EPICODE

EPICODE operates as a European technological education institute, positioning itself as a career acceleration platform for the tech sector. Founded in Rome in 2020 by Claudio Vaccaro, Ivan Ranza, and Marco Rosci, the company aims to address the digital skills gap by training professionals in high-demand areas. The founders brought a diverse set of experiences to the venture. Claudio Vaccaro is a serial tech entrepreneur with a history of founding and scaling digital marketing companies, such as BizUp, which was later sold to the Alkemy Group. Ivan Ranza possesses an extensive background in the media industry, having held senior management positions at major companies like RCS MediaGroup, Il Sole 24 Ore, and MTV Pubblicità. Marco Rosci contributed his experience from the international education sector, notably as the Marketing Director for the Rome Business School.

The institution provides a range of educational products, from intensive online bootcamps to fully accredited bachelor's degree programs. Its offerings cover subjects such as web development, data analysis, cybersecurity, computer engineering, and artificial intelligence. The curriculum is designed to be hands-on, featuring live online lessons, team-based projects, and practical application to build a student portfolio. For instance, bootcamps consist of core training followed by a specialization period and a final capstone project. In 2024, the company achieved accreditation as a Higher Education Institution from the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority, allowing it to launch degree programs like a BSc in Computer Engineering & AI.

EPICODE's business model targets both individuals seeking to enter or advance in the tech industry and corporate clients. It serves a network of over 600 hiring partner companies, including major names like EY, Deloitte, and Accenture, by supplying them with qualified talent. A key feature of its financial model is an income-share agreement, where students can pay a portion of the tuition upfront and the remainder once they secure employment. The company has secured significant funding to fuel its growth, raising a total of $12.2 million over three rounds from investors including Y Combinator, B Heroes, and a number of prominent angel investors. A major milestone occurred in March 2022, when the company raised €10 million, rebranded from Epicode School to EPICODE, and merged with the Berlin-based Strive School to expand its European footprint.

Keywords: EdTech, career acceleration, tech education, coding bootcamp, web development, data analysis, cybersecurity training, online degrees, digital skills, income share agreement, IT training, corporate training, upskilling, reskilling, tech talent, European education, job placement, online learning, computer engineering, artificial intelligence education