Hull edtech entrepreneur secures £250k to take learning platform global

A former teacher from Hull has secured six-figure funding from NPIF - Mercia Equity Finance to roll out his educational tech platform globally.

Chris Williams, founder of Chatta, has received £250k from the fund, which is managed by Mercia and is part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund.

Founded in 2013, Chatta uses images to engage children in conversation in a bid to develop their language and literacy skills.

The platform is based on techniques developed by Chris during his career as a special needs teacher, and is used by nearly 100 schools across the globe.

Chris explained: “Talk is the link between thinking and writing – if a child can’t say it, they can’t write it. Chatta creates opportunities to share stories and conversations within families and in schools.

“It gives children the confidence to speak to any audience and enhance their writing and vocabulary. In some cases parents tell us they’ve never before seen their child so strongly engaged with learning.”

The firm plans to use the funding to expand its global reach as well as enhance its existing software.

Will Schaffer of Mercia added: “At a time when there are real concerns about the impact of digital media on children’s development, Chatta is helping to get families talking again and build children’s literacy skills.

“It is playing a particularly valuable role during the current lockdown, by helping teachers, parents and children to collaborate in remote teaching and learning.”

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