What HEI Schools does

HEI Schools (legal name HEI Schools / Helsinki International Schools) is a Finnish early-childhood education company founded in 2016 in Helsinki by Professor Lasse Lipponen of the University of Helsinki's Faculty of Education, operating a multi-tier licensing and curriculum-distribution model that exports the Finnish play-based pedagogical framework globally. The core product is the premium HEI Schools brand for nurseries, kindergartens, and K-12 campuses, supplemented by the mid-market Lillipods preschool sub-brand, the recurring Toolkit Curriculum SaaS, the Best of Finnish Early Education (BOFEE) teacher training program, the self-paced online HEI Schools Teacher Diploma (English, Spanish, Mandarin), and the inclusive HEI Bridges dual-pathway program. Underlying technology is centered on the research-based "HEI Way" pedagogical framework, digital curriculum materials delivered through academy.heischools.com (powered by LearnWorlds), mobile apps on Google Play and the App Store, and a HubSpot-driven partner sales flow; no proprietary AI, public API, or software platform is described.

The company monetizes through five streams: master license fees from territory-level Master License Partners who develop the HEI Schools and Lillipods brands (revenue-shared licensing/royalties), Reseller Partner fees for Toolkit Curriculum subscriptions (recurring subscription), one-time Teacher Diploma fees (€190–€490), professional-services BOFEE training (5-session / one-work-week onsite or online), and K-12 concept licensing combining Finnish pedagogy with the IB Curriculum Framework. Go-to-market is hybrid: a direct enterprise sales motion via regional Partnerships Managers (Southeast Asia, Europe, Africa, Americas), a Master License Partner channel for full-brand sites, a Reseller channel for curriculum subscriptions, plus event-driven and community-led motions anchored by the annual HEI Schools Summit and the Diploma community.

Scale as of early 2026 spans 50+ countries and 35+ active implementation markets, with 25+ branded HEI Schools centres, 140+ partnered schools, 4,000+ educators using the curriculum, 1,708 Diploma students, and 10,028 children served. The company has raised €2 million in Series A funding (April 2021) from Practica Capital and Tesi, runs a lean team of 11–50, and is accelerating 2025–2026 expansion into the UAE (with Ghobash Group), India, Indonesia, Colombia, Japan, Myanmar, Mauritius, Saudi Arabia, and a forthcoming Vietnam flagship.

Name

HEI Schools

Legal name

HEI Schools

Website

https://heischools.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

HEI Schools is a Helsinki-based education company that licenses Finnish early-childhood curricula and brands (HEI Schools, Lillipods, Toolkit Curriculum, Teacher Diploma) to school operators and educators across 50+ countries, co-founded with the University of Helsinki.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Early Childhood Education Licensing

NAICS

Educational Services (611), Educational Support Services (611710), Elementary and Secondary Schools (611110)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Child Day Care Services (8351)

akta.pro primary industry

Preschool Programs within Private K–12 Schools (EDACABAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

In-Service Professional Development (Workshops/Institutes/Short Courses) (EDACAIAB), Individualized Learning Plans & Differentiated Instruction Materials (IEP/IFSP-Aligned) (EDACAJAE)

Keywords

• Early childhood education
• Education licensing
• Curriculum subscription
• Teacher training programs
• Kindergarten brand licensing

Headquarters

HQ city

Helsinki

HQ country

Finland

HQ region

Europe

Offices8 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Master License Fees: HEI Schools licenses its premium HEI Schools and Lillipods brands to Master License Partners who develop and expand the concepts within defined territories. Partners sell and market concepts, lead local brand development, sign up sub-licensees, and share revenues with HEI Schools.
2. Toolkit Curriculum Subscriptions: Digital curriculum subscription service where kindergartens subscribe to access play-based Finnish early education materials. Reseller Partners market, sell, and provide training/support while sharing subscription fees.
3. Teacher Training Programs: Best of Finnish Early Education (BOFEE) training delivered onsite or online, typically 5 sessions or one work week. Provides step-by-step guidance for implementing Toolkit Curriculum.
4. Teacher Diploma Program: Online self-paced teacher certification course with 10 modules. Priced at €245 (English, discounted from €490) and €190 (Spanish). Includes digital certificate upon completion.
5. K12 Concept Licensing: Full K-12 concept combining Finnish education with IB Curriculum Framework, including Finnish-inspired subjects, curated edtech, teacher training, and recruitment services.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

HEI Schools licenses its Finnish early childhood education model — co-developed with the University of Helsinki — to school owners and operators worldwide. Its portfolio includes the premium HEI Schools® brand (nurseries, kindergartens, K-12), the mid-market Lillipods® sub-brand, the Toolkit Curriculum digital subscription, the BOFEE teacher training program, the HEI Schools Teacher Diploma online certification, the HEI Bridges inclusive program, and the K12 concept combining Finnish pedagogy with the IB framework. The company distributes these through Master License Partners, Reseller Partners, and direct sales, while operating its own e-learning platform (academy.heischools.com).

Product overview

HEI Schools operates a portfolio of early childhood education products and services built on Finland's acclaimed educational model, co-founded by the University of Helsinki. The core offering is the premium HEI Schools® brand for nurseries, kindergartens, and K-12 campuses, complemented by the mid-market Lillipods® preschool sub-brand. Supporting these school concepts are the Toolkit Curriculum (a play-based digital subscription), Best of Finnish Early Education (BOFEE) teacher training, the HEI Schools Teacher Diploma (online certification in 3 languages), the free HEI for Parents handbook, the inclusive HEI Bridges program for children with developmental needs, and the K12 extension combining Finnish pedagogy with IB Framework. The company also offers Master Licensee and Reseller partnership models for geographic expansion and curriculum distribution.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Lillipods: A Finland & local blended preschool concept designed by Finnish and global education experts to make Finnish Early Education available in neighborhoods.
• HEI Bridges
• HEI for Parents
• Toolkit Curriculum

Products and services

• HEI Schools® Premium Early Years Concept Premium international early years concept for nurseries, kindergartens, and K-12 campuses featuring the Finnish education model and globally recognized HEI Schools® brand. Licensed to school owners and operators under Master License agreements.
• Lillipods® Preschool Mid-market Finnish-inspired kindergarten concept designed by Finnish and global education experts to make Finnish Early Education available in local neighborhoods at accessible price points.
• Toolkit Curriculum Holistic, play-based digital curriculum subscription allowing any kindergarten to implement the Finnish Early Education approach with materials, tools, and templates for pedagogical documentation and assessment.
• Best of Finnish Early Education (BOFEE) Training Teacher training program consisting of 5 essential modules delivered onsite or online (typically 5 sessions or one work week) by pedagogical experts to help teams implement the Toolkit Curriculum.
• HEI Schools Teacher Diploma Self-paced online certification program with 10 modules covering Finnish early childhood education and play-based pedagogy, available in English, Spanish, and Mandarin, with over 30 practical assignments and a digital certificate upon completion.
• HEI Schools K12 Concept Comprehensive K-12 education concept combining Finnish early education principles with the IB Curriculum Framework, covering early years through grades 1-12 with optional Finnish features like art, home economics, maker's lab, and curated edtech.
• HEI Bridges Program Specialized inclusive preschool bridging program for children aged 2-6 with additional developmental needs, providing structured support including small group learning, personalized development plans, and specialist collaboration within the HEI Schools inclusive preschool model.

Quantifiable outcome

• HEI Schools Indonesia Senayan has maintained full enrollment since 2020
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers14 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Ghobash GroupflagshipOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 25 November 2025Groundbreaking November 2025, opening February 2026. First purpose-built Finnish early learning centre in UAE, Arabian Ranches 1, Dubai. 24,500 sq ft centre for children aged 0-6 with zones for exploration, creativity, and physical development.
• PT Kreasi Karya Kasih (HEI Indonesia)coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 1 October 2025Master license partner for Indonesia, led by Ritesh Handa. Operates HEI Schools Senayan (established 2020, maintained full enrollment) and expanding with second campus. Also opened LILLIPODS Preschool Icon BSD in Tangerang (August 2025).
• University of HelsinkicoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-founder and academic partner of HEI Schools. Professor Lasse Lipponen from the Faculty of Education co-developed the research-based model. The collaboration ensures access to latest educational research and maintains academic credibility of the Finnish early education approach.
• Ghobash GroupflagshipOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerStrategic partnership to launch HEI UAE, operating Finnish early learning centres in the United Arab Emirates. Opened first purpose-built flagship centre in Arabian Ranches 1, Dubai (24,500 sq ft) in February 2026 for children aged 0-6. Described as long-term investment in education with expansion potential across the region.
• De La Salle University (Philippines)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership agreement to progress De La Salle University's Early Childhood Education Teacher Diploma program. Integrates HEI Schools Finnish methodology into university curriculum for local educators.
• SEGi University and Colleges (Malaysia)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAgreement to cooperate in developing SEGi's Early Childhood Education Teacher Diploma program in Malaysia. Combined knowledge of Finnish educators and global experts.
• Kompas International College (Malaysia)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTeacher training collaboration in Ipoh, Malaysia for Early Childhood Education Teacher program. Part of broader strategy to expand Finnish education methodology in Southeast Asia.
• EF (Education First)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational education company selected HEI Schools as trusted teacher training partner for an early education pilot program in China. Demonstrates enterprise validation of Finnish methodology.
• STH Holdings (Vietnam)flagshipOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerPartnership agreement to develop largest HEI Schools campus in Southeast Asia, located in Thai Nguyen province, Vietnam. Scheduled to open July 2027.
• Kajonkiet Group (Thailand)coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerLicensed partner, largest education operator in Phuket. Expanding from early childhood to primary and secondary level K-12 education. Hosted HEI Schools Summit 2025.
• Finn Future Education (Thailand)minorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerPartnership to open HEI Schools kindergarten in Udon Thani, Thailand according to HEI Schools Early Years Concept.
• Chubu Electric (Japan)coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerPartnership with Japanese corporation to launch first HEI Schools branded nursery, HEI Schools Nagoya Sakae, with scheduled opening April 2026.
• Yasha Shukla (India)coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerPartnership with successful Singaporean-Indian entrepreneur to launch pioneering HEI Schools premium kindergarten in Gurgaon, India.
• Nami Island Arts and Education Inc. (Korea)minorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerPartnership to open HEI Schools Club on Nami Island, Republic of Korea. Led by CEO Fred Minn and Chief International Liaison Ellen Chang.
• Colegios Diaconales (Chile)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with respected chain of schools in Chile to deliver intensive week of professional development for early childhood educators in Santiago.
• HeadStart Education Inc. (Canada)minorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerPartnership to open first HEI Schools preschool in Canada. Owner Mr. Geng is entrepreneur interested in Finnish early childhood education.
• Jayne Nadarajoo (Singapore)coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerPioneering educator behind White Lodge Preschools, Avondale Grammar School, and Melbourne International School. Founded HEI Schools Singapore, implementing HEI & HEI Bridges inclusive dual-pathway model.
• City of HelsinkicoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on kindergarten in Jätkäsaari neighborhood to further develop Finnish early education practices, combining city, university, and HEI Schools expertise.
• Education FinlandcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial partner bearing Education Finland label, indicating verified quality and expertise in Finnish education exports.
• Edtech FinlandminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMember of Edtech Finland network promoting Finnish education technology companies globally.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves17 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Primrose Schools: US-headquartered premium preschool franchise with 400+ centers. Most comparable franchise-driven premium ECE model to HEI Schools' Master License structure, though Primrose is primarily US-focused while HEI Schools is international.
• Safari Kid: Premium international preschool brand originating from Malaysia with locations across Asia and the US. Closely comparable to HEI Schools in international expansion via licensing, premium positioning, and research-based curriculum.
• Gymboree Play & Music: Global franchise offering early childhood play, music, and educational programs. Comparable to HEI Schools as a franchised ECE experience provider serving young children and their families across multiple countries.
• Mulberry Learning: Premium preschool franchise headquartered in Singapore with locations across Asia. Comparable to HEI Schools in targeting affluent urban families, premium pricing, and franchising/branch model for regional expansion.

Emerging players

• Reggio Children: Italian organization commercializing the Reggio Emilia Approach internationally through training, exhibitions, and partnerships. Comparable to HEI Schools as a methodology-export company leveraging a renowned European pedagogical framework.
• Kide Science: Finland-based early education STEM curriculum company. Comparable to HEI Schools as a Finnish pedagogy export focused on young learners; the two are also actual partners (Kide Science is listed as a HEI Schools partner), giving them strong conceptual overlap.

Broad incumbents

• International Montessori Schools: Established global ECE network organized around the Montessori method. Comparable to HEI Schools as a globally licensed early education brand with research-rooted pedagogy, but with broader footprint and longer operating history.
• Edmentum: US-based K-12 digital curriculum and educator solutions provider. Comparable to HEI Schools as a curriculum and teacher training provider, though Edmentum is far larger, US-focused, and serves K-12 rather than early years.

Regional players

• White Lodge Preschools: Singapore-based premium preschool group. Comparable as a Southeast Asian premium preschool operator; the founder Jayne Nadarajoo of HEI Schools Singapore previously operated White Lodge, making it an indirect corporate peer.

Others

• EF Education First: Global private education company with language, travel, and academic programs. Comparable as an international education operator that has selected HEI Schools as a teacher training partner for an early education pilot in China.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/heischools
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCAwViI9OKh9c1Z2Q2wm0_ig
• Facebookfacebook.com/heischools
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/hei-schools
• Instagraminstagram.com/hei_schools
• Pinterestfi.pinterest.com/hei_schools

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors2 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about HEI Schools