Cypher Coders

Cypher Coders, operating under Cypher Coding Limited, is an educational technology firm established in London, United Kingdom, in 2016. The company was founded by Elizabeth Tweedale, a writer and entrepreneur, to address the growing need for technology education for children. Drawing from her background in architecture, Tweedale recognized the limitations faced by professionals who lacked a foundational understanding of computer science and computational thinking, which inspired her to equip the next generation with these essential skills. Since its inception, the company has taught over 10,000 children to code.

The firm specializes in providing coding education for children aged 5 to 12 through a variety of formats, including in-person camps, after-school clubs, and live online courses. Its business model is consumer-focused, generating revenue through fees for its courses and camps. In 2021, the company introduced a subscription model to foster recurring revenue and enhance customer retention, with 56% of students being repeat customers. The curriculum is Stem.org accredited and goes beyond the standard school syllabus, using creative themes to make learning computer science more engaging. Students are taught programming languages such as Scratch and Python and engage with robotics, all while developing skills in communication, collaboration, and problem-solving.

Cypher Coders operates primarily in the UK and has expanded its services to the US. The company hosts its in-person activities at various schools, including some of London's premier institutions. A significant pivot to an online offering during the pandemic enabled a broader global reach. The company has successfully raised capital to support its growth, including a seed round of approximately €492,000 in 2021 through the crowdfunding platform Seedrs, which brought its valuation to around €6.8 million at the time. Investors include Amrock Ventures, Studio Graphene, and Adelpha. In November 2024, Tweedale announced the launch of Coco Coders, bringing the company's educational model to the United States.

Keywords: EdTech, coding for kids, computer science education, online learning, STEM education, coding camps, after-school programs, Python for children, Scratch programming, robotics for kids, educational services, London startup, children's technology education, computational thinking, digital literacy, K-12 education, e-learning, creative coding, childcare solutions, educational curriculum