A New Zealand-based AI education platform, Teacher’s Buddy, has successfully secured $2.3 million in seed funding to combat the global issue of teacher burnout. Founded by Matt Abraham and Ben Sze, the platform is designed to alleviate administrative burdens on educators by using artificial intelligence to create lesson plans, assessments, and personalized learning materials. This technology allows teachers to customize content for individual students, including those who are neurodiverse or require advanced material, while also supporting local language preferences.
With over 12,000 educators in 130 countries already utilizing the platform, Teacher’s Buddy is gaining international traction. The recent funding, led by Soul Capital and Giant Leap, will help the company expand its reach and further develop its offerings, including professional development tools for teachers. The platform has already been adopted by more than 25 schools in New Zealand, and the company aims to grow its user base to over 30,000 teachers and 200 school partners in New Zealand, Australia, and the UK within the next year.
Teacher burnout is a pressing issue, with New Zealand teachers working longer hours than the OECD average and facing high levels of stress due to administrative demands. The platform aims to free up teachers’ time, allowing them to focus more on student engagement. The investment in Teacher’s Buddy reflects a broader shift in the education sector towards AI-driven solutions that empower educators to enhance learning outcomes for students. As the platform continues to expand, its founders remain committed to supporting New Zealand schools and addressing the workload challenges faced by teachers globally.
