Edtech Startup Imagi Raises US$4.5 Million to Help Students Learn AI-Powered Coding

As artificial intelligence becomes a bigger part of everyday life, schools are facing an important question: how should students learn to use AI responsibly? For education technology startup Imagi, the answer isn't to ban AI from classrooms but to teach students how to build with it.

The company has announced a US$4.5 million seed funding round to expand its platform, which helps K-12 students learn coding, computational thinking, and AI literacy. The investment will allow Imagi to reach more schools while developing new tools that prepare students for an AI-driven future.

From Traditional Coding to AI Skills

Imagi was founded in 2018 by Dora Palfi and Beatrice Ionascu, with a mission to make computer science education more accessible to young learners.

Palfi, who comes from a family of teachers, believes education has the power to change lives. That belief inspired the company to create learning tools that make coding easier for both students and educators.

Initially focused on programming and digital literacy, Imagi expanded its curriculum last year to include AI education. The company now teaches students not only how to code but also how to work with artificial intelligence safely and effectively.

Teaching Students to "Vibe Code"

One of Imagi's newest initiatives is its partnership with AI coding platform Lovable.

The collaboration introduces students to what's commonly known as "vibe coding"—using AI assistants to help write software through natural language prompts instead of manually coding every line.

Through the partnership, teachers can build AI-powered coding lessons while giving students controlled access to the platform. This allows young learners to experiment with AI-assisted programming within a safe environment that includes built-in safeguards.

To further support the program, OpenAI has contributed US$1 million in credits, allowing schools to access the Imagi and Lovable platform free of charge through trials and freemium offerings.

Real Projects with Real Impact

Rather than limiting students to theoretical exercises, Imagi encourages them to build practical projects that solve everyday problems.

One teacher used the platform to create an application capable of translating classroom materials into 15 different languages, making lessons more accessible for students from diverse backgrounds.

In another example, a student built a website to promote his lawn-mowing business. The website even included an online booking calendar, allowing customers to schedule appointments directly.

These projects demonstrate how AI can help students turn ideas into functional digital products with relatively little coding experience.

Addressing AI Concerns in Schools

The rapid growth of AI has sparked ongoing debates about its role in education. Many educators worry that students may use AI to cheat on assignments or become overly dependent on the technology.

Palfi believes the focus should shift away from banning AI and toward teaching responsible use.

According to her, many students are already using AI tools outside the classroom. Schools therefore have an opportunity to teach children how to use AI creatively and ethically instead of simply consuming AI-generated content.

The goal is to prepare students for workplaces where AI will likely become a standard productivity tool.

Built-In Safety Features

Because the platform is designed for children, safety remains one of Imagi's highest priorities.

Every prompt submitted by students and every AI-generated response is screened before being displayed, helping filter inappropriate or unsafe content.

The company also emphasizes student privacy by complying with several major data protection regulations, including:

• The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)

• The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

• The European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

According to Imagi, student interactions are not retained, and partner companies do not use student data to train their AI models.

The platform also includes professional development resources that help teachers gain confidence using AI before introducing it to their students.

Preparing Students for an AI Economy

As artificial intelligence reshapes industries around the world, digital skills are becoming increasingly valuable.

Palfi argues that learning how to collaborate with AI may become just as important as learning traditional computer skills.

Not every student has access to advanced AI tools at home, making schools one of the few places where equal access to emerging technology can be provided.

By introducing AI literacy at an early age, educators can help students understand both the opportunities and the limitations of these powerful technologies.

Funding Will Support Global Expansion

Since its launch, Imagi says it has worked with more than 700,000 students across 140 countries, highlighting the growing global demand for AI education.

The newly raised US$4.5 million will help the company expand into more K-12 schools, strengthen partnerships with school districts, hire additional staff, develop new product features, and launch a new education platform scheduled for release next month.

The funding round attracted investors including Brighteye Ventures, Day One Capital, and musician and technology investor Will.i.am.

Looking Ahead

As AI becomes increasingly integrated into education and the workplace, companies like Imagi are helping schools adapt to a changing world.

Instead of treating artificial intelligence as a shortcut or a threat, Imagi's approach encourages students to see AI as a creative tool that can enhance problem-solving, innovation, and learning.

With fresh funding and growing adoption across schools worldwide, the startup hopes to equip the next generation with the skills needed not only to use AI—but to build with it confidently and responsibly.