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Based in Austin, Texas, Creation Crate provides monthly subscription-based STEM education kits focused on delivering hands-on projects in electronics, chemistry, engineering, and computer programming. The company operates direct-to-consumer and business-to-business models, offering curriculum-aligned physical hardware kits that start at a $22 monthly price point for its subscribers. The educational platform serves a diverse customer base of individual learners, homeschool students, and formal educational institutions by teaching practical technical skills in programming languages like C/C++. These instructional materials are designed to bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and real-world application for students of various age groups. To support its ongoing operations and product development initiatives, the enterprise has raised $120,000 in seed funding from early-stage institutional backers, including Techstars Impact Accelerator and Newchip. Creation Crate was founded in 2016 by co-founders Chris Gatbonton and Ryan Afflito.
Creation Crate has raised $120K across 1 funding round.
Creation Crate has raised $120K in total across 1 funding round.
Creation Crate has raised $120K across 1 funding round. Most recently, it raised $120K Seed in July 2019.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 1, 2019 | $120K Seed | — | Techstars Impact Fund | Announced |
Creation Crate is a Canadian-based educational technology company that specializes in STEM education kits delivered via a subscription model. Their product is a monthly box containing electronic components and detailed instructions to build hands-on projects that teach electronics, programming (primarily in C/C++), and engineering concepts. Creation Crate serves individuals, families, and educational institutions aiming to enhance STEM learning through practical experience. The company addresses the problem of limited access to engaging, project-based STEM education by making learning interactive and accessible for ages 12 and up. Creation Crate has shown growth momentum through partnerships with accelerators like Techstars Impact and Newchip, and by expanding its product offerings to include more advanced electronics kits[1][2][5].
Creation Crate was founded around 2015-2016, with headquarters in Toronto, Canada, and operations also noted in Austin, Texas. The founders include Chris Gatbonton, a serial entrepreneur passionate about social-impact and education, alongside other key team members such as David Hehman and Ryan Afflitto. The idea emerged from a desire to empower education through hands-on learning tools that make complex STEM topics approachable without prior experience. Early traction came from university incubators like YSpace at York University and support from global accelerators, which helped validate the product-market fit and scale the business[1][2].
Creation Crate rides the growing trend of hands-on STEM education and edtech subscription services, which have gained importance due to increasing demand for digital literacy and practical skills in technology fields. The timing is favorable as schools and parents seek engaging alternatives to traditional classroom learning, especially in electronics and programming. Market forces such as the rise of maker culture, DIY electronics, and remote learning have created a fertile environment for Creation Crate’s growth. By making STEM education accessible and interactive, Creation Crate contributes to broadening participation in tech fields and nurturing future innovators[1][5].
Looking ahead, Creation Crate is well-positioned to expand its product line and deepen its educational impact by integrating more advanced projects and possibly branching into new STEM areas. Trends like increased emphasis on coding skills, IoT (Internet of Things) education, and personalized learning experiences will likely shape their journey. Their influence may grow as they continue to partner with educational institutions and accelerators, potentially scaling globally. Creation Crate’s commitment to hands-on, project-based learning aligns with the evolving needs of STEM education, making it a key player in empowering the next generation of tech-savvy learners[1][2][5].
Creation Crate has raised $120K in total across 1 funding round.
Creation Crate's investors include Techstars Impact Fund.