Aaron Friedland

Founder & CEO of both Simbi and The Simbi Foundation.

Aaron holds a Ph.D. in Econometrics focused on the intersection of Education and Economics. Prior to starting Simbi, Aaron started the Walking School Bus, a non-profit conducting research and creating awareness around the topic, and has also worked as an analyst at the United Nations Watch in Geneva.

What is the problem?

Across the world, hundreds of millions of people cannot read, including millions of children. Meanwhile, literacy rates in the developed world are in decline. Literacy is a key determinant of financial success and long-term health for individuals and countries, but millions of children and adults around the world are illiterate.

What is the solution?

Building on the latest cognitive research, Simbi have created a platform where students can both read along while listening to audiobooks or even record their own voice as a resource for others, all to encourage children to read more. Students feel empowered to read as they see that others are listening to their voice. Students can even partner with a personal reading coach through the Simbi platform, which increases students’ motivation even further and accelerates their progress.

Across the world, hundreds of millions of people cannot read, including millions of children. Meanwhile, literacy rates in the developed world are in decline. Simbi has partnered with international organizations like the U.N’s High Commissioner for Refugees and is rolling out its solution in underserved areas. They have already had a measurable impact on the lives of over two hundred thousand children all over the world, especially in developing countries. Simbi offers a freemium to allow users, no matter their budget, to become literate. For learners across the world, Simbi is used for learning how to read as Duolingo is used for learning languages.