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Founded by a Mom from Silicon Valley, this startup creates play system to empower your child to be the next innovator
MEandMine, an EdTech startup backed by e-commerce giant Amazon, announced the closing of a $2.1 million seed round funding that will be put towards the integration of social-emotional learning and STEAM education, furthermore, they will start to develop the AI product, TheraPlay. The round is led by iPhone maker Wistron and other investors including Smart Capital, KBS Angels, and Magic Bridge Foundation Investors.
Elinor Huang, the founder of MEandMine, had been fascinated by the mystery of neuroscience and how people learn. She set out for her startup journey combining her healthcare background to transform how kids learn.
When she was studying for an MBA degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology(MIT), she took an intern position at the world's largest healthcare company Johnson & Johnson. She executed several healthcare related marketing research projects, and had collaborated with many physicians. “I choose to concentrate on Health tech track in my MBA degree. I really love my time there, MIT trained me to not only think of a great idea, but also be able to execute it,” said Elinor, “And this training led me later to Silicon Valley to have my own startup.”
Post MBA, she took the joined the world's largest healthcare companies Johnson & Johnson and Stryker, where she participated in several neuroscience projects. She then joined two MedTech startups in the Silicon Valley, trying to accelerate digital transformation of healthcare using AI and blockchain technology.
By that time, Elinor got a chance to participate in neuroscience research held by Harvard University. “I got the chance to see how play wires kids’ brain for social and academic success. It’s fascinating!” said Elinor.
From as early as 3 years old, the foundation of a child’s social-emotional development is built into the architecture of their brain. The clinical trial crystalized Elinor’s belief in the future of education. “STEM/STEAM has become worldwide mass-market trend, I see a great need for social-emotional learning (SEL)” said Elinor. The US government also noticed the silos and has been investing 300 million every year in SEL development
“Social emotional learning is not just a buzz phrase. Our children are growing up in a world where performance expectations are king. Over-stimulus is starting at a younger age, oftentimes with overwhelming performance-based expectations,” says Elinor, “Resilience is learned! Neuroscience has proven that 75% of your kid’s problem-solving skills are correlated to social-emotional development which directly contributes to children’s fulfillment in life”.
Spotting the need of social emotional learning in the society, Elinor discussed with pediatricians, psychologists, educators, experts from Harvard University, over 1000 parents, and even Sal Khan, the founder of Khan Academy, to think of what kinds of products she should create.
As a result, MEandMine was founded. They dove deep into neuroscience and created a play system that inspires kids to find out what they are made-of, discover their emotional strength, and see how little things connect in big ways.
“We are here to help kids grow their resilient brain, develop emotional intelligence, and creative problem solving skills to face the wild road of life ahead”, said Elinor.
This novel concept and mission on social and emotional learning is now being backed by the retailer giant Amazon, Gymboree Play & Music, as well as the global tech giant Wistron. “We have decided to invest in this excellent team and support the novel movement MEandMine stands for. When MEandMine succeeds, it’s not just for profits, it’s going to be good for humanity.” Benson, Wistron CVC commented.
In addition to products, MEandMine is rolling out new Phy-Gital classes that are integrating online curriculum and hands-on experiments, developing play systems with enriched content and IP strategy, and creating an environment for children where the line between fun and learning is blurred.
"I established MEandMine with a 10 years plan, and the company is on track. Social Emotional Learning will benefit children around the world," said Elinor,“In addition to the US market, MEandMine has set up an operation hub in Taiwan for our APAC expansion. With the new funding and resources from Amazon and Wistron, we can’t wait to expand our global footprint.”
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