Hiveclass, a New York-based edtech platform, secures $1.5 million to enhance virtual PE classes for kids, addressing fitness, mindfulness, and inclusivity challenges in modern education.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, parents Joe Titus and Paul Suhr noticed a lack of physical activity among children due to the absence of mandatory physical education classes. Their solution was Hiveclass, an edtech platform offering virtual PE courses for K-12 students. These courses cover fitness, sports, dance, yoga, nutrition, mindfulness, and even self-defense.
Even post-pandemic, Hiveclass continues to gain traction. Many children disengage from competitive P.E. environments in schools, while parents struggle with the rising costs of youth sports. Hiveclass bridges this gap by offering affordable, accessible online solutions.
“As a parent in New York City, I saw firsthand how expensive youth sports had become. I wondered how families in low-income housing could afford them,” said CEO Joe Titus, who founded Hiveclass with Chief Product Officer Paul Suhr. Their mission is to make physical education enjoyable and accessible for every child.
Seed Funding for Product Development
Hiveclass recently raised $1.5 million in seed funding led by Spring Mountain Capital, with participation from Georgetown Angel Investor Network, New York State Venture Fund, Rethink Education, and Techstars. This funding brings Hiveclass’s total capital raised to over $3 million.
The funds will support product development, enhance its teacher portal, and create new services for students with special needs. The teacher portal allows educators to track student progress, review quiz responses, and award P.E. credits, increasing classroom engagement.
Innovative Features of Hiveclass
Hiveclass differentiates itself by offering short-form instructional videos that teach skills like dribbling a basketball. To keep students engaged, it includes quizzes that require written responses. Unlike traditional subscription-based models targeting parents, Hiveclass partners with public schools and libraries, aligning its curriculum with SHAPE America standards.
The platform has over 13,000 active users across 80 educational institutions and has generated $2 million in revenue. Hiveclass is on track to add $1 million more next month, driven by tailored pricing plans and partnerships with schools.
Addressing Inclusivity and Expanding Reach
Hiveclass aims to make physical education more inclusive by focusing on underserved communities and students with special needs. The company is also exploring licensing agreements and other revenue streams to ensure its sustainability and growth.
“Our mission is to create equitable access to physical education and wellness programs, helping kids build lifelong skills,” said Titus. Hiveclass plans to scale its offerings further while expanding its partnerships with schools nationwide.
Future Goals
Hiveclass aims to solidify its position in the edtech market by expanding its services and focusing on innovation. By integrating wellness programs and aligning with national standards, Hiveclass seeks to be the go-to platform for virtual PE classes for kids, empowering educators and students alike.
The latest funding round will accelerate these goals, enabling Hiveclass to redefine physical education in a digital age.