KidzRise, a business harnessing the power of AI combined with personalized learning to uncover and nurture each child’s unique talents

Wiem Ben-Mahmoud is the CEO and Founder of AI-powered Child Talent Detection platform, KidzRise, in Tunisia. She holds a Global MBA in Impact Entrepreneurship and a Master's Degree in Digital Management and Information Systems. Wiem began her career at Vermeg where she led international negotiations with Central Banks across Europe and Asia in the digital financial sector. Driven by her vision to impact children's lives, she left her stable career to launch KidzRise in 2023. Recognized as Most Promising Entrepreneur of 2024 by AfricArena, her EdTech startup has gained validation from MIT and MIT Solve in the USA , making a significant impact in Africa and beyond. The company has created jobs for 10 people to date.

Lioness Weekender spoke to Wiem Ben-Mahmoud about her passion for EdTech and her mission to make a difference by empowering children worldwide to discover and harness their strengths in life.

What does your company do?

Imagine a world where you get to know all the special things you're great at: that's KidzRise, the first AI-powered Talent Detection platform designed to detect talents and special abilities of children aged 5-15 through fun quizzes, personalized learning programs, and educative games. Our mission is to create the value-creators and change-makers of tomorrow by empowering every child worldwide to discover their strengths earlier than ever before.

What inspired you to start your company?

Seeing the common focus on children's weaknesses in education motivated me to create KidzRise, I wanted to shift that perspective by developing a platform that highlights each child's strengths and talents from an early age because I believe in the incredible potential within every child and the sooner they discover their strengths, the sooner they can use them effectively. By knowing themselves early on, they can make confident choices for their studies and future careers. At KidzRise, we provide this clarity from the start, empowering children to thrive with confidence and purpose

What makes your business, service or product special?

At KidzRise, we combine the power of AI with personalized learning to uncover and nurture each child’s unique talents from an early age. Instead of waiting years to discover your child's potential, our platform delivers instant insights and tailored development paths. We make learning fun, engaging, and rewarding, boosting confidence and inspiring children to thrive. Backed by a strengths-based approach, strong partnerships with schools, and recognition from international experts, KidzRise empowers every child to shine and reach their full potential.

Tell us a little about your team

At KidzRise, our team combines expertise, passion, and innovation to empower every child to unlock their full potential. Led by Wiem Ben-Mahmoud (CEO & Founder), who drives strategy, partnerships, and vision, we bring together a diverse group of professionals. Nouha Jegham leads the AI development, ensuring precise talent detection and personalized learning paths. Rayen (Full Stack Developer) builds and maintains our platform for seamless functionality, while Fatma Charfi (Child Psychologist & Strategic Partner) ensures a child-centered, developmentally sound approach. Haythem (UX/UI Designer) creates intuitive, engaging user experiences, and Nour (AI Assistant) supports the fine-tuning of our AI features. Together, we are dedicated to transforming education by merging technology and human insight, helping children discover their talents and thrive.

Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?

My entrepreneurial journey began with a strong academic foundation in business from IHEC, Tunisia’s top business university, where I earned my bachelor’s degree. I then pursued an MBA in Impact Entrepreneurship to further deepen my expertise. Since 2020, I’ve been actively involved in Tunisia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, mentoring other new entrepreneurs and supporting their growth. In 2023, I founded KidzRise, and the journey has been incredibly rewarding. Our work has already received recognition from international experts and expansion offers.

What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?

KidzRise is launching its first fundraising round to accelerate our mission and make a lasting impact. After bootstrapping with our own resources, we've built a powerful platform, developed AI models, and created engaging content that helps children unlock their unique talents. Now, we’re seeking visionary investors who share our passion and are ready to join us in transforming millions of young lives.

We’re also developing a range of exciting new products and services designed to better serve children, parents, and schools, making KidzRise the go-to platform for talent discovery. With strategic investments in marketing & sales and AI, we’ll amplify our reach, empowering millions of children to thrive and become the change-makers of tomorrow.

What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?

As an entrepreneur, providing a solution to a massive and growing problem in education is extremely fulfilling. Reminding every child of the amazing things they can offer to themselves and the world brings immense joy and it is deeply rewarding. It’s inspiring to see the positive impact KidzRise has, not only on individual children but also on communities. Additionally, the opportunity to create something meaningful and innovative, and to be a part of a team that shares the same vision, keeps me motivated. Knowing that our work can revolutionize and shape the future is a constant source of fulfillment.

What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?

The biggest piece of advice I can give to other women looking to start a business is to always prepare multiple plans: A, B, C, and beyond. In today’s fast-paced environment, there’s no time to waste. Expect the unexpected and have a solid execution plan in place. At the same time, stay flexible. The world is constantly evolving, and being adaptable will enable you to pivot effectively when challenges arise. Flexibility, coupled with readiness, is key to managing the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.

To find out more, email: wiembenmahmoud.k@gmail.com or visit the company’s website and social media platforms:

Website: https://www.kidzrise.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kidzrise?mibextid=ZbWKwL

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kidzrise?igsh=eDliZjFkcWdjN2gz