StartSchool

What StartSchool does

StartSchool is a non-profit educational centre operated by the Tech Education Foundation (Reg. No. 50008325331) and headquartered at Startup House Riga, Latvia. It runs a 12-month full-time program and a 10-12 month part-time program targeting aspiring tech founders, career changers, and working professionals in the Baltic region. The curriculum combines a Tech Module (Full-Stack Development or Machine Learning tracks, delivered via Qwasar's AI-driven Experiential Learning Platform with mastery-based, pair-programming methodology) with a Startup Module covering ideation to fundraising. Outcomes to date include 77 startups launched by graduates, 24 generating revenue, and 10 actively developing.

The business model blends three revenue streams: program tuition (€5,000 full tuition, €2,000 partial scholarship, €500 enrollment fee; €200-€400/month for part-time), corporate sponsorship underwriting 50 fully funded and 70 partially funded scholarship seats per cohort, and private donations routed through the Tech Education Foundation, which qualifies for up to 85% tax relief under Latvian law. Go-to-market is community-led and event-driven, leveraging partnerships with Riga TechGirls, TechHub Riga, TechChill, and Buildit Accelerator, plus organic social channels (LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, X, TikTok). With 1-10 employees, the organization runs lean, leaning heavily on the network and credibility of its founding supporters — Jānis Berdigans (Printify), Kristofs Blaus (Nutrameg), Andris K. Bērziņš (Change Ventures), and Antons Sapriko (scandiweb) — to deliver the program at sub-market tuition.

Name

StartSchool

Legal name

Tech Education Foundation

Website

https://startschool.org

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

StartSchool is a Riga-based nonprofit running a 12-month tech and business program for aspiring founders and career changers, combining full-stack or machine learning training with startup creation, funded by Latvian tech-company sponsorships and tuition.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Tech Education / Coding Bootcamp

NAICS

Educational Services (61), Computer Training (611420)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Entrepreneurship Foundations & Startup Basics (EDAMAHAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Youth Business Incubators & Accelerators (EDAMAHAC), Virtual Homeschool Programs & Online Curriculum Schools (EDAJADAJ)

Keywords

• Tech education
• Software development training
• Startup acceleration program
• Full-stack development bootcamp
• Entrepreneurship education

Headquarters

HQ city

Riga

HQ country

Latvia

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Program Tuition Fees: Full-time program tuition of €5,000 total (€1,000 per semester for partially funded students). Part-time program at €200/month for Tech Module, €200/month for Startup Module, or €400/month for both modules
2. Enrolment Fee: €500 enrolment fee required after acceptance to secure a place in the program
3. Donations and Sponsorship: StartSchool is financed by successful Latvian tech companies and private donations. NGO 'Tech Education Foundation' receives donations with tax benefits under Latvian law (85% tax relief on donations up to 30% of dividend tax)

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

StartSchool is a 12-month full-time (or 10-12 month part-time) educational program that combines a Tech Module — covering Full-Stack Development or Machine Learning via Qwasar's AI-driven Experiential Learning Platform — with a Startup Module that teaches ideation through fundraising. Students apply, complete an online form, logic/personality tests, an on-site or online interview, and pay a €500 enrolment fee after acceptance. Graduates leave with portfolio-ready technical projects and the skills to launch startups (77 launched to date) or join tech companies.

Product overview

StartSchool is a Latvia-based 12-month full-time tech and business program for future founders and product builders, with an optional part-time pathway. The primary offering is the Founder Path, which combines two integrated modules: the Tech Module (powered by Qwasar's Experiential Learning Platform) offering Full-Stack Development and Machine Learning tracks, and the Startup Module covering ideation to fundraising. The Part-Time Program provides flexible access to either the Tech Path only or both Tech + Startup modules. Additional features include Gamified Learning with point-based rewards and Mastery-Based Learning ensuring students master all curriculum seasons and technical interview topics.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Founder Path StartSchool's primary offering combining the Tech and Startup modules into a comprehensive 12-month program designed for future founders and product builders to master technical skills and learn how to turn ideas into companies.
• Tech Module Technical education module powered by Qwasar's Experiential Learning Platform, offering tracks in Full-Stack Development and Machine Learning with multiple specializations, using AI-driven, hands-on experiences through self-directed learning, pair programming, and group collaboration.
• Startup Module Startup creation and management curriculum developed by industry experts, covering all aspects from ideation to fundraising through immersive workshops and pitch training.
• Part-Time Program Flexible part-time version of StartSchool's technical training delivered on weekday evenings and Saturdays over 10-12 months; students can choose the Tech Path only or Tech + Startup for the full Founder Path experience.
• Full-Stack Development Track One of two core tracks within the Tech Module, designed to prepare developers through intensive, hands-on projects using industry-standard tools.
• Machine Learning Track One of two core tracks within the Tech Module, recommended for students with at least some prior programming experience, preparing AI engineers and tech innovators.

Quantifiable outcome

• 77 startups launched by graduates
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers26 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• QwasarcoreTechnology or IntegrationQwasar's Experiential Learning Platform powers StartSchool's Tech education module with AI-driven, hands-on learning experiences, self-directed learning, pair programming, and group collaboration
• Riga TechGirlscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStartSchool CEO Anna Andersone is Chair of the Board of Riga TechGirls. Partnership provides cross-promotion, shared audience, and alignment in tech education mission for women in Latvia
• Startup House RigacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPhysical campus location for StartSchool's hybrid learning program. Provides workspace facilities and connects students to startup ecosystem
• Buildit AcceleratorminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInnovation and startup accelerator in Latvia; Campus Manager Jānis Altgauzens has experience leading initiatives at Buildit, connecting StartSchool to accelerator ecosystem
• TechHub RigaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTech hub in Riga; co-founded by Andris K. Bērziņš, part of StartSchool founder network
• TechChillminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor tech conference and startup event in Latvia; co-founded by Andris K. Bērziņš, connecting StartSchool to startup ecosystem events
• MaponminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProgram Manager Austra Marta Jirgensone works as Frontend Developer at Mapon, connecting StartSchool to tech industry employment opportunities
• DatoriumminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProgramming education for children; Program Manager Austra Marta Jirgensone has experience teaching programming through Datorium, connecting StartSchool to education ecosystem

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Le Wagon: Global coding bootcamp offering full-stack web development and data science bootcamps with a strong 'launch your startup' narrative. Directly comparable as a multi-month immersive program combining technical and entrepreneurial skills for aspiring founders, though for-profit and far larger in scale.
• Flatiron School: Tech bootcamp offering full-time and part-time programs in software engineering, data science, and cybersecurity, with strong career-change and job-placement focus. Comparable as a career-change coding bootcamp targeting aspiring tech professionals, now part of a larger education group.
• Wild Code School: European coding bootcamp with campuses across France and other European countries, offering 5-month full-time and part-time tracks in web development and data. Comparable as a hybrid coding bootcamp targeting career changers and aspiring founders in the European market.
• Springboard: Online tech education provider offering mentor-guided bootcamps in software engineering, data science, and UX, with income-share agreements and career-change focus. Comparable as a structured career-change program combining tech training with career outcomes, though fully online.
• 42 (École 42): Non-profit, tuition-free peer-to-peer computer science program built on project-based, AI-driven experiential learning with no teachers or classes. Highly comparable on methodology (project-based mastery, peer evaluation) and on mission (free access to tech education), though much larger and global.
• Ironhack: Global coding and data bootcamp operating across multiple continents with full-time and part-time tracks in web development, UX/UI, data analytics, and cybersecurity. Comparable as a hybrid intensive program serving career changers and aspiring tech founders, structured similarly to StartSchool's Tech + Startup modules.
• HyperionDev: Tech bootcamp offering full-stack web development, data science, and software engineering bootcamps with both online and cohort-based formats targeting career changers globally. Comparable as a bootcamp serving aspiring founders and career switchers with a part-time, working-professional-friendly model.

Regional players

• Buildit Accelerator: Estonian hardware and deep-tech accelerator already partnered with StartSchool via the Campus Manager's prior role. Comparable as a Baltic-region founder-development program that supports aspiring hardware and software entrepreneurs, with overlap in target founder audience.
• Mainor Startup Lab: Estonian-based startup incubator and training program focused on launching tech businesses from the Baltic region. Directly comparable as a Baltic-region founder-focused program with similar ecosystem-building mission, and a likely natural partner or extension of StartSchool's reach into Estonia.

Emerging players

• Founders & Coders: UK-based non-profit, tuition-free peer-led web development cooperative using a project-based, mastery-driven curriculum similar to Qwasar's approach. Highly comparable on non-profit model, peer-learning methodology, and founder-oriented mission, though smaller and geographically distinct from StartSchool.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/startschoolriga
• Facebookfacebook.com/StartSchoolRiga
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/start-school-riga
• Instagraminstagram.com/startschoolriga

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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 StartSchool