Kahoot Secures $215M from SoftBank to Fuel Gamified E-Learning Growth
A Major Boost for Remote Learning Innovation
Norwegian edtech leader Kahoot has landed a massive $215 million investment from SoftBank, marking a significant milestone for the gamified e-learning platform. This funding comes just months after Kahoot’s $28 million raise in June 2020, signaling strong investor confidence in its user-generated learning model.
Key Details of the Deal
- Investment Structure: SoftBank acquired 43 million new shares at 46 Norwegian Krone (NOK) per share, totaling NOK 1,978 million (~$215 million).
- Use of Funds: Kahoot plans to pursue strategic acquisitions and accelerate platform expansion.
- Market Impact: Following the announcement, Kahoot’s shares surged over 15%, pushing its market cap to ~$2.4 billion.
Why SoftBank Bet on Kahoot
SoftBank’s investment aligns with its growing focus on e-learning and gaming, sectors that have thrived during the pandemic. The firm has previously backed:
- Supercell (European gaming giant)
- Unacademy (Indian edtech unicorn)
“Kahoot! is experiencing strong momentum as enterprises and educators seek engaging ways to build culture and enhance learning,” the company stated.
Kahoot’s Dual Business Model
- Education Sector: Free platform for schools with 1.3 billion participating players in the past year.
- Corporate Sector: Paid offerings for employee training, driving 240% revenue growth in Q3 2020.
Pandemic Fuels E-Learning Boom
The COVID-19 crisis has supercharged demand for remote education tools. Kahoot’s recent milestones include:
- 1.3B+ participating players (12-month period)
- 200M+ games played
- 100M+ user-generated “Kahoots”
- 360K paid subscriptions (up 160% YoY)
Recent Acquisitions and Growth
- Actimo: Acquired for $33M to strengthen corporate training solutions.
- Investor Backing: Microsoft, Disney, Northzone, and Creandum are among existing investors.
The Bigger Picture: Edtech’s Rise
Kahoot joins a wave of edtech startups attracting major funding, including:
- Outschool ($45M Series B)
- Homer ($50M from LEGO/Sesame Workshop)
- Byju’s ($500M from Silver Lake)
“Edtech is no longer just a teaching tool—it’s a necessity,” as schools and businesses adapt to hybrid learning models.
What’s Next for Kahoot?
With SoftBank’s backing, Kahoot is poised to:
- Expand its corporate learning suite
- Scale user-generated content globally
- Explore new markets and partnerships
This investment underscores the lasting shift toward interactive, digital-first education—a trend Kahoot has pioneered since its 2013 launch.
For more details, read Kahoot’s official announcement.
📚 Featured Products & Recommendations
Discover our carefully selected products that complement this article’s topics:
🛍️ Featured Product 1: Pia Rib Singlet – Light Blue
Image: Premium product showcase
Premium quality pia rib singlet – light blue designed for professional use with excellent performance and reliability.
Key Features:
- Professional-grade quality standards
- Easy setup and intuitive use
- Durable construction for long-term value
- Excellent customer support included
🔗 View Product Details & Purchase
🛍️ Featured Product 2: Lola Top – Tondah Print
Image: Premium product showcase
Carefully crafted lola top – tondah print delivering superior performance and lasting value.
Key Features:
- Cutting-edge technology integration
- Streamlined workflow optimization
- Heavy-duty construction for reliability
- Expert technical support available
🔗 View Product Details & Purchase
💡 Need Help Choosing? Contact our expert team for personalized product recommendations!
