Since its introduction in 2021, Gizmo—an AI-driven learning platform that converts student notes into interactive study tools—has gained over 13 million users spanning more than 120 countries. As its user base grows, so does attention from investors. On Tuesday, the company revealed it has raised $22 million in a Series A funding round. These funds are earmarked for scaling Gizmo’s engineering and AI teams and boosting its footprint in the U.S. college market.

This growth arrives amid a notable shift in student habits. Recent data from the 2025 National Assessment of Educational Progress shows academic performance in the United States has reached a record low. Earlier studies point to excessive screen time and shorter attention spans as key contributors. Additionally, with many younger learners spending hours on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, edtech startups face the ongoing challenge of maintaining engagement. Gizmo is placing its confidence in gamification as a potential answer.

Tailored for teens and young adults, Gizmo attributes its popularity to the integration of game-like elements that encourage consistent use. Features such as leaderboards, daily streaks, limited “lives” for wrong answers, and options to compete with friends are all intended to foster repeat engagement. In recent years, other micro-learning platforms have also risen in popularity, including established names like Anki and Quizlet, as well as newer players such as Yuno and Knowt—all aiming to turn screen time into productive study.

For a relatively new learning app like Gizmo to attract such significant interest in just a few years is remarkable. To put this in perspective, Yuno reports 1 million app downloads, while Knowt has surpassed 7 million users. The Series A round was spearheaded by Shine Capital, with additional investment from Ada Ventures, Seek Investments, GSV, and NFX—the latter having previously led Gizmo’s $3.5 million seed round.