Icanread
Psychologist-developed English literacy programs for children.
| Date | Investors | Amount | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
N/A | Growth Equity VC | ||
| Total Funding | 000k | ||
I Can Read is an English language and literacy education provider headquartered in Singapore, operating a network of over 160 centres across 14 markets in Asia and the Middle East. The company was established in 2000 by educational psychologists Antony Earnshaw and Annabel Seargeant, based on 15 years of research into how children learn to read. The founders' journey began when Earnshaw worked as a Senior Educational Psychologist for Singapore's Ministry of Education, and Seargeant started a company that provided the reading program in local primary schools, training over 100 teachers in more than 30 schools.
The business operates primarily through a franchise model, offering single-unit, multi-unit, and master franchise options to partners. Its core offering is a structured, phonics-based literacy system for children aged 2.5 to 12. This proprietary methodology, which links letter clusters to specific sounds, is designed to teach reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. The curriculum includes pre-reading levels, a core reading program, and courses to prepare students for primary school. In recent years, the company has integrated digital learning tools, such as the 'I Can Read Heroes' platform, to create a blended learning experience combining in-class instruction with at-home practice.
In 2019, private equity firm Tower Capital Asia acquired an approximate 55% stake in the company for around $50 million. The remaining ownership is held by CEO Chan Huang Yee and directors Tan Aik Ping and Ngo Tong Yong. Tan, a serial entrepreneur with a background in computer science and enterprise software, initially entered the business as a franchisee before acquiring ownership of the brand in Asia and the Middle East. Under this new leadership and financial backing, the company has focused on digitalization and geographic expansion, reporting revenue growth of 20-25% annually since the acquisition.
Keywords: English literacy, children's education, phonics program, language learning, blended learning, education franchise, Southeast Asia education, reading instruction, child psychology, curriculum development, early childhood education, literacy provider, private tutoring, educational psychology, digital education tools, language enrichment, K-12 education, Singapore education