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Kiel Start-up Spotlight: edaira gives teachers time to focus on what matters most
Teachers often work with a wide range of standalone applications – from worksheets and presentation tools to learning platforms. These separate processes result in a significant amount of preparation work and leave less time for teaching.
With its platform, edaira offers a solution to precisely this problem. The start-up is a participant in the current cohort of KielRegion.Accelerates and is based in the Rendsburg-Eckernförde district. Founded by teacher and headteacher Rebecca Timmermann and Sascha Timmermann, edaira combines educational experience from the classroom with technical expertise. The edaira.ai platform creates an "Education Operating System" that brings together the entire educational workflow – from lesson planning and AI-supported performance analysis to presentation in the classroom – within a single, intelligent system.
Photos: edaira
Behind edaira is a team that combines technology and pedagogy: Rebecca Timmermann understands teachers’ needs first-hand, Sascha Timmermann drives strategic development, and Richard Jones is responsible for the technical architecture.
The team shares a deep conviction that technology must not merely complement the education system, but fundamentally relieve the burden on it and improve it. With their platform, they are creating more than just digital tools: they are giving teachers back time – for what really matters: the individual support of their pupils.
We asked edaira in more detail how they have been supported so far on their journey through Kiel’s start-up scene, both financially and professionally, and what makes Kiel such a special business location for them.
What advantages does Kiel offer as a location for starting a business?
Kiel offers us clear strategic advantages as a location, foremost among them the close-knit start-up scene and the diverse community characterised by a spirit of collaboration. Programmes such as KielRegion.Accelerates give us direct access to a strong network and foster dialogue with regional stakeholders and experts.
In addition to the high quality of life afforded by our location on the fjord, we benefit from an infrastructure that is specifically geared towards networking and helps us to establish edaira as an integral part of the educational landscape.
What infrastructure in Kiel do you use for your start-up, and which aspects have been particularly valuable so far?
We do not yet have our own permanent premises in Kiel, but we are currently preparing to move into the Kiel Innovation and Technology Centre (KITZ). We are very much looking forward to this move, as we have received tremendous support there right from the start of our journey. The opportunity to engage with others in such a dynamic environment is a key factor in our plans to further develop edaira as part of Kiel’s tech ecosystem in the future.
Why did you decide to take part in KielRegion.Accelerates, and what are you hoping to achieve from it?
The decision to join KielRegion.Accelerates was primarily driven by the programme’s strong regional network. As we are building an infrastructure solution for the education sector with our ‘Education Operating System’, direct engagement with local stakeholders and decision-makers is essential for us.
We hope that this will result in a further refinement of our scaling strategy and the expansion of strategic partnerships within the Kiel region.
What role did mentors or local networks play in setting up your start-up?
Last year, we took part in a programme where we received guidance from mentors that helped shape our strategic direction.
Having mentors on board is particularly valuable for putting the typical ups and downs of day-to-day start-up life into perspective and for staying patient and motivated. The exchange shows that many founders face similar challenges and that you are not alone with your problems. This keeps you grounded and shifts your perspective.
Bootstrapping, venture capital, grants, loans... how are you funded, and what advice do you have for other start-ups looking for funding?
Until recently, we were entirely self-funded, but we are now being supported by Raitschin Raitschew and his team at GLXY – particularly thanks to their experience in building scalable platforms and their technical and AI infrastructure expertise. What’s more, it’s great fun working with such a friendly team.
What have been your biggest challenges so far, and in particular when it comes to securing external funding?
The biggest challenge in the education market lies in the highly complex structure of the stakeholders and the lengthy decision-making processes.
When seeking funding, it is therefore essential to find partners who not only provide capital but also possess the necessary understanding of this specific market.
What advice would you give to other founders?
Find a suitable network early on and become an active part of it. Sharing experiences and building connections within the community is invaluable, as you can learn from the mistakes and successes of others.
What support from our network could help you grow even further?
We consider the network’s role as a catalyst to be important: we are delighted when members of the Kiel region’s business network actively promote our vision and initiate dialogue with other potential partners who are willing to work with us to implement innovative approaches to education.
Would you like to find out more about edaira, or are you able to support the start-up with your network and expertise?
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