Workers trained in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, are in demand. Virginia-based LINGO has developed a project-based coding kit that provides STEM learners with hands-on and real-world problem solving experience, including artificial intelligence, space systems and environmental monitoring. The kit, which comes with detailed step-by-step video instructions, targets students aged 13 and up.
The company since last year has deployed more than 10,000 kits to partners including Howard University, General Dynamics Information Technology and Siemens Healthineers.
LINGO’s investment round, led by US family office-owned Pinnacle Private Ventures, will help the company expand its STEM curriculum and deploy more kits. The investment, says Pinnacle’s Sean McCurry, reflects a commitment to “creating meaningful social impact through education and fostering diversity within the tech sector.”
Returns on inclusion
Pinnacle, which touts its focus on ventures that are making a tangible impact in underrepresented communities, says the deal is a demonstration of the role family offices can play in driving investments that prioritize equity and innovation.
Aisha Bowe, LINGO’s founder, is among the cohort of Black female entrepreneurs that receive less than 1% of venture funding. Bowe is a Blue Origin astronaut and former NASA rocket scientist turned founder. Her other venture, STEMBoard, provides space tech advisory services to the US government.
Participating investors in LINGO’s round include 1863 Ventures, Sequoia Capital and Joy Johnson, a Black female engineer at Apple.
