Former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe continues to champion the future of STEM.
In 2020, Bowe founded LINGO, a company that offers kits allowing individuals of all ages to engage with projects that promote problem-solving and coding. The goal is to increase exposure to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) pathways.
What’s more, LINGO has been well received in the education sector and among Fortune 500 companies, its LinkedIn notes. It is also faring well among investors, raising $2.3 million in a November 2024 round led by Pinnacle Private Ventures, according to a news release. 1863 Ventures, Sequoia Capital via the Scout program, and Dr. Joy Johnson also participated in the round.
“This funding round highlights LINGO’s potential to reshape the future of STEM education,” Sean McCurry, founder of family office-owned private investment firm Pinnacle Private Ventures, said in the news release. “We are grateful to support LINGO’s growth and its mission to equip the next generation of tech leaders with the resources they need to succeed. Our investment reflects a deep commitment to not only pursuing financial returns but also to creating meaningful social impact through education and fostering diversity within the tech sector.”
Bowe wrote on LinkedIn:
“With only 2% of venture capital going to women and just 1% to Black women, this investment marks an interesting moment for female founders. Family offices, with nearly $6 trillion in assets under management are truly changing the game. With 10,000 LINGO kits already in the hands of eager learners, I’m beyond excited to scale our impact and inspire thousands more! Thank you to our incredible investors, partners and team.”
The investment will support the expansion of the kits, which cover topics such as artificial intelligence, space systems, and environmental monitoring fields, among others.
“With 80% of future jobs projected to require STEM skills, LINGO is a scalable solution for schools and homes that provides learners with exposure to emerging technologies while building the skills and confidence they need to thrive,” Bowe mentioned in the news release. “Closing this round empowers us to extend our reach, delivering essential STEM tools and inspiration to thousands more students and preparing them for success in a rapidly evolving world.”
