What’s the inspiration behind Collabits and what problem are you seeking to solve?
During the pandemic, I faced real challenges delivering engaging online lessons. While we had materials on platforms like Moodle, the experience was fragmented - resources were scattered, interaction was limited, and students often felt like passive recipients. I wanted a more intuitive, visual space where students could actively contribute, interact with each other and the content, and feel truly present, whether online or in person. Collabits was born from this need. It enables teachers to organise digital content more effectively while fostering meaningful student participation and collaboration.
Why did you choose to apply to the King’s Start-up Accelerator?
We reached a point where strategic guidance was crucial. As a teacher and educator, I had limited experience in commercialisation, sales, or scaling a product. The King’s Start-up Accelerator offered not just expert support, but also access to a vibrant network in the education and innovation sectors. It helped us position Collabits in the UK market, refine our go-to-market strategy, and build credibility through visibility and validation.
You’re a Senior Lecturer in Science Education, and a researcher by background. How have you found the transition to founder?
Collabits is rooted in my research and years of teaching practice, so developing it felt like a natural extension of my academic work. The transition to entrepreneurship has been challenging but rewarding. I’ve learnt to think strategically, operate lean, and make tough decisions - skills not usually emphasised in academia. What excites me is the opportunity to take educational research beyond papers and into tools that teachers and students can use in their daily practice.
How have you balanced the King’s Start-up Accelerator with your academic role at King’s?
Balancing the two roles has been demanding, but manageable thanks to support from the School of Education, Communication & Society, which gave me some flexibility to focus on Collabits. My advice to other staff members who may want to join the King's Start-up Accelerator in the future, would be to align your venture with your academic work, where possible. Collabits is both a research-informed product and a testbed for pedagogical innovation, so there’s synergy between my roles. Be ready to work hard - but it’s worth it!
Collabits is available in two markets – Brazil and the UK – operated by a remote team – how do you manage this?
We initially aimed for both markets, but Brazil gained traction more quickly, especially after winning the BETT EdTech Award. That momentum shaped our focus. My co-founders and I work remotely, and that’s never been a barrier. Collabits is a digital-native company, and our team is well adapted to online collaboration. If I were to give advice, I’d say: go where the traction is, even if it's not what you expected at first.
Now you’re reaching the end of the King’s Start-up Accelerator, how would you describe your experience?
The coaching sessions, connections with Experts-in-Residence, and expert-led workshops were game-changers. Learning directly from practitioners in funding, legal, and product development gave us both perspective and confidence. A highlight was the session on venture capital - it clarified our thinking about funding paths. Also, collaborating with the EMBA team from King’s Business School brought fresh insights and concrete improvements to our business model.
Looking back at where you started, and where you are now, what has been your biggest achievement on the accelerator?
The biggest shift has been in my mindset. I’ve moved from seeing myself as a researcher with a good idea to leading a growing EdTech company with a clear value proposition. Thanks to the King's Start-up Accelerator, Collabits now has a stronger foundation for growth, and I’ve gained the tools, and confidence, to steer it.
What impact are you hoping to create with your start-up?
We want to transform how digital learning happens - making it more interactive, student-centred, and responsive. We’re supporting teachers focusing on blended and hybrid learning environments in schools and in higher education. I believe Collabits can play a key role in making digital pedagogy more effective and humane - centred on collaboration, not just content delivery.
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Learn more about Collabits on their website.
The Entrepreneurship Institute supports students, staff and alumni, to start and scale their ideas and ventures through the King's Start-up Accelerator. If you would like to know more, check out our website.