory simulation, online teaching tools, Walter Yuan, Stephanie Wang, Caltech startup