Codemao

Codemao is China's pioneering online coding education platform for children aged 4-16, teaching programming through innovative visual tools and gamified learning experiences. Founded in December 2014 by two Chinese postgraduate students, Sun Yue and Li Tianchi, who met at the EIT Digital Master School in Paris, the company has revolutionized how Chinese children learn to code. With over 31 million students taught and partnerships with 11,500 schools across China, Codemao has established itself as the undisputed leader in China's children's coding education market.

The company developed proprietary coding tools including Kitten, a visual programming language inspired by Scratch but optimized for mobile devices and Chinese learners, and Nemo, a mobile coding application. These tools transform complex programming concepts into simple, interactive building blocks that children can manipulate to create games, animations, and applications. Codemao's approach combines cartoon characters, mobile-first design, and a strong community element that resonates with China's smartphone-native generation.

Codemao's growth trajectory has been remarkable, raising over $360 million in funding with a valuation reaching $7.3 billion by 2024. The company generates $17 million in annual revenue and operates on a "children play, parents pay" business model. In 2024, UNESCO recognized Codemao's impact by partnering on the Africa-Asia Youth Coding Initiative, and TIME magazine ranked it as the top EdTech company globally in 2025. With 3,000+ employees across offices in Shenzhen, Beijing, and Shanghai, Codemao is not just teaching coding—it's preparing the next generation of Chinese innovators and expanding its mission globally through international partnerships.