Gizmo raises USD $22 million to expand AI study platform
Gizmo has raised USD $22 million in a Series A funding round led by Shine Capital.
The London-based education technology company will use the funding to expand its engineering and AI team, with a focus on growth in the US college market and broader product development for its global user base.
More than 13 million learners use Gizmo's platform across over 120 countries. Its app lets users upload notes, documents and web links, which are then turned into study materials such as flashcards, quizzes and other interactive formats.
Study platform
Gizmo is targeting learners who already spend much of their time on smartphones, particularly students aged 16 to 21 preparing for major exams. The product also includes social features such as shared study sessions, leaderboards and accountability tools designed to help students learn together.
Its audience ranges from pupils studying for GCSEs in the UK to university students in the US and professionals in the Philippines seeking new qualifications or skills.
Founded in 2021, Gizmo was established by University of Cambridge graduates Petros Christodoulou, Robin Jack and Paul Evangelou. Christodoulou is Chief Executive Officer, Jack is Chief Technology Officer and Evangelou is Chief Product Officer.
"We're not fighting for less screen time - we're fighting for better screen time," said Petros Christodoulou, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Gizmo.
"People aren't addicted to their phones; they're addicted to progress, novelty, social connection, and reward. Gizmo redirects that energy toward something that builds their future. With this funding, we're doubling down on making learning the most engaging and rewarding thing on your phone," he said.
Investor backing
Alongside Shine Capital, the round included participation from Ada Ventures, Seek Investments, GSV and NFX. NFX previously led Gizmo's USD $3.5 million seed round.
Shine Capital said Gizmo had gained traction through direct student adoption rather than institutional distribution. That represents a different path to scale from many education technology businesses, which often rely on schools, universities or employers to acquire users.
"Gizmo has cracked something that's eluded consumer learning for years: organic, student-driven engagement at massive scale," said Ethan Daly, General Partner at Shine Capital.
"Thirteen million users have chosen Gizmo to transform dense subjects into interactive, personalized, and high-reward experiences, driving real outcomes in a way students love. We see Gizmo as the defining learning platform for the next generation of students and lifelong learners, and we're thrilled to be backing Petros, Robin, and Paul as they scale it globally," he said.
NFX, an existing investor, also pointed to Gizmo's use of AI and its user contribution model as reasons for its continued support.
"We believed in Gizmo's potential early, because it was built on a combination of deep technical expertise, sharp product instinct, and commitment to innovation," said Pete Flint, General Partner at NFX.
"The team has built an AI-native product that removes friction from learning while creating network effects as more students contribute to and learn from the platform. Petros, Robin, and Paul are focused on making sure people benefit from AI and achieve their potential, and we're excited to continue supporting them as they expand," he said.
The funding comes as education companies seek to apply generative AI to tasks including tutoring, revision and content creation. Gizmo's approach centres on turning existing learning materials into interactive study tools while adding game-style and social elements intended to encourage repeated use.
Shine Capital manages more than USD $575 million across three early-stage funds and one opportunity fund, with offices in New York and San Francisco.
Gizmo aims to widen its reach among students and deepen engagement with users already on the platform, which now serves millions of learners around the world.